The Russ rules: The Warriors’ plan to contain Westbrook

11:32 AM ET

The Golden State Warriors don’t want to talk about it, because why tempt fate? Also, it’s somewhat unwise to discuss your role in an opposing player’s poor shooting. Predictably, coach Steve Kerr falls back on his go-to quote about past success: “It doesn’t matter now.”

Kerr can say that, but it’s hard to ignore an emerging trend involving Russell Westbrook. It matters so long as it’s replicable and increasingly, it’s looking replicable.

In his eight games against the Kerr-era Warriors, Westbrook has made 61-of-180 field goals (34 percent). That’s an ugly stat but not an entirely fair one — he’s impacted the games in other ways, especially in the Oklahoma City Thunder’s two victories over those eight games. In the third quarter of Game 1, for instance, he saved OKC with a relentless, memorable effort.

Still, this is a trend Westbrook must reverse for the Thunder to ultimately win this series. Much has been made of Durant’s success against Golden State and less has been made of why that success hasn’t led to more wins in the matchup. The answer to why the Warriors have mostly gotten the better of this matchup has a lot to do with Westbrook missing copious amounts of shots.

Perhaps Sunday night’s Game 3 in Oklahoma City will be the stage for Westbrook to finally break out against Golden State. If it happens, it will be a welcome, necessary development for the Thunder. In the meantime, the Warriors have many reasons to trust their current formula for containing one of basketball’s most explosive talents.

Russell Westbrook’s driving ability is only one of the skills Golden State must deal with in these West finals. Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty ImagesWith Roberson in, Curry has insurance

Here’s what Westbrook starts against. Stephen Curry guards him, as the back line of Golden State’s defense gets a boost by attention diverted away from shaky-shooting Andre Roberson. Draymond Green mostly ignores Roberson and acts as a free safety, as Bogut treats Steven Adams similarly.

Further complicating matters, Klay Thompson guards Serge Ibaka, knowing full well Ibaka lacks the post moves to punish shorter defender or the ball skills to punish a closeout. …

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