Russell Westbrook has embraced a bench role with the Los Angeles Clippers, and the team's stars, Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, are grateful for the 2017 NBA Most Valuable Player's willingness to make the move.
The nine-time NBA All-Star had started every game for the Clippers since joining the team in February 2023 until their recent game against the Houston Rockets on Friday, November 17.
Westbrook volunteered to come off the bench after their six-game losing streak since acquiring star James Harden from the Philadelphia 76ers at the beginning of February.
"For us to go through this stretch of not winning and not knowing how to win with this squad yet, for him to take initiative and be like 'you know what I'll sacrifice and I'll try to make this work and come off the bench' it just says a lot about him, bro," George said on a recent episode of his Podcast P show.
Terrence Mann replaced the veteran point guard in the starting lineup, and the Clippers snapped their losing skid against the Rockets, 106-100.
Meanwhile, Leonard was also appreciative of the sacrifice that the 35-year-old had to make.
"I think he's gonna be good. It's gonna take time for us all to figure it out, but I think he did well. Came in and hit a big three for us and got some stops, great defense," the two-time Finals MVP said after the game against the Rockets.
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Are the Clippers better with Westbrook on the bench?
The Clippers secured another victory, this time in a dominant fashion with a score of 124-99 against Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs on Monday, November 20.
They are now 2-0 since adjusting to having Westbrook come off the bench. He had a decent performance, scoring 10 points, grabbing two rebounds, dishing six assists, and stealing the ball thrice.
While the team's improved performance may be attributed to Westbrook's role adjustment, additional factors are at play.
With their recent roster moves, the team has established two formidable pick-and-roll partnerships, featuring James Harden and Ivica Zubac in the starting lineup and Russell Westbrook alongside new signing Daniel Theis coming off the bench.
Although there is room for improvement in the chemistry between these two duos, it can become a lethal weapon for the Clippers once they get the hang of it.
The Clippers signed Theis earlier this week after he cleared waivers, having reached a buyout agreement with the Indiana Pacers.
Theis expressed his frustration about not having a role in Indiana after a standout performance for Germany, helping them win the gold medal in the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup during the offseason.
The Clippers are looking good now, and only time will tell if they have enough firepower to beat out the rest of their Western Conference rivals.
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