Russell Westbrook has been receiving a lot of flak in NBA circles ever since he joined the Los Angeles Lakers. His poor showing in Purple and Gold colors further aggravated the backlash. However, the narrative has started to shift a little in Brodie’s favor following his move to the other side of Los Angeles. Recently, his former Oklahoma City teammates Kevin Durant and Chris Paul jumped in to defend Russ’ legacy in the NBA.

Some critics have pointed out Westbrook’s somewhat erratic play and ineffective shooting in the Clippers’ playoff matchup against the Phoenix Suns. While many of these critiques are valid, they can obscure Westbrook’s other contributions to his team’s success.

Kevin Durant and Chris Paul come to Westbrook’s rescue

Westbrook received criticism despite his brilliant performance in Game 4 of the Los Angeles Clippers‘ first-round matchup against the Phoenix Suns. Durant and Paul, who have both played with and against Westbrook over the years, were questioned about this in a postgame interview. And they had select words to say to the naysayers.

Westbrook scored an incredible 37 points, on 17 of 29 shooting, tallying six rebounds and four assists. The Clippers lost the game against a loaded Suns team by 12 points. However, Westbrook still put up a fight for the LA side in the absence of their centerpiece Kawhi Leonard.

Therefore, CP3 and KD denounced the harsh treatment Westbrook has received from critics.

Kevin Durant, in his response, acknowledged that success always draws criticism from people. Especially when you are as successful as Westbrook and when you have been in the game as long as he has been. Westbrook has always come to work and played hard, therefore, Durant commended his fortitude and work ethic. He said, “When he’s retired, people are gonna really tell the truth about how they feel about his game. Right now, it’s a fun thing to make a joke out of Russ. But the way he’s been playing since he got with the Clippers show everybody who he really is.”

Subsequently, Chris Paul added, “I feel like the only people to do that[criticize Russ] too is the people who don’t know basketball. You know what I’m saying and don’t know what it’s like to compete. I know it from me. Russ is one of my closest friends. So people to do that,? talk crazy, probably wish they could be in that situation.”

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Russell Westbrook in Game 4

Despite the Clippers’ defeat, Westbrook’s effort in Game 4 was nothing short of extraordinary. With an incredible 37 points banger, he carried the Clippers as a one-man show. He played with the intensity and aggressiveness that are characteristic of him, making several difficult mid-range jumpers. As he refused to let the Clippers lose without a fight, Westbrook’s effort and intensity were evident in full force.

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The victory puts the Phoenix Suns in a 3-1 series lead in the series. The Phoenix Suns now have a good chance to secure a spot in the second round with a victory in Game 5 on their home court. Meanwhile, recent scoring outbursts by Westbrook have silenced his critics for now. With the series filled with exciting turn of events, the NBA playoffs surely have fans eagerly awaiting the outcome of the upcoming games.