Thunder's Russell Westbrook: Fills out stat sheet once again in Game 5 loss

Westbrook tallied 31 points (11-28 FG, 3-8 3Pt, 6-9 FT), eight assists, seven rebounds and five steals during Thursday's 120-111 loss to the Warriors in Game 5 of the Western Conference finals.

Analysis:

The dynamic guard's success rate from the field was south of 40 percent for the third time in the series, but he managed to turn in his typically robust stat line by game's end. After the contest, Westbrook once again seemed to laugh off a suggestion that Stephen Curry's defense has given him some trouble. However, the fact remains that the Thunder's co-leader on offense has shot just 32 percent (8-for-25) and has been guilty of seven turnovers during the series with Curry as a primary defender. Despite some of the difficulties, Westbrook's considerable usage rate keeps his production at an elite level, and he's now reached or eclipsed the 30-point mark in three straight games. He'll look to improve on his already-impressive series averages of 28.0 points, 11.0 assists, 6.6 rebounds and 4.0 steals in Game 6 at home on Saturday night.