Fragen und Antworten » player must compete in 70 per cent of his teams

OKLAHOMA CITY - Russell Westbrook has taken his game up a notch since Kevin Durants latest injury.In six games since Durants latest setback, Westbrook has averaged 30.2 points, 8.1 assists, 6.0 rebounds and 3.2 steals for Oklahoma City. The three-time All-Stars overall scoring average of 28 points would lead the league if he had played in enough games to qualify, but he missed 14 games early in the season with a broken bone in his right (non-shooting) hand. A player must compete in 70 per cent of his teams contests to officially top a category.Westbrook always has been a highlight waiting to happen, but this year, a greater mastery of the games nuances has complemented his freakish explosiveness. He is looking for his teammates more often, taking fewer three pointers, using his athleticism to get to the free throw line more frequently and playing steady defence consistently.Thunder coach Scott Brooks announced that Durant will return Wednesday night against Phoenix, but Westbrook already has left his impression.Its always a tough matchup when you see a top point guard, especially him, Portland point guard Damian Lillard said after both scored 40 points in their matchup last week. I respect him right up there at the top with any player in the league. Not just point guards — with any player in the league, because of how tough it is to play against him on both ends of the floor.With Durant out with a broken bone in his right foot, Westbrook opened the season with 38 points against Portland before getting hurt in the second game against the Los Angeles Clippers. In his first game back, Westbrook scored 32 points in 24 minutes in a win over the New York Knicks. With Durant sidelined, Westbrook had 34 points, 11 assists and five steals in a Christmas Day win at defending champion San Antonio. He recently had a stretch of games in which he scored at least 26 points snapped at 11.He has increased his defensive focus, too. His 2.3 steals per game would be ahead of the league leader if he had played enough games.Hes been locked in for longer stretches, Thunder forward Nick Collison said. Just his basic defence, starting with pressuring the ball and staying in front of his man and being in the right spots — hes been a lot more consistent with that, and I think thats part of maturing for him and realizing how important it is for him to play both ends.As an offensive player, Westbrooks greatest improvement has been in shot selection. He attempted 4.7 3-pointers per game last season, but that average is down to 3.1. Instead, hes driving to the hoop, drawing fouls and shooting 9.5 free throws per game.Its (the 3-pointer) not always a great shot for myself or for my team, so Ive got to do a better job of taking those out, Westbrook said. My advantage is attacking, regardless of whos in front of me, and Ive got to use my advantage to help my team and myself.Westbrook still has his moments. Hes shooting about 40 per cent in the fourth quarter this season, and his assists drop significantly late in games. He still sometimes forces things, especially when Durant isnt playing. But his immense talent and overall play makes those moments more tolerable.Hes had a great month of shooting the ball, Brooks said. Hes had a couple of off shooting nights, which every player will go through. His shot selection for the month of December, since hes been back, has been good, he said. All in all, hes played great basketball for us, and put us in position to win a lot of games.Westbrooks increased maturity has extended beyond the court. When things dont go well, he has accepted responsibility. After he got a technical foul late in regulation in the loss to Portland that helped fuel the Trail Blazers comeback, he took the hit.That was my fault, he said. I think that was the turning point in the game, for us and our energy. I didnt think I deserved it (the technical), but Ive got to do a better job of controlling my emotions, especially when the game is on the line like that. I take the blame for that. It turned the whole game around for them and it gave them a chance to win the game.More often than not, Westbrooks play has led to wins. The Thunder are 15-17 overall, but 11-7 with Westbrook in the lineup.The game is continuing to slow down for him, like it does for all players, Brooks said. I like what hes doing. Hes been able to lead us game after game after game. Hes a better player all the way around.___Follow Cliff Brunt on Twitter: www.twitter.com/CliffBruntAP . Wholesale Browns Jerseys . -- John Senden never imagined it would take more than seven years to win again. Browns Jerseys Free Shipping . Cammalleri suffered a concussion in the Flames 2-1 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins on Saturday. The 31-year-old forward did not travel with the team to Carolina. http://www.cheapbrownsjerseyselite.com/ . -- Downcast before the final game of what had been a difficult road trip, the Ottawa Senators found a way to dig out a little momentum in the desert before heading home. Cheap Browns Jerseys . "It was awesome," he said. Coming off an ugly three-game sweep at the hands of the Yankees, Toronto found itself in a deep hole early after the Reds put an eight spot up on starter Liam Hendriks (six runs in 1 2/3 innings pitched) and Todd Redmond in the second. Orange Browns Jerseys . Future Hall of Famer Ricky Ray is in his prime and back for a third season in double blue. The 34-year old was magnificent in 2013, throwing for just under 2,900 yards despite missing eight games, tossing an impressive 21 touchdowns against just two interceptions, completing 66 per cent of his passes in the process.MONCTON, N.B. -- Alex Dubeau made 37 saves as the Moncton Wildcats rolled to a 6-1 win over the Rimouski Oceanic in Quebec Major Junior Hockey League play Wednesday. Ivan Barbashev, Will Smith, JC Campagna, Christophe Lalonde, Reid Halabi and Lucas Batt each scored for the Wildcats (11-14-1), who led 4-0 after the first period. Dominic Beauchemin spoiled Dubeaus shutout bid when he scored for Rimouski (13-7-4) at 7:29 of the third period. Dubeau finished with 37 saves. Oceanic goalie Philippe Desrosiers allowed five goals on 22 shots, while teammate Zachary Fortin gave up a goal on the only shot he faced in 4:53 of playing time. --- ISLANDERS 4 VOLTIGEURS 1 CHARLOTTETOWN -- Antoine Bibeau allowed a goal just 61 seconds after the opening faceoff, and kept the Islanders goal puck free the rest of the way with 29 saves. Down 1-0, Charlottetoown (12-8-3) scored four straight with goals from Alexis Pepin, Kameron Kielly, Daniel Sprong, Matthew Bursey and Daniel Sprong.dddddddddddd Joey Ratelle opened the scoring for the Voltigeurs (13-9-1) with his ninth goal of the season. Joe Fleschler made 24 saves for Drummondville. --- REMPARTS 6 ARMADA 0 BOISBRIAND, Que. -- Francois Brassard made 27 saves and his Quebec offence did the rest. The Remparts went ahead early with a 3-0 lead while outshooting Blainville-Boisbriand 17-6 in the first period Nick Sorensen and Alexandre Caron-Roy each scored twice for the Remparts (11-8-5), with singles coming from Anthony Duclair and Ryan Culkin. The league-leading Armada (17-3-2) pulled starting goaltender Etienne Marcoux after he allowed three goals on 13 shots. Samuel Montembeault came on and gave up three goals on 17 shots. 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