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Oklahoma City Thunder forward Paul George diffused the rumor that star partner Russell Westbrook is a player who often looks to fill the stat sheet, claiming his numbers are only a pure reflection of his play.
“Russ is the guy that wants us to be out there making plays,” George told ESPN's Royce Young. “Russ is not a stat guy. He wants us to be out there making plays, he wants the game to open up for everybody, and you're seeing that. You're seeing that with myself, you're seeing that with Schroder making plays.”
Westbrook has been criticized in the past for being a glorified kick-out facilitator and a rebound thief, as center Steven Adams carves open space on the defensive glass, something he has taken full advantage of throughout the years. Yet Russ has been a somewhat dialed-back version of his former self, no longer posting a nightly triple-double, but instead looking to become more effective and take smarter shots.
Westbrook has done so through a short sample this season, making 48.8 percent of his field goals while still averaging a respectable 24.8 points, 8.9 rebounds and 8.6 assists per game this season.
“We've just got more creators,” George said. “It takes pressure off all of us when you've got guys that can make plays at different positions. Then when I have two point guards out there that can make plays, the game is so much easier for me.”
Only time will tell if Russell Westbrook can keep himself from being the wrecking ball the NBA has fallen in love with over the past few years, though the same Russ who has driven Thunder fans to the brink of insanity during recent playoff shortcomings.
