Evolution of Russell Westbrook Through His Time With the Houston Rockets
Follow Us
Russell Westbrook has gone about his basketball life by doing more or less the same things in more or less the same way. He has his way of doing things on and off the court and he sticks to them no matter what happens. What made him an MVP was the way he met challenges with defiance, insisting upon his methods until they pushed through.
This season Westbrook chose to double down on driving angles instead of shooting 3’s in his worst long-range shooting season yet. Westbrook’s adjustment came from starting possessions physically closer to the basket, turning drives into short bursts.
Evolution of Russell Westbrook
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
He understands what Houston’s offence will allow, Westbrook, is both getting to the rim and finishing with more success. Rockets took a huge gamble trading away their starting centre and committing to playing undersized. Right now though the gamble seems worthwhile as it helps Rockets amplify their two stars.
“Before, defences were just leaving the big man right at the lip of the rim,” D’Antoni said. “Now, they have a hard time doing that. So that’s way different. They double-team James, but when they double-team now, Russell has a free run to the basket.”
Trending
Shaq Makes Big Claim That Can End LeBron James’ Future With Lakers After Nuggets Series
April 17, 2024 06:48 PM EDT
Why Is Gabbie Marshall Not Invited to the 2024 WNBA Draft Despite Graduating From Iowa?
April 13, 2024 06:21 PM EDT
Is Dawn Staley Married? Details on South Carolina Coach’s Love Life and Special Bond With Lisa Boyer
March 16, 2024 06:41 PM EDT
Is Hailey Van Lith Still Dating NBA Star Jalen Suggs?
September 05, 2023 04:04 PM EDT
Possible Shohei Ohtani Ban From MLB Has Shaq Questioning $700 Million Contract
April 16, 2024 05:20 PM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest NBA stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
Despite all the success in the paint, Westbrook’s mid-range game was crucial in getting the best of Gobert. Russell Westbrook has begun taking a few 3s as circumstances demand. It’s more about moderation than outright avoidance. There is now an outside chance that Harden (35.2) and Westbrook (27.2) could become just the second pair of teammates in history to average 30 points apiece.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Who we are, as people, is always tied to a sense of place. Westbrook finally chose to scale back an empty part of his game, reorienting instead to what the Rockets needed. The proof of evolution is right there, in a meaningful show of restraint
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Written by: