“I believe in my abilities to stop anybody,” Russell Westbrook reveals bold reason behind wanting Ja Morant in during final play
Russell Westbrook expresses his strong self-confidence and shows he can be a top level defender against any player in the league. He challenged to take on Ja Morant during the final moments of the game.
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Russell Westbrook Vs. Ja Morant
Russell Westbrook is historically known as a mediocre, mostly bad defender. Fans have criticized him for his commitment at times and there have been multiple clips of him just switching off on defense. He has been known for losing track of his man and giving up easy buckets. Russ, however, has come out to defy these claims after the Lakers’ close win over the West-leading Memphis Grizzlies.
The former MVP and current 6MOTY frontrunner played good on-ball defense on Ja Morant, even telling Darvin Ham to let him guard Morant on the final play after playing good defense on Ja the whole game en route to the win. After the game, Westbrook was quizzed on the prospect of guarding Memphis’ young superstar. Confident as ever, Westbrook said, “I just know I’m a very good defender and I believe in my abilities to stop anybody.“
On the theme of defense, the game was won due to the Lakers’ making a big defensive play. Dennis Schroder came from Desmond Bane’s blindside and stripped him of the ball. He then ran down the other end and scored an and-1 to put the lakers up by 1.
Coach Ham was asked postgame about Schroder’s play and he was full of praise for the German. “His instincts defensively, he’s one of our better perimeter defenders. He knows how to make big plays in big moments. He’s not afraid.” said Ham.
Reports said that Ham envisioned Westbrook as a defensive leader in his vision of the Lakers, when he first arrived as their new head coach and Brodie has bought in.
Russell Westbrook helps Lakers end Grizzlies win-streak
The Memphis Grizzlies came into this game sitting #2 in the Western Conference and on an 11-game win streak. The Lakers, on the other hand, are down Anthony Davis at this point. And yet, the hosts were able to stick close to, and eventually beat the team with the best defense in the league. Beating the hottest team in the league without one of their superstars is another positive sign for the Lakers.
The question again is whether the Lakers can turn this positive spark into something bigger. Previously they failed to ride the momentum of a 5-game win streak, losing their next three. Time is running out and a sustained run of form will be required if they are to get into the playoffs.
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