Russell Westbrook has thrived since volunteering to come off the bench for the Los Angeles Clippers, and the star point guard believes there is one area of his game that has been unmatched around the NBA.
The Clippers on Wednesday night won their ninth straight game with a 120-111 road victory over the Dallas Mavericks. Westbrook played 23 minutes off the bench and had 10 points, six rebounds, three assists and two steals.
After the game, Westbrook spoke with reporters about his willingness to do whatever the Clippers ask him to do. When the topic of defense arose, Westbrook boldly stated that there are not many players playing better defense than him around the NBA.
“Ain’t too many people defending better than me at this point, if we keeping it honest,” Westbrook said. “I’ll let the numbers speak for that and let y’all talk about it. Not too many people defending better than me at this position all around the league, honestly.”
Westbrook was then asked if he would feel validated if he received an NBA All-Defensive Team nod.
“You know what, I don’t need it, but unfortunately I haven’t had one because … I don’t know,” he said. “I’ve been very deserving of it at some point in my career. If that’s what happens this year, I’d be grateful and blessed for that to happen. I’m gonna keep defending my a– off every night and let it take care of itself.”
There have been times in his career when Westbrook has gone viral for his defensive lapses. He has also been a part of some solid defensive teams, particularly when he was with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
If Westbrook is truly committed to giving full effort on the defensive end, that will make a huge difference for the Clippers. It also might be enough to secure his first All-Defensive Team selection at age 35.
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