Russell Westbrook has been the lone warrior for the Los Angeles Clippers in the first round of the 2023 Playoffs series. Although they are now down 1-3 in the series to Kevin Durant and Co, they are not totally out.
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Kawhi Leonard has now missed two straight games, struggling through a sprain in his right knee and life-changing news about his sister being imprisoned for life in a murder trial.
Paul George meanwhile, has missed all four games because of his recovery from a knee sprain on his right knee as well. And still, the Suns cannot be confident about winning the series in Game 5 in Phoenix.
All because of a player who was rumored to be a locker room “vampire” as per a report by Dave McMenamin just a few months ago, if you remember.
NBA Twitter praises Russell Westbrook and calls out his bashing a few months ago
The former Lakers point guard went through a lot of scrutiny, probably the most of his career in the past two years since he came to LA. On Monday, after putting up 37 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists in a Game 4 loss to the Suns, he earned some of his respect back for the grit he has shown in the series.
“Russell Westbrook has been the exact opposite of a “vampire” during these playoffs. He’s given the Clippers literally everything he could, and been a major reason why this series is even competitive without Kawhi Leonard and Paul George,” tweeted BR insider Farbod Esnaashari.
Russell Westbrook has been the exact opposite of a “vampire” during these playoffs. He’s given the Clippers literally everything he could, and been a major reason why this series is even competitive without Kawhi Leonard and Paul George.
— Farbod Esnaashari (@Farbod_E) April 22, 2023
KD and CP3 gave their flowers as well.
CP3 and KD say the constant criticism of Russell Westbrook isn’t justified. 💪 pic.twitter.com/xrvURLl4Sm
— theScore (@theScore) April 23, 2023
So did the rest of the Twitterati.
russell westbrook (with no star help) just outscored kevin durant and devin booker in a playoff game (on better efficiency) after people said he’s washed, he should retire, he’s a vampire, etc.
give this man his flowers 💐 pic.twitter.com/qNaUed7jY1
— jeff (@retrojeffhoops) April 22, 2023
#RussellWestbrook Is putting up amazing numbers in the playoffs. Brodie is averaging 26 7.5 7.3 I.5 SPG & 1.8 BPG shooting 46% from the field and 40% from 3. Put some respect on that man’s name!!
— Marcus Knox (@Moneyyy_Mitch77) April 23, 2023
This is after he had an earful each night from these very fans for almost 2 years. Everything now is just compensation for how badly we thrashed him when he was having a bad time. After playing tremendous basketball for more than 10 years, the 9x All-Star deserved better.
What can be Westbrook’s future if the Clippers get eliminated?
It is almost inevitable. There is no way for the Clips to win 3 straight before the Suns win one. And so, as the series is nearing its end, Russ must look at what lies ahead.
Earning $784,914 for his Clippers stay, the man who made $47 million not long ago, must be considering other options as he will be an unrestricted free agent for the next season.
And him balling out for his new team, at a time that matters the most, will only bring his stake as high as possible. It’ll be interesting to see who gambles on him next season.
