Westbrook Missing in action: OKC Falls Against Jazz

Russell Westbrook


With Carmelo Anthony’s 26 points and Paul George with 22, Thunders still couldn’t overthrow the Utah Jazz without Russell Westbrook’s explosive performance. 


The Jazz bagged its 2nd victory after winning against OKC, 96-87 led by Joe Ingles with 19 points and Rudy Gobert’s double-double – 16 points and 13 rebounds. Utah Jazz’s starters 4 out of 5 finished in double figures which became the main dagger for the victory over OKC’s scarce starter production. Only Melo and George contributed big. The triple threat wasn’t in full throttle – Russell Westbrook only with 6 points after playing 36 minutes.

Both teams were not on it outside, shooting at a very poor percentage (OKC 33.33, Jazz 31.0). But when the battle is brought inside, it spelled the difference that determined the winner of the game. Utah Jazz doubled OKC’s production in the paint (40-20). And again, OKC’s defense was too weak to hold its enemy back, hence, therefore, even the small guys who can’t produce from the outside easily penetrated to score baskets in the shaded area, except for Joe Ingles, despite the poor percentage of the team from beyond the arc, most of his points came from the outside. He totaled 19 points with 5 triples.

Russell Westbrook’s dormancy had adverse effects on the Thunder’s performance. With him unable to score well, his speedy penetration won’t be able to attract defenders the way it used to because the defending team knew he’d pass due to his poor accuracy in the game, thus OKC’s offense, which Russell Westbrook is the main play director isn’t as fluid as it is. Westbrook’s dash and pass didn’t work quite well.


Scores:

Jazz 96 – Ingles 19, Gobert 16, Rubio 16, Favors 13, Mitchell 2, bench – 30

Thunder 87 – Anthony 26, George 22, Adams 9, Westbrook 6, Roberson 3, bench - 21

The league’s super teams were simultaneously shut down. -  The Cavs, Warriors and Thunders. What might the reason be? Will too much individual talent be a hindrance to great teamwork? Or is it just a typical bad game that any team experience from time to time?


Oklahoma City Thunder vs Utah Jazz - Full Game Highlights | Oct 21, 2017 | 2017-18 NBA Season

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