Houston Rockets: 4 reasons why the Harden/Westbrook pairing will work

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PORTLAND, OR – APRIL 14: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Oklahoma City Thunder passes the ball in the second of Game One of the Western Conference quarterfinals against the Portland Trail Blazers during the 2019 NBA Playoffs at Moda Center on April 14, 2019 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images) /

Westbrook can be unselfish

Another reason is because Westbrook has no problem deflecting to others, as evidenced by how he took a back seat to Paul George. This past season, PG13 averaged more field goal attempts and three point attempts than any other season of his entire career. By the same token, Westbrook averaged the fewest field goal attempts per game since the year Kevin Durant left the Thunder. Let’s think about that for a second.

Paul George was the face of the franchise in Indiana and was the sole star player while on the Pacers, yet he shot his most attempts per game while playing next to Westbrook? There have been those who question which of the two will take the last shot. Let’s take a look below at one such scenario this past season in Oklahoma City.

Notice how Westbrook set up Paul George for the last shot. This furthers the point that Westbrook has no problem deflecting to another star player, despite the fact that he receives a bad reputation for being a bad teammate.

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