Russell Westbrook made his Los Angeles Clippers debut Against the Sacramento Kings in a high-scoring contest. After double overtime, the Kings defeated the Pacers 176–175 to make the game the second-highest scoring contest in NBA history.
With 14 assists and 17 points on 7-of-13 shooting, Westbrook delivered exactly what the Clippers were expecting in terms of a distributor and paint-attacking presence.
The game did, however, also bring out some of Westbrook’s flaws, such as his seven turnovers, six personal fouls, and defensive mistakes.
With the Clippers, Westbrook may fit better than he did with the Lakers, as evidenced by the 14 assists he had during the game. Eight assists on 3-pointers was his highest total in the previous two seasons.
Russell Westbrook made a crucial basket with 15 seconds left
When Westbrook made a crucial basket with 15 seconds left in regulation to give the Clippers a three-point lead, the club got a glimpse of what Westbrook was capable of. He also seemed to lose Malik Monk on defense, though, which allowed for the game-tying 3-pointer and eventual OT.
Terance Mann, who played 18 minutes on the court compared to Russell Westbrook’s 39, was underutilized by the Clippers’ head coach Tyronn Lue, who acknowledged as much after the game.
Mann, who had previously been the team’s starting point guard, may have seen his playing time suffer as a result of the team’s trial lineups, including its newly recruited players. Despite Westbrook’s flaws, the Clippers might be in a better position to part ways with him if he doesn’t pan out than the LA Lakers would have been.
Even though Russell Westbrook’s debut was eagerly awaited, De’Aaron Fox stole the show with a 42-point, 12-assist performance that included the game-winning basket in double overtime. A game-tying 3-pointer by Malik Monk at the conclusion of regulation helped him reach a career high of 45 points. 44 3-pointers were made in total throughout the game by the Kings and Clippers, setting an NBA record.
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Westbrook’s Crucial Basket Allowed the Clippers to Force Overtime
Although each player played well, the Kings almost let a 147-136 advantage slip away with less than three minutes remaining in regulation.
Westbrook’s crucial basket allowed the Clippers to force overtime, but in the end, they were unable to win in extra time.
Paul George had 34 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists, while Kawhi Leonard finished with 44 points on 16-of-22 shooting.
The match served as a reminder of Fox’s skill and promise as well as the offensive potency of both clubs. In order to maintain their competitiveness in the difficult Western Conference, the Kings and Clippers will both want to improve on their recent results.
