The Los Angeles Clippers’ signing of Russell Westbrook was seen as a make-or-break move. The expectation was that it would either work really well or it would tank their season.
The early signs were not good; the Clippers lost 5 straight games after getting Russell Westbrook. His numbers weren’t the problem, but something was not clicking. That has changed now, and the Clippers have won 3 in a row. But it’s come with a caveat that doesn’t look great for Westbrook.
In the last 2 games, the Clippers have beaten the Toronto Raptors and New York Knicks, Russell Westbrook has not played a minute in the 4th quarter of either of those games. He is being benched by Tyronn Lue in crunch time, and it seems to be working for the team.
Russell Westbrook being on the bench was a big conversation during his time with the Los Angeles Lakers, although he had made his peace with his role by the end. His style of play can be turnover prone at times and inefficient as well, so not having him in the 4th quarter isn’t too bad an idea when there are other options.
His numbers have dropped quite a bit as well. After a 27-point and 10-rebound performance against Sacramento, Westbrook doesn’t have more than 10 points in any of the three games. He has played just 23 minutes in the last two games, which is not a good sign for Westbrook either as the business end of the season approaches.
Tyronn Lue Has Been Happy With Russell Westbrook’s Fit On The Clippers
Russell Westbrook’s minutes may not say this, but Ty Lue has been very complimentary about his fit with the team. He spoke about Russ and how he has bought in recently.
“It’s a 100 percent buy-in and he’s been great,” Tyronn Lue said. “Even last game when he didn’t go back in just talking to T-Mann, talking to the guys, staying engaged, cheering for his teammates and it was huge. And so what he’s brought to our team has been great.”
It’s not easy for a former MVP like Russell Westbrook to adjust to the sort of role that the Clippers currently have him playing. But it seems inevitable at this point Westbrook is no longer who he once was. And if the team keeps winning like this, he won’t be able to protest much about it, either.
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