Tyson Chandler, Daryl Morey laud Russell Westbrook’s dunking

Even at 31 years old and in his 12th NBA season, the data shows that Westbrook has had one of his most explosive seasons in 2019-20.

[jwplayer CMgxASXf-z6KDnl0B]

Veteran center Tyson Chandler and GM Daryl Morey each shared an extended montage of explosive Russell Westbrook dunks.

While the compilation only includes dunks from Westbrook’s time in Oklahoma City, they hope the 31-year-old can show that form for their Houston Rockets when the 2019-20 NBA season resumes in July.

“All gas, no breaks,” Chandler wrote as a caption regarding the NBA’s 2017 MVP and a nine-time All-Star. “Soon,” added Morey.

Houston’s switch to a smaller lineup this season was made in part to open up more driving lanes for Westbrook, and he’s responded by increasingly attacking the rim. Per Basketball Reference, the 6-foot-3 guard is shooting 41.3% of his shots this season from within three feet of the rim, making for the highest percentage since his 2008-09 rookie year.

In addition to taking a higher volume of shots near the rim, Westbrook has also lifted his efficiency on those shots. His 64.0% shooting clip within three feet is the second-highest figure of his career.

[lawrence-related id=29570]

In 53 games for the Rockets this season, the uber-athletic guard has made 39 dunks for an average of 0.74 per game, per Basketball Reference. That’s well above the 0.45 average that Westbrook had with the Thunder a year ago, when he made 33 dunks in 73 games.

Of Westbrook’s storied 12-year NBA career, only his final season alongside Kevin Durant in 2015-16 ⁠— when he had a career-high 69 made dunks in 80 games, for an average of 0.86 per game ⁠— has featured more dunks on a per-game basis than his current campaign in Houston.

Overall, Westbrook is averaging 27.5 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.0 assists per game in a brilliant debut season with the Rockets (40-24). His 47.4% shooting percentage is the best of his entire career.

[lawrence-related id=27876,25994]