SUMMARY
- The Clippers lost Russell Westbrook to a fractured hand against the Wizards.
- There is no return time table set up for the 9x NBA All-Star yet, claims Tyronn Lue.
Russell Westbrook has had an incredible journey in the NBA. Over the last 16 years, he transitioned from being a top-tier point guard to an MVP and is now a vital role player. Despite the change in roles, the 9x NBA All-Star has remained true to his game and stays focused on winning a title. Being traded to the Los Angeles Clippers was probably the best thing that has ever happened to him since Oklahoma. This is probably the closest Westbrook might even get to the title.
Right now, the Clippers are regarded as the best team in the NBA irrespective of their record but in terms of their consistency and statistical contributions. They currently rank fourth in the Western Conference with a 38-20 record. The Clippers had an off start to the season but they managed to dominate after acquiring James Harden in late October.
Not even a grimace to spot on Russell Westbrook face after he broke his hand
Iron man 😤 pic.twitter.com/ilppoh20mn
— Beastbrook (@Beastbr00k0) March 2, 2024
Since Harden’s arrival, they’ve achieved a 34-17 record. But they’ve not seen much success since the 2024 All-Star Weekend. Unfortunately, they have another issue to deal with, and that is Russell Westbrook’s fractured hand.
Tyronn Lue claims Russell Westbrook doesn’t have a return timetable set
Since returning from the All-Star break, the Clippers have gone on a 1-3 run. In their most recent game, Russell Westbrook was involved in a collision with the Washington Wizards’ Jordan Poole. After 10 minutes of play, he was removed from the game after which he did not return. Head Coach Tyronn Lue seemed disappointed that the Clippers lost Russell to a freak accident.
He said, “Yeah, just feel bad for Russ right now. You never want to see a player get hurt. Poole drove around and he tried to deflect it from the back. I think he hit his elbow with his hand, so we don’t know what the timetable [is]. Don’t know if he needs surgery or anything yet, but he’s out right now.”
“I don’t know what’s going on. I didn’t even know [he had a fractured hand]… [We’ll miss] his athleticism, his energy, his play-making ability, his leadership.”
James Harden on Russell Westbrook’s injury.
(via @TomerAzarly) pic.twitter.com/zxAF3x07ZM
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) March 2, 2024
James Harden, who wasn’t aware of the injury until after the game said, “I don’t know what’s going on.” Harden wasn’t aware that Westbrook fractured his hand. “[We’ll miss] his athleticism, his energy, his play-making ability, his leadership,” he concluded. The 2017 NBA’s Most Valuable Player has been averaging 11.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 4.4 assists coming off the bench.
Clippers pull off a win without Russell Westbrook’s presence on the bench
Despite losing Russell Westbrook, the LA Clippers managed to secure a victory over the Wizards. In 10 minutes, the former MVP accumulated 6 points and a single assist. Coming off the bench, Westbrook’s defense and athleticism were what mattered the most to the Clippers. It is uncertain how long the superstar will be sidelined. But hopefully, he returns just in time for the playoffs.
Winning against the Wizards was a must and Harden helped lead the team to glory. He scored 28 points along with 4 rebounds, and 8 assists. Kawhi Leonard, the Clippers’ best player at the moment finished with 27 points and 9 rebounds. Paul George backed them up with 22 points of his own. The Wizards were in major foul trouble that also boosted the Clippers’ chance of winning.