After missing 12 games, Los Angeles Clippers’ star Russell Westbrook returned for the team’s showdown against the Indiana Pacers tonight. He had been sidelined with a fractured left hand since March 1. In the post-game press conference, Russ was asked about returning from a broken hand for the second time in three weeks, whether it’s completely healed, and if there are any limitations. The 35-year-old defiantly replied, “The word can’t is not in my vocabulary.”

Russell Westbrook went down hard against the Wizards on March 1st, fracturing his left hand. He needed surgery and was sidelined, leaving a big hole in the Clippers’ bench rotation. Westbrook had been the heart of the team since moving to a reserve role after the Clippers acquired James Harden in November. In fact, the team had been on a heater with him coming off the bench, racking up a 28-8 record.

With Westbrook out, the Clippers hit a majorly rough patch. Their win rate dipped to .500, and they were coming off a frustrating loss to the Philadelphia 76ers. Coach Ty Lue acknowledged how much Westbrook’s energy and hustle meant to the team, calling it “infectious.” Coach Lue and the Clippers fans were hoping Westbrook’s return would be the boost they needed to get back on track, especially after losing five of their last eight games.

Westbrook’s Stats & Accolades

Finally, after three weeks, Westbrook checked back into a game in the 1st quarter against the Indiana Pacers. His presence was a welcome sight for Clipper fans, and he brought that energy off the bench right away as he chipped in 6 points in the first half and finished the game with 14 points and 7 assists, even though his playing time was limited to just 18 minutes.

Before the injury, Westbrook had been averaging 11.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game. In his return against the Pacers, he put up 14 points on decent shooting (5 for 10) along with 4 rebounds and 7 assists. Sadly, it wasn’t enough, as the Clippers fell short with a final score of 133-116.

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Through 55 games this season, LA Clippers guard Russell Westbrook is averaging 11.3 points per game. He’s shooting the ball at a 45.5% clip overall, but his three-point shooting sits at 27.6%. He’s also chipping in 5.2 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game. These numbers are a far cry from his MVP-caliber season back in 2017 with the Oklahoma City Thunder. That year, Westbrook exploded for a historic stat line, 31.6 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 10.4 assists per game. 

Russell is the undisputed king of the triple-double. He’s the only player in NBA history to average a triple-double four separate times throughout his career, and no one has done it since. Durability is another feather in Westbrook’s cap. He has played a full 82-game season a remarkable four times!

Over his long 16-year career with 5 different teams, Westbrook has etched his name in the NBA record books. He has a career average of 21.8 points, 8.2 assists, and 7.2 rebounds per game across a whopping 1,153 regular-season contests. He’s also a nine-time All-Star.

Will Westbrook’s return give the LA Clippers the “pop” that Coach Lue was talking about? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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