The Thunder are a game out of first place in the West, hanging with the Nuggets and Warriors as some tiers start to sort themselves out. Paul George has played at an MVP Ballot Candidate level, and the team defense has been incredible. And there sits Russell Westbrook, scoring at a lower rate than at any point since 2010 but still averaging 20 points per game, still averaging a triple-double, leading the league in assists per game, and, surprisingly, steals per game.
Westbrook will almost assuredly also be an all-star, though not a starter as Stephen Curry and James Harden should claim the starting spots out of the West (assuming the NBA retains conference divisions for balloting purposes). That would make eight all-star nods in 11 years to go with his MVP, his seven All-NBA nods, and his two scoring titles.
What’s interesting is how little people are talking about Westbrook now that he’s done what everyone said he should do, which is less.
A moderated offensive role (still massive by normal standards) hasn’t increased Westbrook’s efficiency, which is still a major point of criticism. But what’s interesting is that taking fewer shots for himself hasn’t dampened his enthusiasm for making plays for teammates, rebounding, or playing defense. He hasn’t turned down the volume on himself completely, just on the part that perhaps held the Thunder back the most. When you shoot less, the shooting efficiency issues decrease in importance. But because Westbrook isn’t central to the basketball conversation because he’s shooting less, that isn’t discussed much.
Westbrook’s self-muting and all-around excellence should be celebrated loudly. That Westbrook is registering a triple-double in a third straight season should never cheapen his 2017 MVP — that he continues to do this while no one else in the league comes particularly close should look even more amazing. The triple-double average isn’t a paean to Westbrook’s insatiable basketball appetite or to gaming the system. It’s a symbol of a unique, brilliant talent with one of the strongest motors in the game.
History will smile on Westbrook and his accomplishments. Get a head start and appreciate him now.
Scores
Cavaliers 99, Hornets 110
Spurs 129, Magic 90
Knicks 109, Sixers 131
Suns 111, Celtics 103
Pacers 96, Raptors 99
Nets 96, Bulls 93
Wizards 118, Rockets 136
Pelicans 115, Bucks 123
Pistons 129, Timberwolves 123 (OT)
Warriors 103, Jazz 108
Grizzlies 92, Blazers 99
Thunder 132, Kings 113
Schedule
Rockets at Heat, 8 p.m. ET, TNT
Mavericks at Clippers, 10:30 p.m. ET, TNT
Links
Every time LeBron James has had his dunk blocked.
This is awesome: the Suns are matching donations for Bright Side Night 2019, where fans pay to send kids who might otherwise not get to ever attend an NBA game to an NBA game. Generosity can be contagious.
For the first time ever, the NBA will host preseason games (Kings vs. Pacers in this case) in India (Mumbai, to be specific).
Kristian Winfield on D’Angelo Russell’s excellence and how that impacts the Nets’ plan to chase big free agents.
Nike’s Earned Edition jerseys for 2018 playoff teams are not bad.
Howard Beck on whether Giannis Antetokounmpo is a different kind of superstar — one built to stay with the same team forever.
I wrote about the limits of Suns’ hope. Then they beat the Celtics to win their fourth straight. My jinx skills are unparalleled.
The Warriors can’t stop roasting James Harden’s extralegal footwork.
Just as LeBron said all the things he was supposed to say in praise of Anthony Davis, Davis said all the things he was supposed to say about loving New Orleans and being flattered. It’s painfully boring when people say what they are supposed to say instead of what they really think. Meanwhile, here’s Brian Windhorst on what he thinks LeBron is trying to accomplish here.
In protest of James Harden’s facial hair, Brightline is giving free shaves to fans attending Heat-Rockets on Thursday, which is a nice little promotional stunt. Someone get Kelly Olynyk to a train station.
And finally: Dad LeBron with some wonderful advice for his son, Bryce, after a rough game. Does he talk to Lonzo Ball like this, too?
Be excellent to each other.