Russell Westbrook isn't satisfied with making history. Despite extending his league record of games with a triple-double to 11 on Thursday night, the Oklahoma City Thunder superstar still wants more. Asked by ESPN's Tim MacMahon for an assessment of where his game stands heading into the All-Star break, Westbrook expressed extreme confidence in his ability to get better over the season's remainder.
“I have so much room for improvement, just for me personally, because I know how good I can be and how much I bring to the game to help this team be successful,” he said. “I'm very, very optimistic and that's why I never worry about what's going on, because I'm very confident about what I'm able to do in a game.”
Westbrook played arguably his finest game of the season on Thursday night in a losing effort against the New Orleans Pelicans. He finished with 44 points, 14 rebounds, 11 assists, and two blocks on an efficient 18-of-30 from the field.
Though he was named an All-Star for the fifth consecutive season and has been meaningfully more engaged and system sound on defense, Westbrook's 2018-19 has still been somewhat of a disappointment overall. He's shooting just 41.2 percent from the field and an odd 65.1 percent from the free throw line, while also making an ugly 24.4 percent from deep despite taking 4.5 three-point attempts per game — one of the worst low-efficiency, high-volume combinations in league history.
Oklahoma City has been successful regardless, though, with Paul George emerging as a no-doubt MVP candidate and the team ranking third in defensive rating. Just how good will the Thunder be if Westbrook's optimism proves well-founded? It's a frightening thought for the rest of the league, including the Golden State Warriors.
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