SUMMARY
- Russell Westbrook and PJ Washington were ejected during the Game 3 Mavericks vs Clippers clash.
- Washington struck a pose after getting ejected which has gone viral on social media.
The Dallas Mavericks are slowly starting to look like the dangerous team everybody believed they were after taking away Game 3. It was quite an intense game since Dallas was tied up with the LA Clippers in the series. And putting away someone like Luka Doncic has been tough for the Clippers, especially with how his supporting cast has been playing. Kyrie Irving has done a great job of maintaining his offensive presence.
Luka Doncic hit the “too small” celebration after a step-back jumper over Kawhi Leonard 😳🍿pic.twitter.com/nitlNaQPI8
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) April 27, 2024
The Mavericks delivered an 11-point loss to the Clippers, who will remain in Dallas for Game 4. LA’s starting lineup had trouble scoring the ball as Paul George only finished with 7 points in 30 minutes. Impressively, Kawhi Leonard was held under 10 points, which was also a major letdown. Dallas’ starting lineup combined for 72 points with Doncic leading the way. Dereck Lively II had a big game coming off the bench with 13 points and two blocks.
Russell Westbrook and PJ Washington get tossed from Game 3
The Mavericks had a sizeable lead against the Clippers midway through the fourth quarter, 91-75. With 6:10 left in the game, PJ Washington passed the ball to Luka Doncic after grabbing an offensive rebound. Luka drove in from his left before being fouled hard by Russell Westbrook. After the whistle was blown, Washington approached Westbrook and shoved him in the back.
Russell Westbrook gets ejected for picking up two technical fouls and first for wrapping up Luka Doncic, then for pushing PJ Washington.
Thoughts? 🤔pic.twitter.com/Ui4jsX5CoK
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) April 27, 2024
The former league MVP turned around and almost punched Washington but was luckily stopped by Maxi Kleber, who intervened. Washington was rewarded a technical earlier in the game while Westbrook already had a Flagrant 1 call on his name.
New meme & future statue. We love you PJ! pic.twitter.com/7rANzwInNh
— Panda Hank (@pandahank41) April 27, 2024
Both individuals were ejected but Washington delivered a hilarious reaction on finding out that he was tossed. He stood on the floor with his hands folded like a disappointed toddler.
Luka Doncic addressed the former MVP’s hostile act before the ejection
After the game, Luka Doncic expressed his confusion over Westbrook’s actions on the floor. However, he understood that it was playoff basketball and both teams wanted to win. He said, “I don’t know. I just think it’s competitive basketball. We both wanna win for our teams.”
Doncic also spoke about Washington’s willingness to support his teammates during the post-game interview. He said, “Amazing man, I have nothing else to say… You know, he’s a teammate player. He helps all of us. And I’m just really happy we got him on our team.” During this series, Washington has averaged 14.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.5 steals, and 1.5 blocks.
Westbrook has always been a tough competitor. However, he should reconsider giving up a foul like that or letting his emotions rise during the playoffs. He is the most important piece on the Clippers’ roster and many experts have stated, that Westbrook is a key factor to their success in the playoffs. However, Dallas currently has the series lead 2-1 with one more game to play at the American Airlines Center.