Interesting stat on Russell Westbrook

theokie · Post #1 » by **theokie** » Thu Mar 11, 2010 5:42 am

We all know he has come a long way this season, and is even much more improved from his rookie year. He has been become a much more efficient player over the past few months, and here is why.

In his rookie year, he averaged 23.2 threes per month.

This year he shot 39 in November, and 34 in December.

Compare this to the 6 he shot in January, and 5 in February (he missed all 11 of those).

Clearly his shot selection changed, as hes being more aggressive at getting to basket or when settling for that free throw line jumper. His assists and scoring numbers have increased steadily over the past few months since he started limiting the number of 3pt attempts.

In the 5 games in March, he is just 1 for 2, with that one make being a running bank shot at the buzzer

mcmokken · Post #2 » by **mcmokken** » Thu Mar 11, 2010 8:03 am

Glad to see that he is learning how to be more effective.

Post #3 » by **slick_watts** » Thu Mar 11, 2010 2:56 pm

It's not only free throw attempts, but jump shots in general. He's taking less of them. And he's taking them closer to the basket. Russ can be somewhat consistent from the foul line extended on in. Anything further and he's still not a great shooter. He's cut down on the long twos and, as you said, the threes, consideraly and it's reflected in his scoring efficiency since about the new year.

Since February 1st, his TS% is 52.4%.. which still isn't that great, but it's not outright bad like it's been. There's definitely improvement..

mcmokken · Post #4 » by **mcmokken** » Fri Mar 12, 2010 6:51 pm

slick_watts wrote:It's not only free throw attempts, but jump shots in general. He's taking less of them. And he's taking them closer to the basket. Russ can be somewhat consistent from the foul line extended on in. Anything further and he's still not a great shooter. He's cut down on the long twos and, as you said, the threes, consideraly and it's reflected in his scoring efficiency since about the new year.

Since February 1st, his TS% is 52.4%.. which still isn't that great, but it's not outright bad like it's been. There's definitely improvement..

So basically, he is improving his shooting by not shooting, or at least from not as far away. I guess that is OK for now, but I hope that he still has the potential to extend his range somewhat rather than have to continue to limit his shooting range long-term.