Hoops Habit
Fansided

Russell Westbrook: 5 Reasons He’s The NBA MVP

By Evan Massey

Feb 19, 2015; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) reacts after a 3 point shot against the Dallas Mavericks during the first quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 19, 2015; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) reacts after a 3 point shot against the Dallas Mavericks during the first quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 6
Next
Feb 24, 2015; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) drives to the basket against Indiana Pacers guard George Hill (3) during the first quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 24, 2015; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) drives to the basket against Indiana Pacers guard George Hill (3) during the first quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Major Improvement As A Point Guard

One of the biggest knocks on Russell Westbrook coming into the 2014-15 NBA season was that he was a bad teammate. He always had the vibe of being a selfish point guard, and didn’t seem to be a willing passer even when his teammates were in better positions to score than him.

That has changed in a big way this season, and the 8.1 assist per game average without Kevin Durant has shown that. Westbrook has truly taken over the keys to the Thunder’s offense, and he is getting his teammates involved in the game. He has averaged 1.2 assists per game more than he did last season, and that is without Durant being on the court.

Improvement of that type of magnitude shows a player that truly recognized a problem and worked at it. Obviously it has paid off for Westbrook this season, and it has lifted his game to a new level.

If Westbrook continues to play the way he has this season, he is going to be even more difficult for opposing defenses. Not only can he score at will whenever he wants, he can also make plays for his teammates and get points for the team that way.

Next: 3. Continued Tenacity On Defense

Home/Oklahoma City Thunder