Russell Westbrook: 'I got to do a better job of trusting more of my teammates'

After a 17-assist game earlier this week, Russell Westbrook said he was trying to do a better job of leading the Kevin Durant-less Oklahoma City Thunder.

Following a 12-of-38 shooting night in an overtime loss to the Phoenix Suns on Thursday, the All-Star point guard was far from pleased with his progress in that regard.

"I got to do a better job of leading," Westbrook said after Thursday's loss in Phoenix, as reported by The Oklahoman's Darnell Mayberry.

"Honestly, I think tonight I was actually shooting too much, man," he added after recording his second consecutive triple-double (39 points, 14 rebounds, 11 assists).

"I got to do a better job of trusting more of my teammates. Not saying that I don't but constantly keep trusting in them regardless of what's going on, regardless of the time, score and possession. Just still find a way to trust in them and let them make some plays as well."

That Westbrook had a terrible shooting night is impossible to ignore, as is his tendency to force things offensively, but the All-Star MVP can't be too hard on himself. After all, without Westbrook's heroics this season - 26.2 points, 8.1 assists, 6.6 rebounds, 2.1 steals, 29.17 PER - there's no way the Thunder would be in a playoff spot right now given Durant's injury issues.

Westbrook needs 26 points and eight assists on Friday night against the Portland Trail Blazers to join Oscar Robertson as the only players in NBA history to average at least 30 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds over an entire month (minimum 10 games played).