Westbrook shoots 25 pts with 27 shots, and durant only shot 13 times

[Fan from VT]

if we are going to draw sweeping conclusions about a player from one game, I will point out that Westbrook was +6 and Durant was -6 for that game. So Westbrook was doing something right.

[CapnDunks]

Westbrook has made huge strides since 10-11 when he REALLY was a chucker imo. He took too many shots last night, but I think it's just a momentary lapse.

[connor]

if we are going to draw sweeping conclusions about a player from one game, I will point out that Westbrook was +6 and Durant was -6 for that game. So Westbrook was doing something right.

I don't think its fair to say that this drawing sweeping conclusions from one game.

Yes this is obviously an extreme example of Westbrook taking too many shots, and in general this is out of the norm.

But Westbrook's volume of shots compared to KD is a well established topic for discussion. And its not an open and shut case that he takes too many shots. Some can argue that this works fine for them, I mean just look at their record, and that Westrook is less efficient so naturally needs more shots to be at his highest level of production.

I think the debate is that when you have Kevin Durant on your team, arguably the best scorer in the game right now, you'd like to see him taking the most shots or at least close to it. He is such an efficient and deadly offensive weapon that it makes sense (at least on paper) that they would produce better if KD is taking more shots than he is now. And with Westbrook getting the looks on so many possessions, naturally you'd say that he would be the one getting less touches.

I'm not saying that this will serve them any better, but its something you'd like to see them work on (at least for a while) and see if it improves their game. If Russel focuses on being more efficient and having better shot selection and KD is more agressive and attacking you'd think they'd both benefit.

[CelticG1]

Its more the fault of Durant for nt maning up and taking the ball and being a leader.

You wouldnt see that from paul pierce, kobe etc.

People love this guy leading the league in technicals cause he lets westbrook be the bad guy and he gets all the glory.

[Lightskinsmurf]

I love westbrook. He does need to pick and choose and shots a little more wisely but hes a great talent and Id love him on our team.

[Fafnir]

Remember Durant also got to the line 11 times compared to 3 for Westbrook.

So its not quite 26 compared to 13, more like 27 to 18.

This is a Durant issue not a Westbrook issue.

I disagree, they let Westbrook run the offense. When games like this happen its on him.

Now could Durant be vocal about getting the ball or force more shots, sure he could.

But Durant came into this year trying to improve his passing and team shot creation. To force the issue more would go against that goal, and how he's trying to play more like LBJ in many ways.

You bring up LBJ/Wade, but they did a "your turn" and then "my turn" offense that's not what OKC. Then the past two years they fully gave the reigns to LBJ. OKC on the other hand has Westbrook handle not Durant.

I don't even think its an issue, not really. Westbrook is always going to be a score first PG, just who he is.

[pearljammer10]

if we are going to draw sweeping conclusions about a player from one game, I will point out that Westbrook was +6 and Durant was -6 for that game. So Westbrook was doing something right.

This has been a reoccuring problem for the Thunder all year. If Westbrook was finally able to defer to Durant completely, the would be an even better team than they already are.

[pearljammer10]

ESPN Stats & Info ‏@ESPNStatsInfo

Kevin Durant leads NBA in scoring but doesn't take most shots on OKC. Westbrook: 18.8 FGA PG; Durant 17.9 FGA PG

Yeah, that probably shouldn't happen...

That so ridiculous. I love how Durant had more points than Westbrook last night and 14 less shots. Come on Westbrook, give it to the scoring champ!

[Moranis]

if we are going to draw sweeping conclusions about a player from one game, I will point out that Westbrook was +6 and Durant was -6 for that game. So Westbrook was doing something right.

This has been a reoccuring problem for the Thunder all year. If Westbrook was finally able to defer to Durant completely, the would be an even better team than they already are.

except the numbers don't bear that out.  The Thunder are a better team when Westbrook is scoring then when he isn't.  Durant will always get his numbers, but they don't win unless Westbrook also gets his. 

[KGs Knee]

If Westbrook was finally able to defer to Durant completely, the would be an even better team than they already are.

Won't happen, it's not in Westbrook' DNA.  He's an Iverson wannabe.

Westbrook is always going to be a score first PG, just who he is.

This is absolutely true, and it's why I can't stand Westbrook.  If you're a PG, and you first thought when the ball is in your hands is almost always to shoot, you're a bad PG.

[letsgoblue86]

This also happened last night...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XGkDUTeOfd0&feature=youtu.be

[Moranis]

This also happened last night...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XGkDUTeOfd0&feature=youtu.be

certainly odd, but I think he felt the contact and went up for a shot.  No way he just pulls up if he doesn't get straight armed by the defender.  Not a great decision obviously, but clearly he thought a whistle would blow based on the contact.

[CelticConcourse]

if we are going to draw sweeping conclusions about a player from one game, I will point out that Westbrook was +6 and Durant was -6 for that game. So Westbrook was doing something right.

This has been a reoccuring problem for the Thunder all year. If Westbrook was finally able to defer to Durant completely, the would be an even better team than they already are.

That's so false. Can you justify? OKC would be the Knicks of last year if they didnt let Westbrook do his dominating. Russ is very important to their success. He's an all-star!

[RJ87]

The thing about Russell Westbrook is that he's just not a smart basketball player.  He relies more on his athleticism to play the game than his understanding of the game. One a game to game basis, it wouldn't surprise me to him see explode for 40+ pts, but I can say the same if he jacks up 25 shot attempts and has 7 or 8 turnovers.

Its not even about him taking less shots, just better ones. It doesn't take a lot for him to get caught up in a game of one-up with an opposing player and stop effectively running the offense. Is it on Durant to reel him in at that point? Maybe. But let's not pretend that Russell doesn't have his own history of throwing tantrums and pouting on the sidelines.

And yes, I do agree with some that Kevin Durant could stand to be assertive, but we were all saying similar things about LeBron a few years ago.

[soap07]

On one hand, it's easy to buy into a narrative that Westbrook is this turnover-prone one dimensional chucker. On the other, he has improved his turnover rate every year...He's taking less shots than last year, averaging a career high in free throws...and in win shares/48....and his assist percentage is by far a career high.