Views from OKC: Even LeBron is talking Westbrook
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LeBron James joins the Russell Westbrook Triple-Double Band Wagon:
Dec 5, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) attempts a shot against Atlanta Hawks guard Tim Hardaway Jr. (10) and guard Kyle Korver (26) in the fourth quarter at Philips Arena. The Thunder won 102-99. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
So now LeBron James believes Westbrook can easily average a triple-double as James Herbert notes on CBS Sports.
James Comments:
“Westbrook can do it,” James said, via ESPN. “He’s capable of doing it. – – He’s like the Energizer Bunny, man. He just doesn’t get tired. He doesn’t get tired, and when you have that passion for the game, too, as well, it’s very doable. The game has definitely changed a little bit. It’s more, it’s almost feeling like back in, like, the ’80s, you know, when teams were putting up 145 and 135 and more possessions and more shot attempts — obviously, they weren’t shooting as many 3s, but it was a lot of possessions. ”
Let’s Get Real:
Notably, James highlights Westbrook is a unique player given his energy level. I’ll point you to the fact that LeBron James ever gives a true compliment without a little shade thrown in. Hence, his comment about the increased number of possessions in today’s game.
I’ve got a response to LeBron – – you’re surrounded by a bevy of shooters in the same game which is also experiencing an uptick in possessions. So, if you’re worried Russell Westbrook is going to shatter your current triple-double accumulation, then go out there and do it too! Right… that’s what I thought.
Pundits Call MVP Race 3-way battle:
Also on CBS Sports, writer Bill Reiter discusses the MVP race. He cites some of the issues with Westbrook and Harden, but ultimately concedes Westbrook is deserving. In addition, the two players Reiter puts as his 1B and 1C entries don’t have a big beard or play at Oracle!
1a) Russell Westbrook.
Westbrook’s utter toughness, like Kobe’s, and his to-hell-with-losing worldview that borders on mental illness has infected his team. No Durant? I won’t say no problem, because obviously it is one, but Westbrook has filled that void with his greatness and his will and an approach that has shaped and defined his team and made them so much better than many expected. What more could define a Most Valuable Player?
That, and, damn, if you’re going to average a triple-double for a whole season it’ll be tough to argue against you.
I’d beg to differ on Reiter’s two other choices because one has stars surrounding him, have yet to play many top teams or do much traveling. Reiter’s 1C choice wasn’t able to keep his squad afloat while injury hit and even with a somewhat refilled roster still isn’t positioned to play in the post season.
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As much as Harden is also throwing up amazing number I do tend to agree with Reiter putting him outsde his top 3 picks. Harden has been given carte blanche to run the offense how he wants. Furthermore GM Morey spent copious donaro to bring 3-point sharp shooters to Houston for him to pass to.
Especially relevant is Westbrook doesn’t have that benefit with the Thunder (though there is a solid young core surrounding him). Consequently, Westbrook epitomizes of what most valuable player is meant to describe.
Westbrook and Oladipo reign supreme on Diesel’s Top 10:
Shaquille O’Neal sure was impressed with the OKC Thunder backcourt as he assigned them 3 spots out of his top 10 dunks for week 6.
O’Neal put Russell Westbrook on his list twice (he garnered spots 9 and 2).
Number 9 was for the one handed jam he threw down over Marcin Gortat in the game versus the Wizards last week.
Placing second was Westbrook’s two-handed power dunk against the Pelicans. Little Rage as Dennis Scott calls Westbrook drove through the lane passing by virtually every Pelican on the court en route to the slam over Anthony Davis . Arguably the best part of that dunk was how he glared at the New Orleans’ bench and marched off afterwards. No matter how many times we see Westbrook dunk, the sheer power with which he delivers his dunks still amazes me.
But, it was Victor Oladipo who garnered the top spot with his baseline two handed poster slam over block specialist Dwight Howard in Atlanta.
Shaq compared Dipo’s dunk to former dunk master Dominique Wilkens who threw down a historic two-handed pump slam over Bucks Bob Lanier. Check out the video and see if you agree.
Suffice to say, everything is coming up Westbrook and as Thunder fans, we’re just the lucky ones who get to witness Westbrook’s brilliance on a nightly basis.
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To that end, the Thunder are back in action tomorrow night when they face James Harden and his Houston Rockets. OKC will be dialed in to extend their win streak to 7. And, oh yeah Westbrook goes for his 7th consecutive triple-double.
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