Russell Westbrook’s son, Noah, loves soccer and the former MVP has one message for him when he goes out to play, have fun. When asked about how much fun he and the Los Angeles Clippers were having when they went on a 22-0 run against the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday, Westbrook stressed the importance of having fun in sports.
“It’s the most important part about sports, in my opinion,” Westbrook said. “… He (Noah) loves soccer, so when he plays soccer, I tell him the most important part about going out is having fun. You can compete and you can miss and make shots, turnovers, all of that stuff is going to come and go. Win, lose, or draw, whatever… For me, the joy, the energy is so important.”
(starts at 2:54 mark):
Sports is about having fun at the end of the day and Westbrook lives by that philosophy. In case anyone is wondering where they might have heard him say this before, it was in an infamous clip from last year.
With the Los Angeles Lakers on a five-game winning streak, head coach Darvin Ham and LeBron James said it was time to get greedy and win more. Westbrook, however, told the team to have fun.
“Just keep having fun, bro,” Westbrook said. “… Be happy for the next man, keep having fun, bro. Win, lose, or draw, have fun.”
LeBron’s reaction suggested he might not have that same outlook toward sports. Westbrook would be traded a month or so later to the Utah Jazz and eventually ended up with the Clippers. The 35-year-old has found a like-minded co-star now, as Kawhi Leonard of all people echoed Westbrook’s “Win, lose or draw, have fun” phrase.
Russell Westbrook Spoke On The Clippers’ Incredible Comeback
The Clippers seemed headed toward their second loss in three games when they were down 104-86 with just under 11 minutes remaining in the contest against the Nets. What followed, was an incredible comeback.
After the Nets went up 114-103 with 5:33 left, the Clippers closed out the game on a ridiculous 22-0 run to win 125-114. Westbrook was also asked postgame if he had ever been involved in anything that. (starts at 1:43 mark in the above video).
“Not in a while,” Westbrook replied. “But definitely super gracious and blessed to be a part of such a great group and have an opportunity to be able to make runs. Shows the resiliency of our team and this afternoon was one of those games where it showed.”
The win did show just how resilient the Clippers are. They now have a never-give-up attitude and Westbrook is one of the reasons why. He had a fine showing against the Nets, finishing with 23 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block. The Clippers improved to 27-14 with the win and up next for them is a heavyweight clash with Westbrook’s former team, the Lakers.
It is incredible to think just how much things have changed in a year for Westbrook in Los Angeles. The nine-time All-Star was the scapegoat in some ways for the Lakers’ struggles last season and it has been a much more pleasant ride for him with the Clippers.
Leonard’s agent said Westbrook is much happier on the Clippers, and you can clearly see it as well. He is having a lot more fun playing for an organization and with teammates who want him there.
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