Those are the ACTUAL stats on NBA's website and BBRef

What mean by manipulation is that you use said data to push a narrative that it doesn’t necessarily suggest.

Obviously I watch games lol

You honestly don’t if you think that Russ contesting shots is the Thunder’s number primary problem and preventing them from winning 10+ more games. Also, you seem to have come upon the notion that Melo is being misused. Do explain how you came to this conclusion.

Suddenly stats don't matter when you don't like the argument

I’m not rebuting the stats you provided, though; I’m rebuting your conclusion.

Russ does not play defense bc he's usually going after a rebound.

Since when did contesting shots = defense?

They went 15-0?

This is why the qualifiers “after the initial adjustment period” and “with a healthy starting lineup” were added.

Maybe not to extent you're taking it but sure.

There’s no denying it. The Thunder were at a 53-win pace with Roberson, this is after going sub .50p