Russell Westbrook vs Chris Paul | player comparison #7
The NBA has seen its fair share of intense player rivalries, but one of the most compelling in recent years has been the Russell Westbrook vs. Chris Paul rivalry. Both players have proven themselves as elite talents and have gone head-to-head on numerous occasions. But who comes out on top? Let's take a closer look at these two greats in five different categories: scoring, playmaking, defence/rebounding, game IQ, and accolades.
Scoring
In terms of scoring, both Westbrook and Paul have impressive stats. Westbrook is known for his explosive athleticism and ability to rack up points quickly, while Paul is known for his crafty playmaking and ability to score efficiently. While Westbrook has a slightly higher career scoring average at 23.0 points per game compared to Paul's 18.6 points per game, Paul has a higher career three-point shooting percentage at 37.1% compared to Westbrook's 30.5%. Westbrook takes this category.
Playmaking
Both Westbrook and Paul are highly skilled playmakers and are known for their ability to create opportunities for their teammates. Westbrook has a career average of 8.5 assists per game, while Paul has a slightly higher average of 9.5 assists per game. However, Paul is known for his ability to control the pace of the game and make smart decisions with the ball, which gives him an edge in this category. Paul takes this category
Defence/Rebounding
When it comes to defence and rebounding, Westbrook has a slight edge over Paul. Westbrook's athleticism and aggressiveness on the court make him a dominant force on the boards, and he has a career average of 7.4 rebounds per game. Paul, on the other hand, has a career average of 4.5 rebounds per game. However, both players are known for their defensive abilities, with Westbrook averaging 1.7 steals per game over his career and Paul averaging 2.2 steals per game.
Game IQ
Both Westbrook and Paul are highly intelligent players who understand the nuances of the game. Westbrook is known for his relentless energy and ability to make big plays in crucial moments, while Paul is known for reading the game and making smart decisions on the court. It's difficult to determine a clear winner in this category, as both players have proven themselves to be highly intelligent players who excel in different ways. But if I have to go with who knows the game better I have to go with Chris Paul.
Accolades
When it comes to accolades, both Westbrook and Paul have impressive resumes. Westbrook has been named NBA MVP once, has been selected to the All-NBA team nine times, and has won two scoring titles. Paul has been named to the All-NBA team ten times, has led the league in assists four times, and has been named to the All-Defensive team nine times. Neither of these players have ever won the NBA championship. Westbrook has the upper hand in this category.
The Verdict
Both Russell Westbrook and Chris Paul are elite NBA players who have made significant contributions to the game. While Westbrook has a slight edge in scoring, rebounding, and athleticism, Paul has a higher shooting percentage, superior playmaking ability and higher game IQ. Ultimately, it's difficult to determine a clear winner in this rivalry, as both players bring unique strengths to the table. However, based on the categories we've examined, the verdict is that Chris Paul has a slight edge over Russell Westbrook.