Russell Westbrook stopped shooting 3-pointers without Houston telling him to do it

It's commendable. Driving that much to the basket is not easy. The frequency and all that contact.

Both Russ and Harden are earning those near basket two's and free throws.

 

Many NBA fans have been saying this for years regarding Billy Donovan. Presti wasted some HOFer primes with him as coach no doubt.

 

I bet you anything Harden went up to Russ and challenged his ego. "You're playing 4 on 4 or 4 on 3 when they cover me at 35 feet, are you going to settle for a jumper? Abuse them like the MVP you are. Don't let them disrespect you."

 

It's pretty simple. Westbrook has no need to shoot 3s when there are 4 shooters out there, especially when one is Harden who gets double teamed even offball.

Westbrook always wanted to drive to the basket on every possession. He only settles for jump shots when he couldn't get to the basket. Which he no longer has to in this small ball lineup.

He has essentially become Giannis on offense. Although greatly lacking on the other side of the court