Russell Westbrook was the Rockets' second scoring option. Although his three-point percentage had never been particularly good, his explosive attacking ability had once made him a player who averaged 31.6 points per game.
Yet Westbrook's already unreliable three-pointer had been abysmal this season.
In his previous two seasons with the Thunder, his three-point percentage had at least hovered around 30%.
This season, though, it had dropped to just 25%.
In this era, for a guard to shoot only 25% from three was practically unheard of.
For comparison, Rondo, who was known for being unable to shoot threes, had shot around 33% from deep for five consecutive seasons.
As a center, Gasol had not shot below 34% from three since the 2016-17 season.
That showed just how dreadful Westbrook's 25% three-point percentage was.
So when Westbrook had the ball, Conley simply gave him a huge cushion.
If Westbrook made a three, Link would accept it. But he would bet anything that Westbrook could not kill them with his three-point shot.
When Westbrook saw Conley sagging off so far, he felt slighted.
But there was nothing he could do. He knew he was not a good shooter either. Since joining the Rockets this season, Westbrook had already been carefully limiting his three-point attempts.
Last season, Westbrook had attempted 5.6 threes per game. This season, that number had fallen to 3.8.
If he did not have a three-point shot, then simply not taking one was the best choice.
So, after calling for a screen, Westbrook prepared to drive.
But awkwardly, Conley stood directly behind the screener, waiting for Westbrook to come out.
In other words, he was letting him shoot freely, with absolutely no contest!
"Fuck, this is way too disrespectful!" Westbrook was thoroughly enraged now. He had originally planned to drive to