Russell Westbrook takes responsibility for Clippers loss

And here it is, it’s already over… The Clippers’ series of four successes ended yesterday against the Magic, who came to win 113-108 on Californian soil. The absence of Kawhi Leonard, put to rest due to “back-to-back”, will have weighed in this 34th setback of the season, as will the poor performance of Russell Westbrook, author of 14 points at 5/14 shooting, 5 rebounds, 9 assists but also 6 lost balls. Result of the races: Tyronn Lue’s troops completely let go in the last act, conceding 39 points!

After the meeting, finished with the worst +/- of his team (-15) due in particular to an end to the match where he systematically embedded himself in the opposing defense, without managing to find the basket or his teammates, the playmaker took the floor to assume his share of responsibility in this new failure.

“Honestly, this one is for me. I could have been better. I started well. But in the second half, I was horrible. I have to do a better job in the second half to help the others, in the fourth quarter especially. They are there for nothing. Honestly, it’s my fault”, he admitted after the match.

His performance is all the more spot in view of the performance of the opposing leader, Markelle Fultz, author of his best offensive game in career with 28 points, but also 6 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals.

Paul George still confident

Paul George, however, wanted to defend Russell Westbrook, even if the latter has a string of complicated matches, especially in terms of outside shooting (0/3 tonight, 4/22 in total over the last 7 games).

“He’s a professional, a veteran, a Top 75 player in NBA history. He’ll be fine”assured PG. “He knows he has to stay confident, he knows we trust him, we’re behind him, and he’s going to stay in ‘attack mode’. I never worry about shots from Russ. I just know what he brings and his value to the team. And that’s more important than anything. He does so many other things that I don’t care. He plays hard and he’s a guy I want to fight with.

For his part, Russell Westbrook projected himself on the next match, the best way to forget his difficult evening and try to catch up. It will be against the Blazers of Damian Lillard, one of his appointed executioners.

“I can’t wait to play tomorrow after what I did today,” he concluded. “It’s really my fault. My job is to penetrate and find open players to get them open shots. I wasn’t good enough at that. I have to make sure that I will be better at this tomorrow”.