Chicago Bulls at Oklahoma City Thunder: Game Outlook

Jan 7, 2017; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) reacts after a play against the Denver Nuggets during the fourth quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports

What will it take to stop a man who can’t be stopped?

Russell Westbrook – I’m sure you heard of him – is still averaging a triple-double, and it is January. The goal of the Bulls should be to slow Westbrook down, suppressing his production and forcing other Thunder players to beat them. Hindering Russ is a tall task, and one that requires a full defensive game from everyone on the floor, and that starts with who guards him.

MCW starts on Westbrook.
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) January 9, 2017

While Michael Carter-Williams isn’t nearly as good a defender as he has been touted in his short career, he has one notable advantage over Russ’ offensive game. Westbrook likes to post up, especially with smaller guards on him. At 6-foot-6-inches tall, MCW has a couple inches of Westbrook.

Russell pushes the ball in transition with the best of them. His ability to receive the ball from a big, or grab it himself, and seemingly teleport from one end of the floor to another. Getting back on defense in an organized manner and communicating will be important in limiting Westbrook’s effect on the break and force much of his production in the half court.

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Robin Lopez, while not the quickest center by any means, is smart in defending the pick-and-roll. Lopez will likely sit back and bait Westbrook to attack the rim, where Robin forces opponents to shoot 51.1 percent within six feet of the hoop. Cristiano Felicio, who has received most of the backup center minutes for Chicago, is a bit fleeter of foot and should be able to sufficiently defend the paint, but it’ll be a challenge for the young big man.

Because of Russ’ passing ability, the Bulls will need full defensive attentiveness. I’m looking at you, Doug McDermott. Ball watching and falling asleep off the ball will more than likely result in an assist for Russ or a quick swing for a three-pointer.

If Jimmy doesn’t play, Fred Hoiberg won’t have the luxury of throwing his best defender on Russ, forcing him to play different lineups in attempting to solve the puzzle that is Russell Westbrook.