The Los Angeles Clippers celebrate the return of their prestigious point guard and sixth man Russell Westbrook. In a time where almost every team is failing at staying healthy, the recovery of the 2017 NBA MVP is instrumental for them and their playoffs aspirations. As informed by ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowsky, Russ is completedly healed from that fractured left hand.
Today is a good day to be a Clippers fan. The team have been struggling over the last month, slowing down from what was a great period between January and February.
Kawhi Leonard, Paul George and Russell Westbrook have fallen victims of some kind of injuries at different points throughout this 2023-24 regular season. Without any of them, and despite the depth of their bench, the franchise have had troubles in maintaining the high level showcased in the middle of winter.
Russell Westbrook plays a crucial role in Tyronne Lue's squad. Russ brings his characteristic energy from the bench, leading the second unit, providing some instant scoring, running the point and organizing the team's offense.
In addition, Westbrook plays solid defense and grabs a lot of rebounds despite being a point guard. Overall, his recovery gives this Clippers team a lot of presence in their second unit, being able to rest 'the Klaw' and PG for a few more minutes.
Russell played 58 games averaging 11.1 points, 5.1 rebounds and 4.4 assists. Without him, the Clippers played 10 games, with a 5-5 record. The experienced point guard could be returning to action next week, perhaps as soon as on Monday's game, when LA will be receiving the visit of Tyrese Haliburton's Indiana Pacers.
RUSSELL WESTBROOK - THE IRON MAN 😤
Los Angeles Clippers guard Russell Westbrook is expected to return to the lineup next week — perhaps as soon as Monday vs. the Indiana Pacers, sources tell ESPN. Westbrook — one of the league’s top sixth men — had surgery to repair a fractured left hand three weeks ago.
