Westbrook staking a claim to be recognised as best point guard in the NBA.
Since the All-Star break last month, Oklahoma City Thunder’s Russell Westbrook has posted up some impressive numbers.
Outscoring team-mate Kevin Durant on an almost nightly basis, the 24-year-old is taking more control of this Thunder team as they reach the final stretch of the season.
The latest proof came on Tuesday night against the Los Angeles Lakers, when he scored a monster 37 points as Durant took a step back with just 26.
That performance even left Kobe Bryant impressed, with the Lakers legend stating that Westbrook has “mamba blood” running through his veins.
Tuesday was no fluke, as Westbrook is regularly scoring 20 points or more in games and has put up bigger scoring numbers than Durant in 6 of the last 7 Thunder games.
His growing maturity is a big positive for coach Scott Brooks, who will be relieved that his point guard is stepping his game up.
The criticism still remains that the Thunder are too reliant on their star duo, and if they are to secure an NBA championship they will need a big effort from the likes of Serge Ibaka and Thabo Sefolosha on the defensive end.
However, there is currently little teams are able to do to stop Westbrook, and should that continue through the post season and if the Thunder reach the Finals again, they are undoubtedly one of the favourites for the title.
His incredible athleticism when exploding to the basket is matched by his vision and ease with which he is able to drain a jump-shot, making his all-round game difficult to limit.
Perhaps it isn’t anything new that Westbrook is one of the main men on OKC’s roster, but he has taken his game to another level this season and he is equally, if not more, dangerous than Durant.
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