Washington Wizards head coach Scott Brooks is a big fan of Russell Westbrook, and that feeling is apparently reciprocated. Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

The Washington Wizards clinched one of the top two play-in spots in the Eastern Conference this past Sunday.

After a slow start to the season, head coach Scott Brooks’ squad really rallied in the second half of the season to win 17 of its last 23 games.

Will that be enough to save his job?

There have been murmurs about Brooks’ perilous status with the organization for months.

This week, Wizards star Russell Westbrook came out and gave his blunt assessment of Brooks’ job status and what he has meant throughout the Wizards' run in the second half of the season.

“You gotta give credit to our coach, number one,” he said, per Fred Katz of The Athletic.

“Behind the scenes, Scottie is one hell of a coach. … All of the outside noise, it really doesn’t matter because we know how important he is, and I know how important he is to myself and to the team.”

When Westbrook flamed out with the Houston Rockets and was traded to the Wizards, Brooks came out with a particularly strong statement regarding him.

As such, it probably shouldn’t come as much of a surprise that Westbrook has his coach’s back as well.

The Wizards are set to face off against the Boston Celtics on Tuesday. If they ultimately prevail and make it to the playoffs, that coupled with Westbrook’s support will likely make the case for keeping Brooks much stronger.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Bears coach provides massive update on QB Caleb Williams' progress
Rookie camp sheds light on Patriots' efforts to develop Drake Maye
First game of 2024 NFL season features rematch between two AFC powerhouses
Bronny James receives medical clearance, expected to remain in draft
Nuggets teach Timberwolves it's never easy to knock out the champion
Panthers come from behind to take Game 4 vs. Bruins
Hawks win 2024 NBA Draft Lottery
Watch: Padres star passes father on all-time home runs list
Terrion Arnold honors his mother in a unique way
Brad Keselowski breaks 110-race winless streak at Darlington
Watch: Manchester United ties record, highlighting club's ineptitude
Celtics' Jrue Holiday praises overlooked aspect of Jayson Tatum's game
Arturs Silovs' 42 saves lead Canucks past Oilers in Game 3
Braves star leaves game early due to left side soreness
Pacers blow out Knicks on Mother’s Day, even series at 2-2
Hawks GM 'shocked' that his team won the NBA Draft Lottery
Prolific former Brewers, A's slugger announces retirement
Saints to sign veteran offensive lineman
Smother's Day: Pacers shut down Knicks in first half of Game 4
Flyers goaltender suspended from international play for three years

Want more Wizards news?

Join the hundreds of thousands of fans who start their day with Yardbarker's Morning Bark, the best newsletter in sports.