PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 16: Russell Westbrook #0 of the LA Clippers celebrates following Game One of the Western Conference First Round Playoffs at Footprint Center on April 16, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Clippers defeated the Suns 115-110. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
On any given day, Twitter is full of Russell Westbrook jokes. The future Hall of Fame guard is not the same player he once was, and is now one of the least efficient players in the NBA.
Westbrook has not been able to stick on a team in recent years, and has played for the Rockets, Wizards, Lakers, and Clippers since leaving longtime home Oklahoma City after the 2018-2019 season. The guard relies so much on his athleticism, but that has diminished as the 34-year-old has aged. Sadly, he still thinks he can be the offense’s focal point at times, and takes a lot of ill-advised shots.
He started this year with the Lakers, only to be shipped out to the Jazz, who bought him out. Russell Westbrook then signed with the Los Angeles Clippers and is playing big minutes for them, shooting 35% from three-point range, the highest mark of his career.
The Clippers need him to step up, as star forward Paul George is out with an injury for the time being. And, heading into their first round series with the loaded Phoenix Suns, the team were considered significant underdogs.
But, the Clippers beat the Suns, 115-110, in game one in Phoenix Sunday night. If you look at the box score, you may think that they did that in spite of Russell Westbrook, who was an atrocious 3-19 from the field. But, he had two huge sequences down the stretch.
First, he knocked down two clutch free throws to put the Clips up three with just under 20 seconds left.
Two CLUTCH free throws for Russell Westbrook. Clippers by 3.
(via @TomerAzarly) pic.twitter.com/sKBIdAISxo
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) April 17, 2023
Then, he had a key block on the next possession to preserve the lead as they held on to win.
RUSSELL WESTBROOK WITH THE GAME WINNING BLOCK ON DEVIN BOOKER
pic.twitter.com/JeYm9IRxlQ— Joey Linn (@joeylinn_) April 17, 2023
Sensational plays from Russell Westbrook. And, Twitter was buzzing.
Westbrook went 3 of 19 and was also a major reason the Clippers won. I'm befuddled
— Eric Hubbs (@BarstoolHubbs) April 17, 2023
Westbrook made some HUGE plays in those last two minutes.
— Half Court Hoops (@HalfCourtHoops) April 17, 2023
Westbrook has played ELITE defense
— Rev. Eric Dunn (@ericvdunn) April 17, 2023
Westbrook. WoW.
— Andrew Brandt (@AndrewBrandt) April 17, 2023
Seriously tho. Westbrook was incredible everywhere else besides shooting. They don’t win that game without him.
— Unmistakable Latin Flavor (@PBSImpulse9) April 17, 2023
Russell Westbrook and the Clippers will look to win game two on Tuesday in Phoenix.