Oklahoma City Thunder star small forward Paul George believes Russell Westbrook has made a big jump defensively this season compared to last year.
Along with averaging a triple-double on the season, Russell Westbrook is first in the NBA in steals per game at 2.5.
Paul George says Westbrook is taking his matchups seriously on the defensive end and getting after guys.
“Guy's still [averaging] a triple-double,” Paul George said Monday after the Thunder defeated the Bulls at home. “If anything, I see a big jump defensively in him, where he's taking those matchups and won those matchups. Defensively, he's getting after guys.”
Paul George on if he’s noticed a different Russell Westbrook this season: “Guy’s still [averaging] a triple-double. If anything, I see a big jump defensively in him.” Westbrook leads the league in steals per game, and has racked up 11 in the last two games alone. pic.twitter.com/RV39SdQXPU
— Royce Young (@royceyoung) December 18, 2018
The Thunder have the fifth-best defense in the NBA right now, as OKC is only allowing 105.0 points per game. They have the best defensive rating in the league at 102.9. Defensive rating is points allowed per 100 possessions.
Both George and Westbrook are pesky defenders. George is averaging a career-best 2.2 steals per game this season along with putting up 24.9 points. Westbrook, meanwhile, is averaging 20.7 points, 10.7 rebounds and 10.0 assists per contest. The former MVP is looking to average a triple-double for an entire season for the third year in a row.
OKC has a record of 19-10 entering Tuesday, good for third place in the Western Conference.
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