Oklahoma City Thunder: 3 takeaways from Game 2 vs. Jazz

3. OKC can’t afford for Rubio to outplay Westbrook

After being traded by the Minnesota Timberwolves this past offseason, Ricky Rubio saw a change in his play style, averaging nearly two more points and shot attempts than the season prior, as well as well as 3.8 fewer assists per game.

Rubio has clearly embraced a more aggressive style of play, as his pass-first approach made him an offensive liability at times in Minnesota.

This was no more apparent than in Game 2, as Rubio finished with 22 points while still getting his teammates involved with nine assists. He also made five of eight 3-pointers.

His matchup for the series, Russell Westbrook, couldn’t produce down the stretch, finishing with only 19 points to go along with his 13 assists.

Despite outplaying his opponent in Game 2, Rubio doesn’t compare to Russell Westbrook as a overall talent, but Westbrook can’t simply go on reputation during this series. The former MVP has to play like the best player on the court for every second he’s on it.

While he’s turned into a fantastic player, OKC can’t afford for Westbrook to get outplayed by Rubio.

As Utah struggled to produce offensively, ranking 19th in points per game during the season, allowing Rubio to play the way he did in Game 2 gives the Jazz the offense they need to complement their elite defensive system.

If the Thunder want to advance to the conference semis, they — and specifically Westbrook — can’t allow that to happen.