A defeat in Game 3 against the Phoenix Suns seemed like a foregone conclusion for the Los Angeles Clippers when it was announced that Kawhi Leonard was out.
The absence of Kawhi and Paul George was a big blow but they managed to keep it close, with Russell Westbrook stepping up. Ultimately it wasn’t enough to get the win, but head coach Tyronn Lue says Russ gives them the belief they can win without their two stars.
“It’s been phenomenal,” Lue said when asked about Westbrook’s energy. “Without Kawhi, without PG, he gives us the belief that we can win and he’s doing a good job with our young guys, instilling that confidence in those guys. Doing it by example but also talking to the guys. When he’s guarding KD (Kevin Durant), the blocked shots from behind, the rebounds, guarding (Devin) Booker, and just how hard he plays every single night. That’s the energy we need and he’s giving these young guys the belief that we can win.”
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Westbrook finished the game with 30 points, 8 rebounds, 12 assists, 3 steals, and a block. He has had a great series too, averaging 22.3 PPG, 8.0 RPG, 8.3 APG, 1.7 SPG, and 2.0 BPG. He struggled shooting the ball in Game 1, but has shot 20-39 from the field and 5-10 from beyond the arc in the last two games. His performances have somewhat helped compensate for George’s absence, and the Clippers need him to keep this up.
L.A. also got an incredible performance from Norman Powell in the loss, as he finished with a team-high 42 points. Powell and Russ gave the Suns an almighty scare, and on another night, they could have got the win. Unfortunately for the Clippers, Kawhi has been ruled out for Game 4 as well, so they’ll be looking to Westbrook again for some inspiration.
Paul George Explained What Russell Westbrook Brings To The Clippers
One of the biggest reasons why Westbrook is a Clipper is because George pushed for the team to sign him. Following that win in Game 1, George explained that even when Russ doesn’t shoot well, he brings so much more to the table with his rebounding and defense. He felt that people only look at the shots Westbrook misses and not at who he is as a basketball player.
There were a lot of concerns when the Clippers signed Westbrook, but it is safe to say that the move has proven to be a good one. If he wasn’t on the team at the moment, the Clippers might already have been dead and buried, but he is giving them hope that there is still a chance.
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