Last night, without five-time All-Star Kawhi Leonard, the Los Angeles Clippers locked horns with Sacramento Kings and struggled to protect the ball against De’Aaron Fox and co in a 128-127 loss. Paul Geroge had a chance to seal the victory for the Clippers at the buzzer, but the eight-time All-Star failed to deliver. Fans were naturally quite upset with this loss and many blamed Russell Westbrook as he made a blunder in the last seconds of the game.
The Clippers have now tasted defeat in their last five games. Interestingly, their losing spree started the day Russell Westbrook debuted for them on the floor.
Russ was traded from the Los Angeles Lakers to Utah Jazz in a three-team, eight-player trade deal last month. He finally ended up in LA only as the Clippers subsequently acquired him. However, the former MVP’s start with the Clippers doesn’t seem to have been as promising as one would expect.
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What was Rusell Westbrook’s blunder that seemingly cost the Clippers their game?
Down one point in the waning seconds of the fourth quarter, the Clippers had a real chance to seal the victory against the Kings, but it ultimately wasn’t to be, it seems, as Russ fumbled the ball out of bounds. With just 19 seconds left in the fourth quarter, Eric Gordon drove forward through the half-court after receiving a pass from George. Subsequently, he passed the ball to the nine-time All-Star in hopes of a basket but unfortunately the now 34-year-old couldn’t grab the ball properly and it went through his fingertips.
Though it was definitely one of the deciding factors, Westbrook’s late-game turnover may not have been the only reason that cost them the game. Before making the mistake last night, the former MVP performed quite well as he ended up with 27 points, two rebounds, and 10 assists.
Fans, however, did give him a hard time – being surprisingly critical in some cases.
Fans were upset with Russell Westbrook
A basketball-related fan page shared a clip of Westbrook’s late-game turnover, and it garnered a lot of traction on social media, notably on Twitter. Fans swarmed into the comments section to express their disappointment.
Here are some of fans’ reactions:
Its simply impossible to win an NBA game with him on your roster 💀
— NBA SUPERFAN (@nbasup3rfan) March 4, 2023
https://twitter.com/Aaronisbig/status/1631890453095415808?s=20
Annddd it cost the clips the game
— Lakers Analysis (@LakersAnal_ysis) March 4, 2023
russ has the worst hands in the league. this isn’t just a one time thing, he’s always dropping and fumbling the ball😂
— Leburner (@ConnorJuratovac) March 4, 2023
He gotta be doing this for attention no other reason
— Michael (@aotmike94) March 4, 2023
A page named ‘Legion Hoops’ revealed that the Clippers are 0-5 since acquiring the former MVP. Fans were asked whether things could be turned around before the playoffs. In their responses, a surprising number of fans criticized Westbrook.
Watch this story- Russell Westbrook vs Stephen Curry: What do the Numbers Say on Who?s the Better Point Guard?
Here are some of the reactions:
Lol no not with Russ it’s over
— Hurricanesontop305 (@itsheatseason30) March 4, 2023
They really sent Reggie Jackson out and brought Russ in. Idc what y’all say in games my favorite team played against the Clippers Reggie made me afraid. Dude was a 3 level scorer and made plays for them at the biggest times. Made crazy shots now have Russ who can’t shoot🤦♂️
— ProKO1017 (@KevinOs19689875) March 4, 2023
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Westbrook is awful
— Daniel Joke 🤡 (@DamarHamlin99) March 4, 2023
Blame Russ
— bryan smothers (@bryaniland) March 4, 2023
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Would you say that it was the fault of Russell Westbrook, that the Clippers lost? Share your thoughts in a comment below.