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Oklahoma City Thunder: 2018-19 player grades for Russell Westbrook

By Albert Dadson

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - APRIL 19: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Oklahoma City Thunder handles the ball against the Portland Trail Blazers during Game Three of Round One of the 2019 NBA Playoffs on April 19, 2019 at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - APRIL 19: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Oklahoma City Thunder handles the ball against the Portland Trail Blazers during Game Three of Round One of the 2019 NBA Playoffs on April 19, 2019 at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Final Grade

This was just another season for Westbrook. He was able to average a triple-double again and statistically had an amazing year. However, the team did not.

The Thunder held onto the 3-seed for a long period of time, but lost that spot and were even in danger of being the 8-seed. OKC was also booted out in the first round of the playoffs for the third season in a row.

The Thunder need to embark on a deep playoff run for next season to be considered a success. With the players that they have, they are built to win now.

The forthcoming season will be a new challenge for Westbrook. He will have to lead the team into the playoffs and win big. He will just have to continue the success he’s had in the regular season into the postseason.

He will be able to realize this when he attacks the rim as aggressively as he does in the regular season. He will have to impose his will against the opposing point guard on the other team and go to the rim, which is his strength.

All in all, this was another unbelievable season for Westbrook and he remains the team’s unquestioned leader, but there are definitely still areas for improvement if the Thunder want to take the next step.

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Final Grade: B

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