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USA Today via Reuters

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USA Today via Reuters

During the game against the Washington Wizards on March 1, Russell Westbrook was guarding Jordan Poole. In an attempt to steal the ball in the second half, his hand seemed to crash into the guard’s elbow. It was painful, but Brodie kept a poker face to complete the half. It was during the break he began showing signs of severe pain. After the contest, the Clippers announced he had suffered from a fracture in his left hand. The nine-time All-Star only recently got surgery, and his teammate Paul George gave some insight into his current state.

During the recent episode of ‘Podcast P’, the Clippers forward spoke about several burning and riveting topics around the sporting world. But before diving into the questions, he spoke about his close friend who is recovering from a mild injury. George, who has seen Westbrook since playing alongside him in Oklahoma was astonished while speaking of his progress.

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Paul George provides an update on Russell Westbrook

Just before opening the fan questions segment, PG13’s co-hosts wanted an update on Westbrook. After getting surgery on his left hand, no specific timeline has been provided for his return. Paul George checked on his close birthday just yesterday. Judging by his reaction, it is safe to conclude that Brodie is healing quickly.

“Oh yeah, he doing good. I checked up on him yesterday actually,” said George on his podcast. “Spirits is high. He doing good. You know, he a superhuman bro so no telling,”. 

George remembers being startled when he saw Westbrook initially grimace in pain in the locker room during the game against the Wizards. The thunderous point guard has suffered from a few hand injuries throughout his career. The earliest was during the 2015 season when he suffered a similar fracture which he got surgically repaired immediately.

The Clippers are now hopeful that the veteran is ready to play before the postseason begins. The Los Angeles team has a sturdy position in the Western Conference, currently 4th in the standings. Russell Westbrook has been an integral part of that unit. It isn’t like the indelible impact he had during his MVP years with the Thunder. However, his presence is almost indispensable.

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Westbrook is a team man through and through. His only objective since joining the Clippers has been aiding the side to augment their chances of competing. It didn’t matter what he had to do. When James Harden came in and chaos ensued, he selflessly took the initiative and asked to move to the bench.

The role has been pivotal in the Clippers’ success. Westbrook is the life of the second unit. His energetic play on both sides of the floor reflects during the games. The seasoned guard has devoted himself to playing hard-nosed defense, holding his matchups to 43% shooting. He has immensely helped rejuvenate the bench which is stacked with scorers and new faces such as Batum, Powell, and Covington. The Clippers rank 10th in bench scoring, much due to the ease Westbrook provides as an erratic playmaker and slasher.

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Westbrook has a brief history of injuries. He is likely to return during the close games of the regular season or early in the playoffs. With him, the Los Angeles Clippers will feel confident for what will be their ‘first test’ in the NBA’s most tantalizing stretch.

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