Russell Westbrook News: Pro Sports Daily

Russell Westbrook gets an 'A' for assists in Thunder win

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October 29

The Oklahoman

"Kevin Durant said he knew this summer that Thunder teammate Russell Westbrook was primed for a special season. "At those USA trials (for young rising players), that's when he showed he could really play point guard," Durant said. "I knew back then in (Las) Vegas it was going to be a good year for him." After playing well in preseason, Westbrook dished out a career-high 13 assists in the Thunder's season opening 102-89 win over Sacramento in the Ford Center. "His performance was unbelievable, probably the best game I've ever seen him play," Durant said. "He handled the team so well. Even though he didn't take as many shots as he normally does, he got some open shots because he got us the ..."

Subtle wrinkle demonstrates Russell Westbrook's improvement

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October 27

The Oklahoman

"The Thunder has yet to play a regular season game. But Russell Westbrook quickly established himself throughout training camp and the preseason as perhaps the most improved player on the roster. His improvement has been quantifiable, as seen in his increased assists and decreased turnovers, and unquantifiable, displayed in his patience and confidence on the court. But one small development in his game has stood out and could have a major impact on the Thunder this season. Westbrook is now coming to get the ball following defensive rebounds rather than relying on a risky outlet pass in traffic. It's a small quirk Westbrook didn't exhibit last season but one that could cut down on turnovers ..."

Continued growth: Thunder guard Russell Westbrook just misses posting a triple-double

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October 13

The Oklahoman

"Oklahoma City's Russell Westbrook, center, drives to the basket past Phoenix's Grant Hill, left, during preseason action at the Ford Center on Monday. Westbrook was one assist away from a triple-double. In the Thunder's 110-105 overtime win over Phoenix, the second-year point guard displayed to his home fans the continued development he's shown throughout this preseason.Westbrook scored 10 points, pulled down 10 rebounds and dished nine assists in 26 minutes. He again played with confidence and control, showing complete command of the offense and newfound patience that he lacked last season. Westbrook made five of eight shots, turned the ball over just three times and came away with two ..."

Russell Westbrook shows his maturity in OKC Thunder's loss to Memphis Grizzlies

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October 8

The Oklahoman

"About 90 minutes before tip-off, a smile grew wider and wider on Russell Westbrook's face the more he thought about the difference between Wednesday night and the first time he sat inside the visitor's locker room at FedEx Forum. His memories of Nov. 29, 2008, are vivid. It was a Saturday night. Newly named interim coach Scott Brooks had just told him he would be starting his first career game, against the Memphis Grizzlies. And that's when the knots started forming in the pit of his stomach. "Oh it's a whole lot different," Westbrook said of his nerves just before the Thunder opened its preseason schedule. "I'm so chill now. I'm so calm and cool." Westbrook then went out and proved it, ..."

Thunder Summer League Notebook: Westbrook's highlight reel

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July 9

The Oklahoman

"Westbrook's highlight reel dunk Russell Westbrook's smile was blinding as he broke down the highlight of Oklahoma City's 94-82 win over the Boston Celtics in Day 3 of the Orlando Pro Summer League. It was the middle of the second quarter, Westbrook was already loose thanks to a handful of steals and drives to the bucket, and the game was already heavy on breakdowns in transition. Boston Celtics third-year guard Gabe Pruitt, trying to break into Doc Rivers' rotation behind Rajon Rondo, Ray Allen and Eddie House, moved over in front of Westbrook and tried to stop his forward momentum. That's where things got hazy. Westbrook lost Pruitt with a move so quick that it was actually difficult to ..."

Emerging face of a franchise

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June 30

The Oklahoman

columnist Jenni Carlson

"Russell Westbrook spent Sunday night walking the red carpet, mugging for cameras and hanging with celebrities. He was among the lucky few with an invite to the BET Awards. Like most star-studded events in Hollywood, it was a tough ticket to come by, but the Thunder point guard scored one.What a difference a year makes.The last week of June 2008, Westbrook was a head-scratching, top-five pick in the NBA Draft, but the last week of June 2009, he is an emerging face of a franchise and a rising luminary in the league. Just think about what Westbrook has done this past week. He not only attended the BET Awards but also appeared on "Rome is Burning" and altered the future direction of his team. ..."