OAKLAND, CALIF. — Most of the chatter since Andre Roberson's season-ending ruptured left patellar tendon injury has been about the Thunder's defense, but the offense has hit a snag as well.
Roberson isn't a good shooter, but his off-ball cuts, screening and offensive rebounding are critical to the Thunder's success. It's part of why the Thunder was No. 2 in the NBA in offense (116.4 points per 100 possessions) during its eight-game winning streak.
It's also why Russell Westbrook doesn't understand the perception that Roberson hurts the Thunder's offense. Since losing Roberson, the Thunder's offense has lost its rhythm, scoring just 105.