Westbrook is OKC's Lin...every loss is on him & when he plays well it's just a flash in the pan to the fans. I don't like the guy, but his game is good...very good.
Westbrook needs more respect. I love his intensity and the fact that he is almost unstoppable when he gets hot from midrange. He takes bad shots like other young players but damn that kid can ball. He cant be stopped with one on one defense
It's interesting to revisit this debate. Harden is a better offensive player than Westbrook. But after Harden's performance in his last three playoffs series, it just casts doubt in my mind which player has it more.
Westbrook isn't exactly doing so hot either. The difference is that one will shoot you out of a game and the other will just play passive and disappear when either go cold. So... Not sure which is better.
In this year's first round, they shot about the same amount at about the same efficiency. (Harden is better at 3s and Westbrook is better at 2s.) And don't forget, Memphis is a much better defensive team than Portland. So it's not like Harden didn't "shoot you out of a game" either. I'd take a fighting (albeit boneheaded) attitude over passivity any day. I've been saying that OKC traded the wrong guy, that Harden is clearly the better player. After this playoffs, I am not so sure anymore.
Westbrook is a more athletic version of Harden. He doesn't play much defense, but way better than Harden.
although i still like harden, i feel with the way he plays, ill eventually become the tinman to his tmac.
WB's shooting 40% FG in the playoffs so far. How is that "good"? If WB hadn't been lucky enough to get drafted by a team with KD I doubt he gets a max contract with his numbers.
WB is still a pretty good guard. he just needs to not chuck the ball. His skills are there, the speed and athleticism. not many can guard him. he just needs to pick better shots that's all.
He has been top 10 in PER for last 4 years in a row. If you don't think he deserves a max contract I don't know what to say.
Harden plays within his own system now. I'd rather have chucker Westbrook than chucker/flopper no defense Harden.
You give WB his own team, and we'll all laugh at the WB v. Harden comparisons. Hell, I laugh at it now. Tell me when Harden exerts even half of the effort WB exerts. 9 boards, 8 dimes, 2 steals. And awesome defense last night. Sometimes, don't get fooled by just one side of the ball, or one aspect of offense. Superstars impact other games than just one thing. Hence, that's why they're superstars.
Westbrook is a phenomenal athlete; amazingly fast and explosive. Harden is elite but not as athletic. Westbrook appears to be the better shooter. I like both as players, but I like Harden's personality better.