He started the season with two wins in twelve games at the Lakers, then he was placed on the bench, before finally being transferred and then cut! Russell Westbrook had a completely crazy season, and finally, he will play in the playoffs while the Lakers are forced to go through the “play-in”.
A nice revenge for the former MVP who has found the pleasure of playing for the Clippers, and for the first time in his career, he will challenge Kevin Durant in the playoffs! After having played more than 600 matches together and reached the Finals in 2012, they had left the Thunder, each of their sides without ever meeting again in the playoffs! In fact, since 2016, and Durant’s departure to the Warriors, they’ve only played 11 face-to-face meetings. It is little in seven years.
“I believe this is the first time?” » Westbrook asks about this upcoming series against Kevin Durant. ” I don’t remember… So it’s going to be good. That’s exciting. »
What is “exciting” is to find the playoffs since he had missed them last season for his first season at the Lakers. “It’s a privilege, and I never take it for granted,” he continues. “I’m lucky to be in a situation where I can challenge them and I’m looking forward to doing so. »
An important role in the absence of Paul George
However, everything had started badly at the Clippers since Westbrook started with five defeats in a row! ” It proved that the team had character. Obviously you can’t take injuries and other factors into account, but having an identity and doing what is necessary goes a long way. »
Speaking of injuries, the Clippers will probably be without Paul George, still not recovered from his knee injury. In his absence, Westbrook upped his game averaging 19.2 points, 8.0 assists and 4.1 rebounds. All at 52% on shots and 46% at 3-pointers! “I am ready to do whatever it takes to win” explains Westbrook about his role. ” Whatever it is, every game will be different. »
