Despite possessing the second best record in the Western conference, OKC Thunder star Russell Westbrook continues to be underappreciated by media around the league.
Following the largest regular season comeback in OKC Thunder history, Paul George was rightfully the man of the hour. The five-time All Star poured in 47 points, including 25 in the fourth quarter to stun the Brooklyn Nets 114-112.
Yet, one of the talking points was a Russell Westbrook shot in the middle of the fourth quarter.
Popular sports talk show The Ringer discuss Russ’ shot selection in the middle of PG’s hot spell and his ranking in their top 25.
Pretty simple explanation there: It’s standard for Westbrook, but a notable achievement for them. He literally averages one per game. Normalizing something for yourself that is impressive for others is kind of a sign that you’re pretty good, right? https://t.co/7huqHpukrK
— Royce Young (@royceyoung) December 7, 2018
The Brodie posted a ridiculous 21 points, 15 rebounds and 17 assists while turning the ball over twice in 40 minutes. Westbrook took just two shots in the fourth quarter and constantly looked to feed PG therefore this criticism is somewhat unfair. Is he a flawed player? Sure but as ESPN writer Royce Young says Russ’ mistakes are loud.
The 3-point attempt that was discussed there — which was not a good shot — is a pretty good summation of Westbrook. His mistakes are loud. Everyone rolled their eyes when he shot it. I didn’t realize though that was his first shot of the fourth quarter until after the game.
— Royce Young (@royceyoung) December 7, 2018
PG’s performance was one for the ages but its amazing that Russ’ monster triple-double was a secondary story. Russ’ “intentional” stat-padding is a narrative that continues to be pushed throughout the media like a sad, low-hanging fruit joke.
As Fox Sports Oklahoma analyst and former NBA Champion Antonio Daniels points out, everyone was losing their minds when Nikola Jokic had a triple double. For Russ, its the norm.
"When Russell Westbrook gets a triple-double, it's the norm" -@adaniels33
— Bally Sports Oklahoma (@BallySportsOK) December 8, 2018
Where's. The. Lie?#ThunderUp | #OKCvsCHI pic.twitter.com/43SP4t1beL
Disrespect in Top 25 rankings
The following list was compiled from the Ringer’s panel of experts and where they ranked players through the first quarter (approximately) of the season.
Below is how they viewed the top 15 players this season so far (read the full review here).
The Ringer Top 15:
— Lord Presti (@Mhat1G) December 7, 2018
1. Giannis Antetkounmpo
2. Joel Embiid
3. Kevin Durant
4. LeBron James
5. Anthony Davis
6. Kawhi Leonard
7. Kemba Walker
8. Steph Curry
9. James Harden
10. Marc Gasol
11. Damian Lillard
12. Nikola Jokic
13. Kyle Lowry
14. Paul George
15. Kyrie Irving
PG13 is having a career best season averaging 24.3 points, 8.1 rebounds and 4.3 assists. He manages to squeeze inside the top 15 at number 14. The Brodie makes the list but not where you might think.
The Ringer Top 16-25
— Lord Presti (@Mhat1G) December 7, 2018
16. Blake Griffin
17. Victor Oladipo
18. Jimmy Butler
19. Mike Conley
20. Tobias Harris
21. DeMar DeRozan
22. Nikola Vucevic
23. Ben Simmons
24. Khris Middleton
25. Russell Westbrook
Russ is currently averaging a triple-double, putting up 22.7 points, 10.2 rebounds and 10 assists on 46.2 percent shooting in 15 appearances. The Ringer took aim at two stats:
- Russ shooting 22.4 percent from three on 4.1 attempts (more than last season)
- Missing “half” the season
The panel has a point regarding Westbrook’s 3-point shooting and most Thunder fans would prefer if he averaged no more than two attempts per game. However, dismissing his contributions based on one major weakness is absurd. Oklahoma City are 11-4 when Russ graces the hardwood and have gone 13-3 since an 0-4 start.
No matter which way the Brodie turns, it seems he will never get the respect he deserves.