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

Living at the Rim

The 2017 MVP is shooting 50.5 percent of his shots in the restricted area and converting at a 70.5 percent clip (43-61). Russ has made a concentrated effort to get to the rim, attacking opposing players in pick and roll sets while utilizing his speed to get by.

In the play below, the Brodie uses a slip screen by Steven Adams and blasts to the hoop against the Sacramento Kings.

Or Westbrook rocking Los Angeles Clippers forward Danilo Gallinari to sleep then driving by for the easy lay in.

Did someone say Shammgod?

Of the five games Westbrook played this season, his poorest performance came against Boston. The Brodie reverted back to his old ways, relying on perimeter jumpers to carry his offense. He shot 5-20 from the field and missed all five of his 3-point attempts in the fourth quarter in the 101-95 loss. When Russ gets trigger-happy from the perimeter, Oklahoma City experience difficulty winning games. He must control his urge to chuck from the outside for OKC to be successful.

If Russ keeps attacking the paint instead of settling for long 2-point jumpers, OKC will continue its ascension up the ladder. Oklahoma City rely heavily on the superstar’s play and as the saying goes, the team goes as he goes.