Damian Lillard just stole the thunder
Damian Lillard just stole the thunder
Damian Lillard just hit a crazy game-winner to beat the Oklahoma City Thunder and get into the Conference Semifinals. It is everywhere on the internet. He stayed near halfcourt until the last second and then he took his chance and scored in the last second. The defender in front of him was Paul George, one of the candidates for the Defensive Player of the Year award.
In this 5-game series, Damian Lillard has averaged 33 PPG, 6 APG, and 4.4 RPG. Also, he had 26 three-pointers, while Oklahoma City Thunder had 52 (if we count only the first, second, and fifth game they had 22, while Damian Lillard had 19). But more important than that is the fact that the American players showed Russell Westbrook how a point-guard should play. Now I think I get why Kevin Durant left.
Although the numbers don’t exactly show how bad Russell Westbrook played, I will try to explain. In the whole series, he shot 40-111 for a horrible percentage of 36% (3PT: 11-34, 32.3%). Also, he averaged 4.75 turnovers/game. I’m not saying that he wasn’t useful to his team but I think that being a point guard is not the best option for him.
As I said in another article, we all know that Russell Westbrook can get inside the paint and score at ease. Knowing that I can’t comprehend why he insists so much with jump shots. I get it, the NBA is a league where everyone shoots a lot but if you can’t shoot just do what you know best.
I understand that Westbrook has a lot of passion and confidence, he plays with his heart. But in more cases, the heart is not enough. You also need to have a head. If Paul George is the best player on your team then don’t try to be the hero and instead get inside the paint, draw two defenders and pass the ball to the free man. Also, don’t complain so much. Do your job and let the game speak.
Now, the Oklahoma City Thunder have been eliminated in the first round for the second year in a row and the situation is really bad. However, I am happy for Damian Lillard and his 50 points. He really showed Russell Westbrook how a point guard should be and I hope that he will learn something.
