Russell Westbrook scored an impressive block on Trevor Ariza in Houston’s game against Portland Trail Blazers. The Block came in the first quarter with 7:38 left. Ariza had attempted to go for a layup, and re-ignite some momentum for the Trail Blazers. Westbrook made a quick dash from the 3-point line to block Ariza, denying the forward a simple lay-up.
With just over 260 career blocks in 860 regular-season games, it’s the only statistic Russell Westbrook fails to put in big numbers. It was an impressive jump from the 6’3 Westbrook to deny the 6’8 Trevor Ariza.
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Westbrook once again showed his 2020 form in the Rockets 112-125 defeat at the hands of Portland. Westbrook finished with 39 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assists on 55% shooting. Unfortunately for Westbrook, the rest of the Rockets were not able to find their shooting rhythm.
James Harden and Eric Gordon combined for 26 points on a combined 28 field goal attempts.
Portland Trail Blazers, on the other hand, had strong games from Damian Lillard, CJ McCollum, Hassan Whiteside and Trevor Ariza.
Russell Westbrook on an Impressive 2020 Run
Russell Westbrook initially struggled during his time with Houston, adjusting to the team’s main player James Harden. It’s was unfamiliar territory for him, as Westbrook had been the main player during his stay with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
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Westbrook has been impressive on the field since the turn of 2020. In 9 games played, he’s averaging 31.9 points, 8.3 rebounds and 8.3 assists per game. More impressive is his efficiency, as he’s shooting 52% from the field. His 3-point field goal accuracy is, however, a dismal 25%. Westbrook is slowly becoming relevant in the NBA’s MVP ranking.
By taking control of rebounds and the paint, he’s freeing up James Harden at the 3-point line. Ideally, the hope is it will soon create a deadly nightmare of dominant guards on different parts of the court. A matchup not many teams would want to face.
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After their defeat against Portland, The Rockets possess a 29-18 record. They sit 5th in the Western Conference, barely ahead of their division rivals in the Dallas Mavericks.
Their next game will be on 31st January against Luka Doncic‘s Dallas Mavericks, in what could be a pivotal game for the NBA Southwest Division.