Kawhi Leonard believed in Russell Westbrook and his abilities, and he told the LA Clippers’ newest point guard just that when the latter geared up for his debut with his new franchise.
Leonard had a simple-yet-motivating message for the 34-year-old, asking him to be himself and focus on having fun at the same time.
“Once he got here, I told him to be himself and have fun out there, and that I just believe in him,” Leonard said.
Kawhi Leonard on Russell Westbrook: "Once he got here, I told him to be himself and have fun out there, and that I just believe in him."
— Farbod Esnaashari (@Farbod_E) February 25, 2023
The intense double OT thriller against the Sacramento Kings saw records tumble along the way, but as far as Westbrook was concerned, it was a good start as he finished with 17 points from 7-of-13 shooting, 5 rebounds, and 14 assists in the 39 minutes he played as a starter.
The game eventually went in favor of the Kings as they pipped the Clippers 176-175, but the explosive guard will be pleased with the start he had for his new team.
The LA Clippers Were Initially Against Signing Russell Westbrook, But Paul George Convinced The Side
Paul George was one of the Clippers players who publicly recruited Russell Westbrook, and is one of the major players to have played his part in ensuring the former Utah Jazz man stayed back in LA.
However, not all were keen on adding Westbrook. Per ESPN’s Brian Windhorst on ‘The Hoop Collective, it was George who made the case for his former OKC Thunder teammate:
“The Clippers are pretty much admitting that Paul George drove this decision,” Windhorst said. He further added: “And from what I understand, they were internally against it at the start. Paul pushed for it publicly and privately. Kawhi supported it. And they looked more into it, and they were like, ‘Well, there are some things he could potentially help us with.’”
And with his performance in his first game as a Clipper, Westbrook has shown potential and promise. This team is perhaps his best bet to win his maiden NBA title, and the Clippers have been gunning for one.
Safe to say, their partnership has begun on a positive note, even if the end result of the game wasn’t what they wanted.
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