NBA 2018-19: 3 Talking points from the Dallas Mavericks vs Oklahoma City matchup

Dennis Smith Jr. driving to the basket in final seconds of the match
Dennis Smith Jr. driving to the basket in final seconds of the match

#2 Russell Westbrook and his offensive struggles

#0, Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City Thunder
#0, Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City Thunder

Westbrook ended with 9 points, 9 rebounds and 8 assists in the loss against the Mavs. It was the first time since April 12, 2017, that Westbrook didn't finish in double figures in at least one of those three categories. He went a poor 4-22 from the field.

Shooting has been a major problem with Westbrook this season. He is nearing his worst shooting percentage (42.1) and three-point percentage (24.2) since 2009-10. In this match, he shot 8 shots from the 3-point arc and missed all of them.

Westbrook doesn't shy away from taking it hard on himself and went on to say that it's on him if OKC suffers.

"I've just got to do a better job, man," Westbrook said. "It's really on me. I've been s--t the last month or so. 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."

When Paul George who scored a game-high 36 points was asked if he has any advice for Westbrook, he simply answered, "To stay aggressive".

Quick Links