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.
KD and CP3 gave their flowers as well.
So did the rest of the Twitterati.
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.
