The Clippers savored Wednesday’s victory over their cross-town rivals in a game with huge implications for playoff seeding, but the win was a little sweeter for Russell Westbrook than anyone else, writes Mirjam Swanson of The Orange County Register. Westbrook was a lightning rod for criticism and an easy target for all that went wrong during his season and a half with the Lakers. He was the subject of trade rumors dating back to last summer before being shipped to Utah in February.
Westbrook signed with the Clippers after reaching a buyout agreement with the Jazz and has been a productive if sometimes imperfect fit. With the chance to solidify a top-six seed on Wednesday night, Westbrook provided early energy with 10 first quarter points as the Clippers built a 19-point lead in the first half.
“It’s not about individual stuff, but we knew what was said about him and when he came over here, it’s the complete opposite of who he is,” Ivica Zubac said. “He’s a great dude, a great leader, always happy, always positive, always helping everyone on the court, helping a lot. So we just wanted to prove everyone wrong, all those rumors, all that stuff that was said about him, it just makes it better that it came in the biggest game of the season.”
There’s more from the Pacific Division:
- Andrew Wiggins is back with the Warriors, but he won’t play before the regular season ends, according to Kendra Andrews of ESPN. Coach Steve Kerr said Wiggins had workouts on Tuesday with director of sports medicine Rick Celebrini and assistant coach Jama Mahlalela, then participated in a scrimmage on Wednesday with young players and staff members. “Full court, 5-on-5. He looked good,” Kerr said. “… He hasn’t played in two months and he’s out there running around and looking pretty good. He still has to stack a number of days like this before he’s ready to go out and play in an NBA game. We can’t put him in a bad spot, health-wise. We got to make sure we build him up, get his strength and conditioning in a good place before we put him out there.”
- Now that the Suns are locked into fourth place, they may consider resting players for the final two games of the season, per Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic. Phoenix will face the Lakers on Friday and the Clippers on Sunday, so that decision will impact the playoff race.
- Alex Len appears to have emerged as the Kings‘ primary backup center as they prepare for the postseason, notes Jason Anderson of The Sacramento Bee.
The Clippers have now beaten the Lakers 11 straight times dating back to July of 2020.
Bench Westbrook. Is Coach Ham respect all time great Westbrook?
Westbrook start all 19 games for the Clippers.
Ivica Zubac talked about Westbrook. “He’s a great dude, a great leader, always happy, always positive, always helping everyone on the court, helping a lot.
Westbrook sucks. Just because he is on a team that beat the Lakers in a second game of a back-to-back does not mean he suddenly is a great player again.
So grateful to have Wiggins back. He was the 2nd best player in last yr’s title run. A lot of us supported Wiggins thru thick and thin and now he’s in his prime. Hopefully, he can continue to have a legendary Warriors career. As for his leave, a lot of people are missing a point. It’s not just about letting him do whatever he wants and take all the time he wants. That’s NOT employee empowerment or wellbeing. You still have to help the employee make good decisions, proper counseling and treatment, hold them accountable, and most importantly help them GET BACK to their career. Last year, Wiggins didnt want to get vaccinated and he still has issues about vaccinations. Arent we all glad that he got vaccinated? We need to make sure that he doesnt become another Kyrie and ruin his career.
You didn’t support him. You questioned his absence and said he should come back. Don’t change your story after the fact like xlaxx
You’re the only one who cares, and you care too much. Go outside. You are holding totally anonymous posters at their word – that’s a useless task that helps no one. Take a day off posting hate on Hoops Rumors. You will be better off for it.
Wiggins dad likely has cancer with a short amount of time left. Its obvious to me (only me, I’m speaking for only myself here) that is what is happening here. His dad wanted more moments with him and said “now go win a ring and I can hopefully watch before its the end”. That sounds so what is happening here.
Lol tells me I care too much then proceeds to give their own impassioned breakdown of events (and likes their own comment lmao). Give me a break!
I supported Wiggins from jump while all you bandwagon warrior fans said he needs to come back. Now you look foolish and are trying to make up ground. It’s pathetic.
Wiggins struggled in MN and wasnt always positively perceived here in GS also. He came a long way to make his first All Star team last year and become a Champ. He was aggressive in the postseason and asserted himself as #2 player on the team. He needs to continue to play and believe like the #2 player and not go back to #5-6 in the pecking order. He himself said he wants to be a Warriors legend and it all starts with his belief, leadership, and mentality.
Phoenix will face the Lakers on Friday and the Clippers on Sunday, so that decision will impact the playoff race.
If Suns rest players vs Lakers and defeat Clippers, then Lakers are ….
… go on?!
Odd time for Len to get into the rotation
Last game of the season lol