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“Russell Westbrook has made more clutch shots than LeBron James and Kevin Durant”: Incredible stat surprisingly shows off the Lakers guard’s ‘clutch gene’

Samir Mehdi
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“Russell Westbrook has made more clutch shots than LeBron James and Kevin Durant”: Incredible stat surprisingly shows off the Lakers guard’s ‘clutch gene’

Russell Westbrook has made more game-tying and go-ahead field goals than LeBron James and Kevin Durant since 2008-09. 

Russell Westbrook is undoubtedly one of the most polarizing players in modern NBA history. Funnily enough, almost all players advocate for Russ’s greatness, insinuating that no other player in league history could accomplish what he has been over the past decade. It’s fans and analysts alike who are torn on the 2017 MVP. 

It’s easy to not know how you feel about Russell Westbrook. He would drop an otherworldly statline of 25 points, 14 assists, and 16 rebounds, on one night, and then go 2-13 from the field with 8 turnovers the next. Anthony Davis has actually publicly stated that the Lakers have talked to Westbrook about who he can minimize his turnovers as he’s averaging a near career high 5.3 a game.

Also read: “Hey Steph, did you see that Hook Shot I just made?!”: Warriors’ Klay Thompson runs to the court during a time-out, shows off moves and drills a Hook-Shot

His status as a premier point guard in this league has also taken a hit despite his stellar season with the Washington Wizards, leading his team and the entirety of the NBA in assists while averaging a triple double yet again. 

Russell Westbrook in the clutch. 

Th eye test may give fans the idea that Russell Westbrook is a great player in the clutch. He constantly makes decisions that prove to be detrimental to his team; whether it’s turning the ball over while driving full steam into the lane or throwing up a brick 3. however, the stats tell a different story. 

Seems as though Brodie, since entering the league in 2008-09, has made more game-tying and more go-ahead field goals in the final minute of a game than any other player in that timespan. He has made 53 while Dame has got 52, and both LeBron James and Kevin Durant have 51.

Also read: “Trying to go out there and kill whoever in front of me!”: Lakers star Malik Monk reveals his Kobe Bryant-esque mentality ahead of every game for the franchise

This stat doesn’t tell the whole story however as Russell Westbrook has notoriously never shot the ball well in the Playoffs, especially in the clutch. He actually shoots under 20% in the clutch in Playoffs. The clutch of course, is defined as the time period where a game is within 5 points in the final 5 minutes of a game. 

About the author

Samir Mehdi

Samir Mehdi

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Samir Mehdi is a senior strategist for the NBA division at The Sportsrush. Ever since he was 13 years old, he’s been obsessed with the game of basketball. From watching Kobe Bryant’s highlights on YouTube to now, analyzing and breaking down every single game on League Pass, Samir’s passion for the game is unwavering. He's a complete basketball junkie who not only breaks down current games but also keenly watches ones from the 60s’ and 70s’ while also reading comprehensive books on the history of the league. Samir’s life revolves around basketball and he hopes that shows in his work. Aside from work, he loves to spend time in the gym and with his friends at social gatherings.

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