I take it my point went way over your head? All players have bad games, especially 22 year olds. Now in typical trolling fashion you bring up a point that I didn't make about Howard who has nothing to do with this thread. His team was eliminated a while ago.
Here's the problem, PapaG. The Thunder only have three scorers and Westbrook is one of them. The team can't afford for him to be a pass-first point guard. On most nights, the Thunder can't win without 25-30 points out of Westbrook. He knows this and must attack accordingly. Especially on nights like tonight in which Durant can't hit the broad side of a barn.
Westbrook has been this way since the playoffs started, though. He is leading the teams in FGA/36 by a decent margin over Durant, and his usage rate is simply insane considering his advanced stats. He is hurting OKC right now. Mike Conley clearly outplayed him last night in terms of being a PG.
Lebron James one time surpassed Westbrook's playoff usage rate while in Cleveland, 36.4 to 35.0. It was 2008-09, and James' asst % was better than Westbrook (39 to 36.4), his PER was nearly double Westbrook's (37.4 to 20.9), his Ortg was better (128 to 104), his Drtg was better (100 to 106) ... quite simply, he was much, much better than Westrook during a 35+ usage rate playoff performance. Instead of helping his team win, Westbrook seems to be doing the opposite. His PER/Usg is one of the worst in the playoffs for any starter, and he seems to be freezing out a much better teammate in Kevin Durant, and his team is a net negative in Ortg and Drtg. Color me unimpressed, and I'd love to see the reaction on this board if Westbrook was pulling this stunt at a Blazer.
Well, I certainly won't be rooting for Westbrook tomorrow. It would be so awesome to see the Grizz pull it out. Can't wait for the game.
Not in these playoffs, according to comparing his usage rate to his actual production. He's borderline terrible, actually, and has been bailed out by Durant in most of the OKC wins.
As bad as Memphis shot, being down 8 isn't so bad. Grizz gotta come out relaxed on the offensive end to start the second half if they're gonna win this one. Go Grizzlies! We believe!
