Oklahoma City Thunder point guard Russell Westbrook has been struggling to shoot efficiently this season. He has the worst field goal percentage (42.1) and three-point percentage (24.2) since the second year of his career. It's been an issue and has really hurt the Thunder's offense, especially since Westbrook is taking nearly 20 field goals and five threes a game.

However, Thunder head coach Billy Donovan believes Westbrook's prolonged shooting slump hasn't bothered him. He hasn't let the pressure of being unable to hit shots to bring him down.

Westbrook is self-aware of his struggles. He knows he needs to do better. He told ESPN’s Tim MacMahon:

“I’ve just got to do a better job, man, It’s really on me… I’ve just got to get focused in and locked back in on what I need to do. I’ve got to help my guys out. I’ve been letting them down, man, just not being consistent on the offensive end. I come out every night and compete, play hard and all that stuff. Missing and making shots is a part of the game, but I’ve got to do a better job, and that’s on me. I’m going to definitely do that, so I’m not really worried… It's on me.”

Though he has been struggling offensively, he's playing some of the best and most engaged defense of his career. He always struggled off-ball but this season he's truly bought into Donovan's defensive scheme and has allowed the Thunder to have the second-best defensive rating in the entire NBA.

Westbrook on the season has averaged 20.6 points, 10.7 rebounds and 10.1 assists per game (while shooting 42.1 percent from the field and 24.2 percent from deep).

The Thunder are 22-13 on the season and currently sit third in the NBA's Western Conference. They will face off next against the Dallas Mavericks at home on New Year's Eve.