Clippers Lacking Russell Westbrook’s ‘Maniac’ Energy, Claims Bill Simmons After Ty Lue’s Heartbreaking Update

The Los Angeles Clippers have looked like a legitimate title contender this season. They currently possess one of the most stacked teams in the NBA, with stars like Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, and James Harden. Their lineup is so formidable that even 9-time All-Star Russell Westbrook has accepted a role coming off the bench. Westbrook has embraced his role as a spark plug off the bench. However, an untimely hand injury to Westbrook has thrown the Clippers’ season into disarray.

Russell Westbrook suffered a fractured left hand against the Washington Wizards. He had to undergo surgery to repair his left hand. Several media outlets reported that Westbrook would return in time for the start of the postseason. However, Clippers’ HC Ty Lue recently provided a worrying update on Broody’s return, as he stated that there’s no set timeline for his return.

The Clippers have experienced a decline in performance in Westbrook’s absence, leading fans to recognize his significant impact on the team. NBA insider Bill Simmons exactly pinpointed the underrated aspect of Broody’s game that the Clippers have severely missed. During a conversation on the Bill Simmons Podcast, Simmons stated that Westbrook’s energy changes games. He said, “He (Westbrook) can change energies of games when they don’t have energy. He just comes in and acts like a maniac, and I watched it happen a few times this year.”

While many underplayed Russell Westbrook’s importance to the Clippers before, his recent absence has demonstrated just how essential he is to the team’s performance. In fact, the Clippers have only managed to win four out of the nine games that Broody has missed. But how has Westbrook performed statistically this season?

Russell Westbrook’s declining numbers

During his illustrious career, few players have matched Russell Westbrook’s scoring output. He has been a statistical outlier in the NBA for most of his career, averaging a triple-double for a full season on four separate occasions. However, Russell has witnessed a sharp decline in his statistics during the twilight years of his NBA career. In fact, the 2023-24 season has been Westbrook’s worst statistical season to date.

He has averaged 11.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game this season. But despite statistically underperforming, his stint with the Clippers is widely regarded as a success. Russell Westbrook’s impact on the Clippers’ title aspirations cannot be understated. He has yet to win an NBA title in his illustrious career. But could 2024 be the year in which he finally gets his hand on the coveted Larry O’Brien trophy? Let us know in the comments below!

Read More: Russell Westbrook Injury Report: No Timeline on 9x All-Star’s Return As per Coach Ty Lue