OKC Thunder at the break: The good, the bad, and the ugly

Russell Westbrook’s Shooting

Of 144 qualified players, Westbrooks ranks…. 144th in 3-point shooting percentage. At slightly under 25 percent, he is having his worst three-point season since his second year in the league. The only difference is he is now taking 4.7 attempts per game, ranking 78th among qualified players.

It’s not just the 3-point shooting. He’s struggled mightily finishing around the rim. It feels like every game he misses at least one gimme layup he’s made a living off converting in years past. Westbrook is having his worst shooting year since his rookie season, which has brought the question about whether he is declining athletically.

A better question to ask if how his injuries have impacted him this season. He missed all of training camp as well as the first two games of the season after having knee surgery at the end of the offseason. A few weeks after coming back, he had a bad ankle sprain forcing him to miss another six games.

Westbrook clearly struggled to find a rhythm early in the season. The All-Star break should be a great opportunity for Westbrook to get some rest and regroup for the season’s final stretch. The Thunder are going to need peak Westbrook back if they have any shot of competing for a title this year.