Russell Westbrook recently proved that he’s still worthy of being called elite. Over the last couple of seasons, the former MVP was being ridiculed for being washed up. However, considering that his biggest dream is to chase the title and win it, playing unconventional roles might be his only option if he joins super teams. The issue with Westbrook is that teams aren’t able to figure out a way to use him. So his stats should be the least of people’s concerns.
This angle from Russell Westbrook clutch rebound and Paul George ice cold game winner is absolute cinema 🍿 pic.twitter.com/kNmo0h42Sg
— Beastbrook (@Beastbr00k0) December 3, 2023
Before joining the Los Angeles Clippers, Westbrook tried working it out with the LA Lakers for two seasons. However, the Lakers were never able to figure out a position for him, occasionally bringing him off the bench and starting him. Eventually, after not finding much success, they chose to trade him to the Clippers. It hasn’t been any different with the Clippers mostly because they’ve been facing troubles with injuries. Fans and experts haven’t stopped attacking Westbrook though.
James Harden motives Russell Westbrook amidst season struggles
The Clippers fought an incredibly tough fight against the Golden State Warriors last night. At some point, the Warriors led by as much as 20 points before giving up their lead to the Clippers. Russell Westbrook didn’t have a great game but showed up when he had to. His teammate, James Harden shared a few words of motivation following the game.
He said, “It’s a long season. I know it’s probably frustrating for him, just cuz his minutes is fluctuating, but I think all of us are trying to figure out how we wanna play our different lineups and who works better with who and things like that. It’s frustrating, it’s human nature we all get frustrated, we all want to put our head down and I feel we all need somebody to pick us up and tell us it’s gonna be okay.”
James Harden’s message to Russell Westbrook:
“Just stay with it. It’s a long season. I know it’s probably frustrating for him, just cuz his minutes is fluctuating… We all need somebody to pick us up and tell us it’s gonna be okay.” pic.twitter.com/FrjKLGXdUN
— Joey Linn (@joeylinn_) December 3, 2023
James urged fans to keep supporting the team’s efforts to figure things out. In the midst of it, Westbrook’s minutes and productivity have been fluctuating a lot. However, this is simply a big part of Tyronn Lue’s plan to move forward. Coach Lue also claimed that the Clippers are trying to work things out now that they have four All-Stars on the roster.
How did Russell Westbrook bring the Clippers to a victory against the Warriors?
Russell Westbrook struggled a lot during the game and didn’t get too much time to participate. The 9x All-Star has always strived to win and never backs down from a fight. After the Clippers regained momentum and caught up to the Warriors’ score, it was time for Lue to make quick decisions to lock up the Warriors’ offense entirely.
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) December 2, 2023
During the final seconds of the game, Lue subbed in Westbrook. He did an exceptional job by defending Draymond Green during the final moments of the Warriors’ closing possession. Westbrook challenged Green’s game-winner to solidify the Clippers’ victory 113-112. Russ finished with 8 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 assists in 19 minutes.