Russell Westbrook proves resiliency with dominant playoff performance
Russell Westbrook has seemingly turned back time in round one against the Phoenix Suns.
With star teammates Kawhi Leonard and Paul George sidelined, Westbrook was thrust into the Los Angeles Clippers driver's seat and has not disappointed. Despite trailing 3-1 in the series, the former MVP has been a force to reckon with, averaging 26 points, 7.5 rebounds, 7.3 assists and 1.5 steals through four games.
Westbrook leads the Clippers in points, assists, steals, blocks and minutes in the series.
The 34-year-old struggled shooting in Game 1, going just 3-of-19, but contributed stellar defense and the game-winning block on Devin Booker. He's since regained his confidence on offense and recorded back-to-back 30-point performances in Games 3 and 4.
Westbrook's career has been riddled with ups and downs since his MVP season in 2017 with the Oklahoma City Thunder. He's been heavily criticized in the media and even begged to not shoot by the home crowd during his unsuccessful stint with the L.A. Lakers.
When Westbrook became a free agent during the trade deadline, his former OKC teammate, George, urged the Clippers to pick him up — a decision that has proven fruitful for both parties.
Even Westbrook's opponents have tipped their hats. Former teammate Kevin Durant and Chris Paul defended Westbrook's "resiliency" during their Game 4 postgame press conference.
"When he retires, people are gonna really tell the truth about how they feel about his game. Right now, the fun thing to do is to make a joke out of Russ. The way he's been playing since he got with the Clippers showed everybody who he really is," Durant said.
"I feel like the only people that [criticize Westbrook] are the people who don't know basketball," Paul added.
Westbrook and the Clippers return to Phoenix for Game 5 on Tuesday night.
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