Russell Westbrook refused to go out sad with LA Clippers, salvaging his NBA career
By Andy Quach
Russell Westbrook’s playoff performance with the Los Angeles Clippers
Russell Westbrook started off his playoff run with the Clippers in true Russell Westbrook “Honor the Gift” fashion, dominating Game 1 in a way that was truly unique to him.
Despite his abysmal shooting performance to kick off his postseason, 3-19 for the night, Westbrook made multiple clutch plays down the stretch that few players in the league’s history could replicate, including coming down with several imperative offensive rebounds and a block and save sequence on Devin Booker to seal the game that would make Dennis Rodman blush.
Russ ended Game 1 with nine points, eight assists, and 11 rebounds, with five on the offensive end of the court, two steals, and three blocks. His sheer force of will led the Clippers to a Game 1 upset over the Kevin Durant-led Phoenix Suns, and he only improved as a playoff performer from that point on.
In five playoff games, Westbrook averaged 23.6 points, 7.4 assists, 7.6 rebounds, over a steal and a block per game, while slashing 41/36/88. Carrying the Clips without both Kawhi and George for the last three games, LA kept each game entertaining because of Russ’s ability to singlehandedly impact a game.
He proved it once again in Game 5 before the Suns ultimately eliminated the shorthanded Clippers from contention. With LA down 20 points with just over 11 minutes left, Russ’s energy and perseverance helped lead a comeback in which the Clippers went on a 34-16 run to bring the game within two. Within that timeframe, Westbrook scored and assisted on 13 of LA’s points.
Considering the odds stacked against him at every turn, Russ deserves his flowers for making this series and each individual game a thrilling experience for the NBA fan.