This is the advantage of having Russell Westbrook on his team… When Paul George and Kawhi Leonard aren’t around, he can take charge, like he did at the Thunder or the Wizards. And that’s what he did last night by signing his best game of the year with 36 points, 10 assists to 13 of 18 on shots, including 5 of 5 from 3-pointers. One has the impression of reading Stephen Curry’s line of stats, but it is indeed that of a furious and roomy Westbrook, and above all ultra-efficient in allowing the Clippers to win in Memphis.
“We just kept our cool” explains the former MVP about the end of the match. “As a point guard, I’ve learned that the last five or six minutes of a game are very important. You have to make stops, find good shots. We did a good job of execution at the end of the match. »
The performance of the Clippers is not insignificant since the Grizzlies remained on 7 wins in a row, and even 12 at home! For Westbrook, the performance is even doubly “historic”. He is the first player in Clippers history to have at least 30 points and 10 assists in a game with five different teams, and he is also the first player in Clippers history to finish with at least 35 points, 10 assists and 2 counters.
Russell Westbrook sets the pace
“I’m very privileged to still be here, and my mindset hasn’t changed, even though my role is changing” he explains after the match. “We have an incredible team with Kawhi and PG, and I know that my role has evolved somewhat. But tonight we won as a team and that’s great. »
TV consultant, Jim Jackson asks him if there was a click in him, and if we found the “vintage” Russell Westbrook. “Jim, it’s just the time of year that does it!” I won’t let anyone say I’m nowhere. I’m still there. My role has changed a bit, but I’m still here! »
For Tyronn Lue, Westbrook has this ability to set the pace. He never plays with the handbrake. “He plays like that every night, and we need that rhythm. This allows for easy baskets, on lay-ups or on the transition game » love the Clippers coachwhich also looks back on the latest workouts. “We had very difficult sessions, like in a training camp, and we needed it. Russell has been setting his pace for 15 years. He was MVP, he was the leading scorer in the NBA, but what he brings to this team every day is work, pace and he shows the way for young people. »
