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Kawhi Leonard when asked about Russell Westbrook: “He’s another guy that comes in with energy, giving us a fast pace… Another defender, another scorer. We definitely miss him.”
Los Angeles Clippers are having problems without Russell Westbrook
NBAWednesday, 20 March 2024 at 07:00
Just a few weeks ago, the Los Angeles Clippers looked like one of the best teams in the Western Conference and were winning a slew of tough, intimidating games. But lately, they have slipped into some old bad habits and slid down the rankings. And that has all happened during the absence of sixth man Russell Westbrook.
Westbrook is averaging 11.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 4.4 assists off the bench this season, which are strong numbers that prove he is comfortable in his role within the team and Ty Lue's lineup. And while it might seem unlikely that a bench player could affect his team in such a powerful and positive way, the Clippers' recent troubles have all occurred while Westbrook has been out.
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Westbrook last played at the beginning of March before a hand injury and surgery sidelined him. The Clippers are hoping that he is back soon, definitely before the postseason, but there is no set timetable for his return.
The Clippers have been struggling at times lately, losing four of their last five games, including a surprising defeat at the hands of the Atlanta Hawks on Sunday night.
Westbrook's special brand of energy and drive have greatly assisted the Clippers this year. He has energized the bench as well as the locker room and has been a key ingredient for LA's success. With him out of the game, the Clippers have been sluggish and without the same level of drive.
Kawhi Leonard and others are well aware of what they are missing without Westbrook. The other night, Leonard called Westbrook "another guy that comes in with energy, giving us a fast pace… Another defender, another scorer. We definitely miss him.”
The Clippers are still positioned to reach the playoffs and possibly do very well but there is no denying that Westbrook's leadership and dogged relentless is missed right now.
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