With the Thunder facing elimination Tuesday night, Russell Westbrook likely won’t go down without a fight. As a result, he could be in for a big night against the Portland Trail Blazers.
As Tom Haberstroh of NBC Sports pointed out on Tuesday, Westbrook has completely taken over during his past three elimination games. In those situations, Westbrook is averaging a staggering 46 points per game.
Oklahoma City was ousted in the first round by the Houston Rockets two years ago and by the Utah Jazz last season. The Thunder face the same possibility Tuesday night on the road in Portland.
Two years ago, Westbrook dropped 47 points in a 105-99 Game 5 loss to the Rockets. He put up 45 points last year in Game 5 versus the Jazz to help extend the series, and he scored 46 points in a Game 6 loss.
The overwhelming theme in those games is Westbrook put up at least 34 shots for the Thunder with 43 coming in Game 6 against the Jazz. He may do the same once again on Tuesday.
If Westbrook starts forcing shots, the Thunder could be in trouble. He is shooting 36.5 percent from the field this postseason on 20 attempts per game, and just 28 percent from three-point range.
Westbrook has certainly proven to be clutch for the Thunder in past years. But it is clear his efficiency is down this season and that may not bode well for the team if he puts up 30 or more shots again.
The Trail Blazers are favored by four points in Game 5.
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