NBA: Thunder coach defends Russell Westbrook from ‘easy to defend’ claims
Frontrow holds fun run to raise funds for young cancer patients LOOK: Loisa Andalio, Ronnie Alonte unwind in Amanpulo for 3rd anniversary Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook celebrates after hitting a buzzer beating three-point shot to win the game against the Denver Nuggets Sunday, April 9, 2017, in Denver. Oklahoma City defeated Denver 106-105. Westbrook also broke the NBA record for triple doubles with 42 for the season. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook filled out the stat-sheet last season, en route to his first NBA Most Valuable Player award.But despite his dominance on the court, some members of the defending champions Golden State Warriors reportedly thought his aggressive style was “easy to defend.”ADVERTISEMENT Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. BSP sees higher prices in November, but expects stronger peso, low rice costs to put up fight “Obviously last year, our team was totally different than it was the first year, and the first year there it was a heck of a series that went seven games where we had a great opportunity being up 3-1. I think Russell was a huge part of that.”The criticism comes after the Dubs swept the Thunder in four games in the regular season, with Westbrook only converting 37.5 percent of his field goal attempts and averaging eight turnovers against their stifling defense.Still, the two-time NCAA champion coach remains adamant of his superstar’s explosive skill set.“I think Russell’s done a great job, and I think Russell is a hard guy to guard, and he’s very difficult and challenging because of his speed, his smarts and his intelligence,” he explained. “Whether or not he plays in the half court or the open court, I think he’s very difficult to guard.” Khristian Ibarrola /raADVERTISEMENT View comments Nonong Araneta re-elected as PFF president Makabayan bloc defends protesting workers, tells Año to ‘shut up’ PLAY LIST 02:11Makabayan bloc defends protesting workers, tells Año to ‘shut up’01:50Palace defends Duterte’s absences from Asean events00:50Trending Articles01:37Protesters burn down Iran consulate in Najaf01:47Panelo casts doubts on Robredo’s drug war ‘discoveries’01:29Police teams find crossbows, bows in HK university01:35Panelo suggests discounted SEA Games tickets for students02:49Robredo: True leaders perform well despite having ‘uninspiring’ boss02:42PH underwater hockey team aims to make waves in SEA Games Spurs’ star Kawhi Leonard won’t be ready to start the season
Fire hits houses in Mandaluyong City MOST READ Typhoon Kammuri accelerates, gains strength en route to PH Brace for potentially devastating typhoon approaching PH – NDRRMC Kammuri turning to super typhoon less likely but possible — Pagasa Read Next LATEST STORIES READ: Warriors think Westbrook’s style is ‘easy to defend’—reportHowever, Thunder head coach Billy Donovan believes otherwise, claiming his star point guard is quite the handful for elite defenses in the league.FEATURED STORIESSPORTSWATCH: Drones light up sky in final leg of SEA Games torch runSPORTSSEA Games: Philippines picks up 1st win in men’s water poloSPORTSMalditas save PH from shutout“Russell to me is one of the best players in the world. He’s done it at a very high level for a long period of time,” Donovan told the Oklahoman’s Erik Horne.“Just because somebody says that, I think you’ve got to look at what Russell’s been able to do, and Russell’s been very good for us,” he added.