There was a stretch a couple months back where Russ was averaging around 35 shots per game, and when I called that out for being excessive you disagreed. It's not like a 43 shot game is out of left field. Russ is a high volume shooter and he always has been. Hence, the pleasure. I think I said the same thing back then, but just because a guy fills the assist column doesn't mean he is keeping everyone involved. When you're the sole ball handler on an up-tempo team you're bound to end up with assists unless you literally never pass the ball. My biggest critique of Russ is his bad decisions. I get that his aggressiveness is what makes him special but he's experienced enough now that he should be better at keeping his bad decisions in check. He still takes far too many risks on defense (causing others to over help and leave their man wide open) and far too many bad shots.

As for the last two games, I'm not going to root against the Thunder so I say let things play out and what happens happens. But what would end the season on the best note from a morale standpoint? Missing the playoffs and going into the offseason feeling slighted by the injury bug, or making the playoffs and (potentially) getting it handed to you by the Warriors while also feeling slighted by the injury bug? They both suck.

I'm also expecting Russ to have 10 assists in the first quarter. It seems like every time there is a debate over his shot attempts he comes out completely focused on passing the ball.