How Russell Westbrook has become pacesetter for Houston Rockets

Despite drawing a series of mixed reviews from his critics over the last decade, Russell Westbrook has recently helped the Houston Rockets find a new gear as of recent times.

Prior to the arrival of Russell Westbrook, the Houston Rockets had the fortunate luxury of possessing one of the most dynamic offensive attacks in basketball.

In conjunction with the ability to generate points in mass quantities, as the organization that once attempted more 3s than 2s never finished below the top 10 in pace through the first five years of the James Harden era.

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Yet despite featuring an array of omnipotent tactics to terrorize opposing teams, Houston would surprisingly play at a slower and methodical brand of hoops under the guidance of Harden and Chris Paul over the past two seasons.

Paul and Harden were pair of guards that worked extensively to utilize a plethora of pick-and-rolls to draw numerous isolation opportunities prior to attacking defenses, as the team that once finished among the top in pace failed to average over 100 possessions per 48 minutes during their brief tenure together.

"“We were one of the slowest teams in the league last year for people that don’t know,” Rockets guard Austin Rivers said when highlighting the team’s offense on the Behind The Baller podcast with former music executive Ben Baller this past offseason.“People usually don’t think that, because we’re top two or three in scoring every year. But we are one of the slowest teams because the majority of our style is one on one.”"

Now, Houston’s offense is currently displaying positive signs of turning the tide, as Westbrook’s insertion into the Rockets system has provided his new teammates with the ability to play faster than ever before in Mike D’Antoni‘s vaulted blitzkrieg.

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Including Westbrook himself, as the player who many wondered would fit alongside of The Beard has sought to take full advantage of Houston’s spacing to garner scoring opportunities en route to wins and impressive stat lines.

The 30-year-old floor general, who is on pace to average a triple-double for the fourth straight year, has successfully incorporated his breakneck speed to apply pressure against his fellow foes.

In addition, Westbrook has helped the Rockets get out and run on offense, as the eight-time All-Star has instantly helped Houston jump up from 27th in pace last season to second overall en route to scoring a league-best 128 points per game through the first four games of the regular season.

"“Doesn’t surprise me,” D’Antoni recently told reporters when asked about the early performances of Clutch City’s newest star.“It sure makes everybody feel good. He’s coming at you and he’s not fazed by anything.”"

Although it remains to be seen how The Brodie will play over the course of the next 78 games and counting, no one can refute the notion that the former MVP has cemented himself as the Rockets leading pacesetter on offense as of late.

He can make the big-time plays with the game on the line as well; the player who rose to prominence with the Oklahoma City Thunder has been the ideal antidote to Harden’s meticulous scoring act late down the stretch.

Westbrook — who leads the Rockets with 12.0 rebounds per contest — is averaging a team-high 11.8 points per game in the fourth quarter on a red-hot 61.5 percent shooting clip from the field.

While also fusing his athletic prowess to help Houston pound the glass in tightly contested showdowns, as the former UCLA standout has sought to pass up particular shots for more efficient opportunities inside.

"“He’s just a relentless attacker,” Rockets forward P.J. Tucker said per Salman Ali of ESPN 97.5 Houston following Westbrook’s 21-point, 12-rebound and  nine-assist evening in a 116-112 home win against the Thunder on Oct. 28.“Russ is always attacking 24/7. Every game, every time you see him – energy. It’s good to have him on this side for a change.”"

Westbrook and the Rockets will seek to vie for their fourth straight win as they get ready to face off against Kyrie Irving and the Brooklyn Nets at the Barclays Center on Friday.