According to NBA.com, Westbrook shot just 33.3% when either Gilgeous-Alexander or Diallo was matched up on him. Four of Westbrook’s nine made baskets came either on fast breaks or out of mismatches. Another two were putbacks.
Solid plan. The Thunder's approach to defending Westbrook just needs a few tweaks Thursday.
“It’s going to be a unique moment when he steps back on the Chesapeake floor,” Thunder general manager Sam Presti said in a statement Wednesday, “a chance for people to recognize someone that will always figure prominently into the history of our city.”
But for the Thunder players who are on the floor with Westbrook, it will first be a test against his unique skill set.