In front of Kawhi Leonard, Russell Westbrook gave the Los Angeles Clippers a valiant effort in Game 3 of their series against the Phoenix Suns. Just before kickoff, “The Claw” was unable to play because of a strained right knee.
According to reports, Leonard was hurt in Game 1 but managed to play through it in Game 2. His situation only worsened, so the Clippers’ medics opted to take him out of the game.
Regarding Leonard’s absence, Westbrook stated the following (via Joey Linn):
“I only feel bad for him. most likely had his greatest basketball performance in a while. honestly, the greatest in the world.
Russell Westbrook on Kawhi Leonard: “I just feel sorry for him. Probably was playing his best basketball in a while. The best in the world, honestly.”
— Joey Linn (@joeylinn_) April 21, 2023
In 52 regular-season games, the two-time NBA Finals MVP averaged 23.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.4 steals. In two postseason games, he ramped up the intensity, averaging 34.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, 6.0 assists, and 2.0 steals. Also making 54.5% of his shots, including 60.0% from behind the arc, was Leonard.
Most fans weren’t fully writing off the LA Clippers’ prospects against the Phoenix Suns because of Leonard, even without Paul George. When healthy, the two-time defensive player of the year winner is a formidable force in the postseason.
Some basketball observers questioned whether old Leonard would ever reappear after a gruelling 20 games to begin the season. In the past 25 games for the Clippers, the old Leonard began to emerge.
At the end of the regular season, Kawhi Leonard was averaging 27.3 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 4.0 APG, and 1.5 SPG. His effectiveness increased as well; he made 53.0% of his shots overall, including 49.2% from long range.
Breaking: Kawhi Leonard has been ruled out for Game 3 against the Suns because of a right knee sprain, sources told @NotoriousOHM.
He aggravated his knee in Game 1, played through it in Game 2 and is expected to be day-to-day ahead of Game 4, a source told @wojespn. pic.twitter.com/kWWsrOjUN5
— ESPN (@espn) April 20, 2023
His return and potential improvement were only further demonstrated by his performance in the first two games in Phoenix. Unfortunately, he could miss the postseason due to another injury, which would also end the LA Clippers’ chances of winning the unpredictable Western Conference.
With Kawhi Leonard, Russell Westbrook has found his form again.
In his first five games with the LA Clippers, Russell Westbrook’s club was defeated. Los Angeles dropped from fourth to eighth in the Western Conference rankings, becoming the NBA’s favourite target.
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However, the former MVP was able to resurrect his career and finish the regular season well. He seemed to be more energised after playing with Kawhi Leonard and former colleague Paul George.
Russell Westbrook’s relationship with Leonard would be put to the test when George injured his right knee a few weeks before the playoffs. “Russ” rose to the occasion with a subpar shooting performance (3-19) in Game 1 but made crucial plays that contributed to the team’s victory. In the final moments, he stopped Devin Booker to keep the Suns at bay.
Russell Westbrook and Norman Powell did everything they could tonight. 👏 pic.twitter.com/c13bhF2bgi
— theScore Bet (@theScoreBet) April 21, 2023
In the first two games of the series, Westbrook averaged 18.5 points, 8.0 assists, 6.5 rebounds, and 1.0 steals. “Russ” ended the game with 30 points, 12 assists, eight rebounds, three steals, and a block despite playing without Kawhi Leonard and Paul George.