LA Clippers guard Russell Westbrook, known as one of the NBA’s top sixth men, recently underwent surgery on his fractured left hand. Sources have indicated that there is a possibility he may be able to return before the start of the Western Conference playoffs in April. This news comes after Westbrook suffered the injury during a game against the Washington Wizards. The Clippers are undoubtedly hoping for his speedy recovery as they continue to push towards a championship this season.
This isn’t the first time Westbrook has faced a hand injury in his career. Back in 2014 while playing for the Oklahoma City Thunder, he fractured his right hand and remarkably returned to the court in less than four weeks, missing only 14 games. Given his history of overcoming such injuries, there is optimism surrounding Westbrook’s potential return timeline with the Clippers.
Team Adjustments
With Westbrook sidelined, the Clippers will have to find ways to compensate for his absence in the lineup. Known for his energy and aggression on the court, Westbrook’s presence will surely be missed. The team will be looking to players like reserve guard Bones Hyland to step up in Westbrook’s absence. Hyland has already seen an increase in playing time and will be expected to contribute more in the coming games.
Coming into the season as the starting point guard, Westbrook made the decision to come off the bench after the Clippers acquired James Harden in a trade. This move was made to improve the team’s chemistry and performance on the court. The decision seemed to pay off, as the Clippers saw significant improvement in their record after Westbrook made the transition to a sixth man role. Westbrook’s statistics this season have been solid, with averages of 11.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game.
As the Clippers continue their playoff push, Westbrook’s presence will be crucial to their success. With a record of 39-20 and sitting in fourth place in the Western Conference, every game matters as they approach the postseason. The team will be eagerly anticipating Westbrook’s return and hoping for a seamless transition back into the lineup. With his tenacity and skill on the court, Westbrook’s recovery will be closely monitored by fans and the organization alike.
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