Russell Westbrook has many strengths in his game, but shooting well from the field is not one of them.
It was evident as Russ had a 3-19 shooting performance in Game 1 vs. the Phoenix Suns. But it ended up in a win for the Los Angeles Clippers. This was the second time in Russ’ career that he won a game in the playoffs while shooting a mere 15.7% from the field. Westbrook had a hilarious reaction to finding this out in the postgame interview.
“I don’t know, but I guess that’s a secret number. We won both games, so s**t, if it works, then hey, I’ll go for that.”
"I don't know, but I guess that's a secret number. We won both games, so shit, if it works, then hey, i'll go for that."
Russell Westbrook on going 2-0 when he shoots 3-of-19 in the playoffs 🤣
(via @TomerAzarly) pic.twitter.com/KKjXLDJRyA
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) April 17, 2023
Westbrook’s number one priority has always been to ensure that his team wins games. Well, if it requires him to be insanely inefficient from the field, so be it.
The first time Westbrook posted this stat line was during the 2021 playoffs when he donned the Washington Wizards jersey. Westbrook recorded 19 points, 21 rebounds, and 14 assists in the Game 4 win over the Philadelphia 76ers.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fm933wZOlu4
Of course, Brodie shot poorly from the field, but he impacted the game in other ways. A similar thing happened in Game 1 vs. the Suns. Russ may have had a poor shooting night, but he helped the Clippers in getting the victory with a great defense against Kevin Durant.
Tyronn Lue Helped Russell Westbrook In Realizing He Has More Skills Than Shot-Making
With Paul George sidelined with an injury, Russell Westbrook is supposed to be the secondary scorer on the Clippers’ team behind Kawhi Leonard.
But shooting 3-19 is unacceptable for a second option on the roster. Instead of being furious by it, head coach Tyronn Lue helped Russ focus on other aspects of his game.
“You bring us way more than scoring the basketball.”
That is indeed true, as Westbrook finished the game with 9 points, 11 rebounds, 8 assists, 2 steals, and 3 blocks. Westbrook made up for his poor shooting performance with incredible defense.
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