“Russell Westbrook or Russell StephBrook?”: Skip Bayless Can’t Stop Gushing Over Clippers Star’s Dominant Game 4 vs Suns

The Los Angeles Clippers can’t seem to shake the injury bug. After losing Paul George for the first round, they haven’t had Kawhi Leonard for the last two games, with no indication of a return in Game 5. Good thing they acquired a third star in Russell Westbrook.

Over the past two games, with Kawhi out, Russ has been crucial for the Clippers. In Game 3, Brodie and Norman Powell made sure the Suns did not run away with the game. Earlier today, we got a glimpse of Thunder Westbrook.

He delivered a back-to-back 30+ point performance, taking on Kevin Durant and the Suns. However, it wasn’t enough, as KD and Booker both went for 30+ today. The Suns finished the game 112-100, winning the third straight game and taking a 3-1 lead on the series.

Russell Westbrook gets uncharacteristic praise from Skip Bayless

Ever since Russ made his way to Los Angeles, Skip Bayless has been after his life. From mocking him for his reduced role, to turnovers, to missed shots, Skip has been nitpicking his performance for the past two seasons. He even went as far as to call him ‘Westbrick’ several times.

However, seeing Russell Westbrook take over tonight, Skip couldn’t help but admire the 2017 MVP. Russ finished the game with 37 points, six rebounds, and four assists.

Russell Westbrook today:

37 points
6 rebounds
4 assists
58% FG
back-to-back 30 point games

Did all he could pic.twitter.com/lvN8iYuqRJ

— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) April 22, 2023

While the game was going on, Skip was beyond impressed with what he was watching. He put out a couple of tweets about the same.

Russ Stephbrook

— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) April 22, 2023

UNREAL … WESTBROOK SHOT 29% FROM 3 THIS SEASON!!! MUCH OF SEASON HE WAS 2ND WORST IN THE NBA TO BANCHERO!!! NOW HE CAN’T MISS. TY LUE HAS REBUILT HIS CONFIDENCE. STUNNING TO SEE. SCOUTING REPORT SAY LET HIM SHOOT. UH …

— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) April 22, 2023

After the game ended, Skip checked the stats and saw Russ went 3 for 6 from the deep tonight.

I just double-checked how many threes Westbrook hit today vs Suns … 3-6 threes. Wait, only 3??? Seemed like he made 9 or 10, didn’t it?

— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) April 23, 2023

After his recent performances, Bayless should stop complaining about the Clippers’ star and just give him the respect he is due.

Westbrook talked about the lack of FTs

Russell Westbrook scored 37 points tonight, and only nine of them came through the deep. 26 of the rest of the 28 points came in the paint. Surprisingly, Russ didn’t get a single whistle and made 0 trips to the FT line. Talking about the same after the game, Russ said,

Russell Westbrook on 37 points on 17-of-29 FG without a free throw attempt:

“I don’t know. I keep attacking man. Stay positive. Don’t get distracted. Just being in the league over time, just concentrate on making the shot. It’s unfortunate man. On Tuesday, I’m right back at it.”

— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) April 22, 2023

Russ and the Clippers would hope Kawhi returns for Game 5. However, if he can’t, they’d hope that they at least get some friendly whistles on the road at least.