In another showdown between LA rivals, the Los Angeles Clippers are hosting the Los Angeles Lakers for their second clash this month. The Lakers emerged victorious in the previous encounter behind a score of 106-103; thanks to LeBron James’ impressive 25 points and 8 rebounds. However, the dynamics have shifted for the current game. The Lakers listed LeBron James on their injury report, while the Clippers have Ivica Zubac and Moussa Diabate resting; potentially opening up more playing time for Russell Westbrook.
On Tuesday evening, Russ immediately made history as he stepped onto the court, marking his 1,136th career game. The checkpoint tied him on the 65th spot alongside Detlef Schrempf on the NBA’s all-time regular season games played list. With that, as the first quarter neared its end, Brodie showcased another remarkable spectacle shining brightly on the court.
Russell Westbrook hits a shoeless three
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Coming off the bench for the Clippers, former Laker Westbrook left Lakers fans in awe during the closing minutes of the first quarter. While being guarded by Jarred Vanderbilt on the deep wing, Westbrook noticed his shoe slipping. As he attempted to maneuver, his high-top on the right leg slipped off. Taking advantage of the situation, Vanderbilt tried to capitalize, but Brodie countered by utilizing a screen and dribbling at the top of the arc. After a brief moment to assess the defense, he exploited the space and drilled an open three-pointer.
Only Russ pic.twitter.com/FhiVzSET9Q
— Rob Perez (@WorldWideWob) January 24, 2024
Westbrook’s three-pointer proved crucial, propelling the Clippers to a 35-29 lead at the end of the first quarter. Despite LeBron’s absence, the Lakers’ resistance deserved applause. However, as the halftime buzzer sounded, the Clippers furthered their lead by 13, with the score standing at 77-64.
Read More – After Blowing 18 Point Lead vs the Clippers, Nets Star Receives Special Souvenir From Russell Westbrook
Fans go crazy on Russ’ shoe-less shot
Given Brodie’s ‘why not’ attitude, fans took to social media to applaud Westbrook. Immediately, @InvestorBettor couldn’t help but reminisce about the time when Mike Miller hit a clutch three while shoeless during one of the Heatles’ finals.
Shoutout Mike Miller pic.twitter.com/DRo3WyWXZM
— Investor Bettor (@InvestorBettor) January 24, 2024
On the other hand, @staminho had a different comparison in mind. The fan compared shoeless Westbrook to Hoodie Melo, an alias given to Carmelo Anthony’s off-season workout demeanor.
Shoeless Russ is like Hoodie Melo, unstoppable
— Stami (@staminho) January 24, 2024
@TomlinGottaGo tried to imply that Westbrook is on a mission when playing against the Lakers, possibly due to his multi-year stint with them, where his impact began diminishing on the court.
He's always ready to square up with the Lakers
— Guava Farmer Mason (@TomlinGottaGo) January 24, 2024
With that same sentiment, @den_shorts implied that Westbrook is getting his revenge. The fan wrote, “Scapegoat Russ getting revenge.”
Scapegoat Russ getting revenge.
— SportShorts (@den_shorts) January 24, 2024
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@intricateone implied that the Lakers are in for a long night, as Russ is successfully making threes.
Lakers are in trouble when Westbrook making 3’s
— intricateone (@intricateone) January 24, 2024
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Currently, the Lakers are looking to forge a run to cut the Clippers’ lead. In 10 minutes, Westbrook has scored 6 points on 50% shooting, with his only three being the one fans can’t get enough of.
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