2012 NBA Finals

Miami, FL

Oklahoma City point guard Russell Westbrook said he won't back down from criticism for not distributing the ball well and taking more shots in the first two games of the NBA Finals.

The 23-year-old Westbrook said he won't change what he's doing even though several basketball analysts lambasted his poor shooting percentage in Game 1 and 2.

"I'm not making no adjustments, regardless of what anybody says," Westbrook told ESPN just before the Thunder's practice Saturday. "I'm going to play my game regardless of what happens."

ESPN basketball analyst and NBA great Magic Johnson called Westbrook's play as one of the worst performances in the NBA Finals.

Despite averaging 27 points, 8 rebounds, and 9 assists, Westbrook went 20-for-50 (40 percent) on the floor and has taken 8 more shots than Kevin Durant – arguably the best clutch player in the playoffs.

Durant defended his All-Star teammate, saying Westbrook is just playing his own brand of game.

"Everyone thinks he should be a traditional point guard like a (John) Stockton. There's a lot of people that cannot be like Russ either. Of course he's going to make mistakes."

The Thunder and Heat will resume their NBA Finals showdown in Game 3 at American Airlines Arena.

 

 

Westbrook Unfazed by Criticism for Shooting Too Much