OKC Thunder star Russell Westbrook made two major adjustments and its paying dividends

Since returning from knee surgery this off-season, OKC Thunder superstar Russell Westbrook has shown improvements in offensive IQ, shot selection and defensive effort. Is this change for real or just a nice stretch of basketball?

Russell Westbrook has been described as many things over the years, often coping the brunt of criticism from staunch OKC Thunder fans and NBA media outlets around the league. Fair or not, Russ’ playing style has often been viewed as individual and goes against team basketball.

But has the mercurial guard finally worked it out?

After missing the opening two games of the season, Westbrook is averaging 25.3 points, 8.5 rebounds and 8.8 assists on 50.4 percent shooting, 11.1 percent from three and 63.6 percent from the line. Russ’ percentage from deep is sure to rise as he’s making a laughable 0.4 shots on 3.4 attempts and his free throw percentage will improve as he gets his feet under him.

Russ has shown two major improvements in his game so far:

• Improved shot selection sticking to his strengths
• Greater defensive effort

Westbrook is notorious for taking terrible shots and deemed one of the least efficient players in the league. However, his shooting percentage form the field has skyrocketed thanks to improved shot selection.

His improved defensive effort can be attributed to less ball handling duties and offensive pressure. The arrival of Dennis Schroder has provided OKC with an additional ball handler and play maker thus the offense doesn’t rest solely on Westbrook. Paul George is a solid play maker but is streaky in every facet on the offensive end. This has allowed the 29-year old to conserve energy on offense and provide more effort on defense.

Lets take a closer look at his adjustments.