Stats reveals Russell Westbrook DESTROYED Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and CP3 in Clippers’ Game 1 win over Suns
How Westbrook’s defense helped Clippers steal Game 1 from Suns
Follow Us
Clippers' Russell Westbrook (Via Twitter)
Russell Westbrook is not just a machine on offense. He can also lock down some of the best players in the league. The Los Angeles Clippers point guard, who shot a dismal 3-of-19 from the field, took on the challenge of guarding the Phoenix Suns’ trio of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Chris Paul in Game 1 of the Western Conference first-round series.
He also made the game-winning play, stripping Booker of the ball and throwing it off him out of bounds with 17 seconds left and the Clippers up by three. That secured a 115-110 victory for the Clippers, who snatched home-court advantage from the second-seeded Suns despite missing All-Star Paul George, who is still sidelined with a sprained right knee.
According to the NBA’s matchup data, Russell Westbrook took on the challenge of guarding Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Chris Paul, but dominated it. He guarded the trio for 59 total possessions in the last game and held them to just 6 points on 25% shooting from the field in those possessions. A stellar performance from a future first-ballot Hall of Famer.
Westbrook had nine points, 10 rebounds, eight assists, three blocks, and two steals in 40 minutes. He earned praise from his coach and teammates for his hustle and impact on defense.
Russell Westbrook’s defense a key for Clippers’ title aspirations
Westbrook’s performance in Game 1 showed why the Clippers were eager to land him after his contract buyout from the Utah Jazz in March. The Clippers wanted to add another playmaker and scorer next to Kawhi Leonard, who led the team with 38 points in Game 1. But they also wanted to improve their defense, which was mediocre before the trade.
Westbrook has brought a new level of energy and versatility to the Clippers’ defense, allowing them to switch more effectively and disrupt opposing offenses. He has also been a vocal leader and a tone-setter for the team. According to StatMuse, Westbrook has averaged 15.8 points, 4.9 rebounds, 7.6 assists, and 1.6 steals in 21 games with the Clippers. He has also improved his shooting efficiency from 40.9% to 48.9% since joining the team.
The Clippers will need Westbrook to continue his stellar defense and his improved offense as they face a tough challenge from the Suns, who have one of the best offenses in the league led by Durant, Booker, and Paul. The Suns will also look to bounce back from their Game 1 loss and make adjustments to counter Westbrook’s defense. They will try to get more production from their bench, which was outscored by the Clippers’ reserves 42-24.
Game 2 of the series will take place on Tuesday at Phoenix. The Clippers will try to take a commanding 2-0 lead, while the Suns will try to even up the series before heading to Los Angeles.
In Case You Missed:
- “You just big and ugly” – Charles Barkley DESTROYS Shaquille O’Neal, claims former Lakers star wasn’t a great shot blocker
- “This series is over” – Stephen A. Smith CALLS IT OVER for Memphis Grizzlies after Ja Morant suffers injury vs Lakers
Stay Updated!
Ankush Singh
(616 Articles Published)