The Los Angeles Clippers just beat the Phoenix Suns in a Game 1 thriller which was decided by Russell Westbrook clamping up Devin Booker in the clutch.
The Clippers’ won 115-110 after Russ blocked Booker’s final shot attempt and deflected the ball off him to ensure the Clips pull the win out. Fans were overjoyed at seeing Russ thrive.
RUSSELL WESTBROOK CLUTCH. 🔥🔥🔥
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) April 17, 2023
Westbrook had a terrible 3/19 offensive showing and would’ve been single-handedly held responsible for a loss had the Clippers’ not pulled this one out in the clutch.
Russell Westbrook was 3/19 but it doesn't matter cuz he just embarrassed Devin Booker when it matters
— Ahmed/The Ears/IG: BigBizTheGod 🇸🇴 (@big_business_) April 17, 2023
Many are calling this one of the greatest performances for a player shooting under 20%.
That is the greatest 3-of-19 performance i have ever seen.
— Rob Perez (@WorldWideWob) April 17, 2023
Russ has always been appreciated for the heart he shows on the court, and that was a reason behind his success in the clutch.
Russell RELENTLESS Westbrook. Didn’t let a poor shooting night stop him from competing.
— PeeWeeDaPlug (@PeeWeeDaPlug) April 17, 2023
Kawhi Leonard scored 38 points and was clearly the best Clippers player on the night.
Kawhi Leonard looked at KD and Devin Booker in the eyes in that 4th quarter and said yall are not better than me.
— Ahmed/The Ears/IG: BigBizTheGod 🇸🇴 (@big_business_) April 17, 2023
Westbrook’s clutch defense on Devin Booker caused fans to have some hilarious reactions.
Westbrook had Booker like pic.twitter.com/q10m5SULXV
— (redacted) (@squish41) April 17, 2023
A fan explained why Westbrook may be one of the most intriguing role-players in the NBA currently.
russell westbrook is flawed, yes, but can make hugely positive impact on both ends with his overwhelming motor and explosion in spite of a zero scoring game
a fun and funky role player nothing more nothing less!!
— ben pfeifer (@bjpf_) April 17, 2023
Russ ended the game with horrendous shooting splits but worked hard on D to end the game with 2 steals and 3 blocks.
https://twitter.com/PlayoffShai/status/1647796468433178625
Kawhi Leonard carried the Clippers’ scoring with 38 points including multiple late buckets to help keep the lead, with the second-highest scorer being Eric Gordon with 19. The Suns saw Kevin Durant put up 27 points while Devin Booker put up 26. Torrey Craig had a surprising 22 while Deandre Ayton had 18 in the loss.
Can The Clippers Win Without Paul George?
The Clippers are playing undermanned as Paul George has been ruled out of this first-round series against Phoenix. If PG13 was on the court right now, the Suns could be in serious trouble given their lack of continuity. It looks like the Clippers’ have enough to win right now, but can they keep picking up wins in the series?
Booker and Durant’s game didn’t look as fluid with both isolation scorers basically taking turns on offense. A more fluid system where they can play off each other’s strengths may be more valuable, but it’s too late in the season to create something like that. If the Clips can continue outhustling the Suns as they did today, they could easily win the series and welcome PG back into the fold in the second round.
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