Westbrook's Play Lacks Praise it Deserves

Last night was another reminder that Russell Westbrook is a top five player in the NBA and that, when he is under control, he is a finisher that is virtually impossible to stop. Westbrook's driving and-1 layup sealed a pivotal Game 5 win for the Oklahoma City Thunder in San Antonio, and gives OKC a chance to clinch the series on its home court.

Westbrook is a lightning rod for opinions. From his pregame outfits to his unabashed recklessness on the court, he seems to drum up an opinion in everybody. You're not neutral about Russell Westbrook - you either like him or you don't. Whatever your position on the man, the truth is this: his play demands more praise than it gets. His final stat line last night of 35 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists was MVP-esque and before anyone brings up his eight turnovers let me remind you that Steph Curry was 0-for-10 from three to start Game 5 in Portland. It's hard to play a perfect game.

Westbrook has been questioned as a finisher and rightfully so. The Thunder were notorious for blowing fourth quarter leads during the regular season. NewsOK's Darnell Mayberry did a little digging on the claim that the Thunder were choke artists and came up with this: "In his 11 of the Thunder's 13 losses in games where it led after three quarters, Kevin Durant has averaged 6.4 points, 0.4 assists and 1.4 turnovers on 42.1/30/84.2 percent shooting splits (field goal/3-point/free throw). Westbrook has averaged 5.5 points, 2.2 assists and 1.3 turnovers on 29.1/16.1/80.7 shooting splits.
Westbrook has gone without a fourth-quarter field goal four times over that span. Durant has had at least three fourth-quarter turnovers three times in that span."

For a team that relies so heavily on two superstars, those numbers simply have to be better. And for Westbrook, he has improved. The ill-advised late-game shots have gone away and he's hitting his free throws late in games. His 8-for-8 performance at the line last night was crucial and he committed only two turnovers in the second half.

Still, despite his routine stuffing of the stat sheet, there are those who say he is not a star. Mark Cuban said he was not a superstar during OKC's first round series against Dallas. Westbrook responded by averaging 26 points, 7.2 rebounds and 11.2 assists over the five games.

The MVP votes were recently announced and once again, Westbrook failed to get the credit he deserved. Curry was certainly the league's MVP this season, but Westbrook (and everyone else in the league) failed to get a single vote. The lack of votes comes after averaging 23.5 points (8th in the league), 7.8 rebounds (1st among PG, SG, SF), 10.4 assists (2nd in the league) and 2.04 steals (5th in the league).

His rebound average is higher than LeBron James, Kristaps Porzingis, Zach Randolph and Al Horford. His points per game is ahead of Paul George and Carmelo Anthony, while his assist totals trump every point guard in the league not named Rajon Rondo.

Certainly Westbrook deserved at least a few votes, did he not? But it's always the negative that people focus on with Westbrook. Routinely, fans say the Thunder have no chance to win a title until they let Westbrook go. After watching last night's game and looking over the numbers, you tell me what team could lose that kind of production and be better for it. The answer is none.

Westbrook is a superstar player in the NBA. His play, though not perfect, has shown that time and again. It's about time people start respecting him like one.