Section 215
Fansided

5 numbers to know about the Sixers’ first round matchup with Washington

By David Esser

Jan 6, 2021; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) handles the ball against Washington Wizards guard Ish Smith (14) during the third quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 6, 2021; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) handles the ball against Washington Wizards guard Ish Smith (14) during the third quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 5
Next
Sixers Russell Westbrook
May 20, 2021; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Wizards guard Russell Westbrook (4) reacts after making a basket during the third quarter against the Indiana Pacers at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

22.2, 11.7, 11.5

“Mr. Triple-Double” himself, Russell Westbrook once again managed to finish a full season averaging double-digits in three separate statistical categories. 22.2 points per game, 11.7 assists per game, and 11.5 rebounds per game is impressive no matter how you slice it.

Often criticized for “stat chasing” during the regular season, Westbrook should still be considered an X-factor in a postseason series. Albeit wildly inconsistent at times, his explosiveness and the passion which he plays the game with are two things that tend to translate over well during a playoff series.

When the games get physical and scrappy, it almost seems like Westbrook starts to get even more amped up.

With that said, teams have approached Westbrook from a “bait” standpoint at times, almost daring him to play an inefficient style of hero ball. For example, the Celtics seemed rather content in letting Westbrook get up multiple open three-point attempts during their play-in game, a game in which Westbrook went 0-4 from beyond the arc in.

I could see the Sixers employing a similar strategy as a way to get Beal less touches, but Doc Rivers still has to tread somewhat cautiously. Allowing Westbrook too many open looks could let the former MVP find a sense of rhythm, and an in-rhythm Westbrook is still a dangerous player.