Russell Westbrook, the star point guard for the Los Angeles Clippers, has been making headlines lately (Sports Illustrated). Despite the Clippers’ Game 3 loss to the Phoenix Suns in the Western Conference Quarterfinals, Westbrook had an impressive performance, scoring 30 points and coming close to a triple-double (CBS Sports). He also took accountability for the loss, meeting with the media afterwards to address the team’s performance (Sports Illustrated).
Bill Simmons, a sports commentator, has even drawn comparisons between Westbrook’s impact on the Clippers to that of Bob McAdoo’s with the Los Angeles Lakers (Basketball Network). Simmons isn’t the only one who has noticed Westbrook’s effect on his team, as the Clippers have experienced a revival since his arrival (Lakers Daily).
Westbrook’s performance and leadership on the court have been crucial for the Clippers, especially with the absence of star player Kawhi Leonard due to a right knee sprain (ClutchPoints). Even Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue has praised Westbrook’s contributions to the team (ClutchPoints).
However, reports suggest that Westbrook may not be a top priority for the Miami Heat in the current buyout market, as the team is prioritizing big man depth over guards (Bleacher Report). Meanwhile, other NBA teams face their own struggles, as the Phoenix Suns lead the Clippers in the first-round playoff series (Sporting News).
Westbrook’s impact on the Clippers and the NBA as a whole is undeniable, whether it be on the court or off. Even other players, such as Kevin Durant, have acknowledged Westbrook’s talent and efficiency (Sportsnaut). As the playoffs continue, it remains to be seen how much further Westbrook and the Clippers can go (FanSided).
