Since trading lead big man Clint Capela to the Atlanta Hawks, the Houston Rockets have taken small ball to new heights, using P.J. Tucker, who usually plays as a hybrid forward, at center.
And with the Rockets’ new system in place, Russell Westbrook has arguably benefited the most. Ahead of the Rockets’ game against the Boston Celtics on Tuesday, Celtics coach Brad Stevens praised Westbrook for his driving ability, one of the best attributes of his game.
The Rockets and Celtics will tip off at 9:30 p.m. EST in Boston at TD Garden.
Here’s what Stevens said, per Mark Berman of Fox 26 Houston.
“(James) Harden draws so much attention, when you are scrambling out, you gotta guard a guy that’s a jet engine flying into the paint,” Stevens said. “It’s just hard. It’s tough. He’s really good.”
Brad Stevens on Russell Westbrook (@russwest44): “Harden draws so much attention, when you’re scrambling out and you guard a guy that’s a jet engine flying into the paint, it’s just hard. It’s tough. He’s really good.” pic.twitter.com/aLii1s6dfZ
— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) February 11, 2020
Westbrook has had perhaps his best stretch of the season over the past 10 games, using his ability to burst into the lane for easy buckets. According to ESPN Stats & Info, Westbrook has scored 234 points in the paint the past 10 games.
The only other player to accomplish the feat in the last 20 seasons is Hall of Fame center Shaquille O’Neal. According to NBA.com, Westbrook leads the NBA in drives per game at 20.3. He ranks third in points in the paint behind Giannis Antetokounmpo and Montrezl Harrell.
Over the last 10 games, Russell Westbrook has scored 234 points in the paint, something only Shaquille O'Neal has done in a 10-game span over the last 20 seasons.
Per @SecondSpectrum, his average FGA distance has dropped by more than 4 feet during that stretch. pic.twitter.com/fBX0wfuyY8
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) February 11, 2020
Capela didn’t play his last three games in Houston because of a heel injury. In moving toward small ball, Westbrook and the Rockets have had more space to drive and create an assortment of mismatches. Westbrook is averaging 33.5 points in his last four games, along with 6.5 rebounds and 6.3 assists.
This season Westbrook ranks second on the Rockets in scoring behind James Harden, and he and Harden are tied for first on the team in assists per game, with both averaging 7.3.
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