OKC Thunder finish 2018 on high note – 3 key takeaways

Russell Westbrook reminds fans of his brilliance

Think back to when Kevin Durant was still with the OKC Thunder and the role Russell Westbrook played. Although the duo worked in concert, Westbrook often was playmaking and either wreaking havoc on teams via his drives to the paint or lighting teams up from the mid range.

In fact, search film archives and it’s likely there is more than one reference to analysts calling Russ the mid range specialist or unstoppable from that distance.

So what changed?

Part of the change came about with Russ needing to carry the majority of the offensive load and not having reliable teammates to offset the scoring needs. Last season you may recall he began the year trying to make sure both Paul George and Carmelo Anthony were getting enough shots. Then Melo and PG told him “to be MVP Russ”.  This led to him taking more perimeter shots sometimes to great effect and other times to the detriment of the team.

Losing the first game to Dallas and his December stats clearly bothered Russ as Tim McMahon noted in his ESPN article, Westbrook took the brunt of the team’s issues on his own shoulders which he’s wont to do.

"“Defensively, I’m fine, but just being more consistent, because I pride myself on being the most consistent player in the league. I come out every night and compete, play hard and all that stuff. Missing and making shots is a part of the game, but I’ve got to do a better job, and that’s on me. I’m going to definitely do that, so I’m not really worried. We play tomorrow, and I’ll be better from then on. It’s on me.”"

Knowing how determined Westbrook is, Thunder Nation knew what to expect Monday. Brodie delivered and provided his own perfect example to emulate moving forward. As mentioned in the postgame grades there were so many shots taken from precisely the same location. It left us wondering if a coach pointed out a specific insight or Russ reviewed film to recall where he succeeds.

Regardless of how the superstar got there, this was precisely how he should proceed. While most teams abandoned this style the situations with Westbrook and OKC is different. When he’s 10 to 16 feet from the basket not only is his efficiency high it’s not easily defending because of Westbrook’s passing ability. He can elect to lob the ball or run the pick and roll with Steven Adams, hit a cutter or drive and pass out to the perimeter.

For those who have wondered why Russ was struggling to score the other thing to note is he’s still working back into full form after his offseason knee procedure and recent ankle injury. Also, let’s not forget how Russ tends to be a player who is extremely set in replication.

With the arrival of his twins, the family spent a lot of time at their home in L.A. And, when together imagine how much it’s changed his schedule. Some players have no problem adjusting but Russ is a creature of habit. A perfect example would be his free throw shooting. The NBA stopped players from walking off the line between free throws and many cite that as tying to Westbrook’s regression at the stripe.

Given how successful Westbrook was in this win he’s established the perfect example of how he can dominate moving forward. The key will be for Westbrook will be re-adapting this style as his new go-to habit.