‘Damian Lillard Sent You Home’: Stephen A. Smith Stands By His Comments on Russell Westbrook

Russell Westbrook has caught the ire of Stephen A. Smith. After posting an incredible 30-21-14 triple-double against the Indiana Pacers, Smith chose to critique him for not having any championship success.

He noted that his numbers have always been great, but Westbrook failed to find any success. Russell Westbrook did not take kindly to the comments and responded to the analyst.

Stephen A. Smith responds to Russell Westbrook

However, now Stephen A. Smith took the chance to respond to Washington Wizards‘ Russell Westbrook. He noted that Westbrook has consistently failed in the Playoffs, falling to players like Damian Lillard, Donovan Mitchell, and James Harden.

Westbrook has had great teammates, like Kevin Durant, James Harden, Paul George, and Bradley Beal. But he hasn’t come close to winning a championship.

“Damian Lillard sent you home! Donovan Mitchell sent you home. James Harden sent you home. All along the way, and Kevin Durant left.

“In your career, you have had Kevin Durant, James Harden, Serge Ibaka, Reggie Jackson, Victor Oladipo, Paul George, James Harden again, and now Bradley Beal.” 

READ MORE- Russell Westbrook and the Curious Case of the Triple-Double Era in Modern NBA

Smith unimpressed by Westbrook’s numbers

Smith added that while the triple-doubles this late into the season are worth celebrating, that shouldn’t be the case for Westbrook.

Throughout his career, Westbrook has consistently put up great numbers. But he hasn’t shown his greatness when it counts the most. Smith noted that his comments are not a statement on his character or his legacy as a human being.

“We want to celebrate triple-doubles, 40+ games into our regular season. But when it comes to you? No. You’re so great, we want to see more when it matters. And me saying that is not an indictment against your character.

“And it doesn’t require a soliloquy about generational wealth and a less about these commentators go on TV screens and they critique these players, and they alter their lives.”

Russell Westbrook has shown that he is one of the most statistically incredible players since Wilt Chamberlain. His numbers are always incredible and even led him to an MVP title in 2017.

What’s your take on this issue?

READ MORE- ‘Don’t Have to Be an NBA Champion’: Russell Westbrook Gives Fitting Response to Stephen A Smith Criticism