(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
For much of the 2022-23 NBA season, Russell Westbrook was the butt of many jokes because of his inconsistent output with the Los Angeles Lakers.
He still has his fair share of problems but Westbrook is looking much better playing for the Clippers.
On Sunday night, the Clippers had a huge win over the Phoenix Suns and Westbrook was at the center of it all.
Although his stat line looked troubling on the surface, the truth is that Westbrook was clutch for his team, especially when it came to his offense rebounds.
Shannon Sharpe thinks that Westbrook’s effort and drive led to the crucial victory.
“The one thing Russ don’t cheat you with is effort. That performance will go a long way in that locker room. He’s the reason they won,” Sharpe said on Undisputed.
“The one thing Russ don’t cheat you with is effort. That performance will go a long way in that locker room. He’s the reason they won.”
— @ShannonSharpe pic.twitter.com/9GFHiklbhg
— UNDISPUTED (@undisputed) April 17, 2023
One thing was clear throughout the game: Westbrook was going to leave it all on the court and was going to fight as hard as he could.
He was just 3-of-19 from the floor, which is a dismal record.
But his five offensive rebounds, which were a game-high, repeatedly gave his team second chances to score.
He also had a game-sealing block that put the final nail in Phoenix’s coffin.
Sunday’s game was a chance for both Westbrook lovers and detractors to be happy.
For the lovers, they saw Westbrook pour his heart out and fight during nearly every possession.
For the detractors, they saw someone with sloppy shot selection and misguided judgment calls.
In the end, the Clippers pulled out the win and that’s all that matters.
They now lead the series 1-0, partly due to Westbrook’s unstoppable drive.
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