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NFL Legend Left In Utter Disbelief of “Vicious Killer” Russell Westbrook, But Admits Skepticism on Kawhi Leonard’s Clippers: “This is Like Russ 7-8 Years Ago”

Published 04/20/2023, 6:30 AM EDT

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All eyes are on Russell Westbrook and the Los Angeles Clippers ahead of Game 3 tomorrow against the Phoenix Suns. Following an efficient two-way performance, the 6’3 guard received high praise from the NBA world after getting slammed by fans for months. He didn’t only leave the NBA buffs stunned, but one of his biggest detractors couldn’t help but applaud Russ’ performance. However, the 54-year-old seems to dither if the Clippers can make a similar impact in the following games.

As Westbrook continues to step up in his teammate, Paul George’s absence, the Clippers will be favoring their chances of beating the Phoenix Suns in LA. However, even after “killer” claims, the NFL veteran sounds skeptical about the 2017 MVP.

NFL legend ambivalent on Clippers after high praise for Russell Westbrook

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The Clippers have managed to get a grip on Kevin Durant and the Phoenix Suns in both games so far. Though Devin Booker went off in Game 2 to even the series, the Clippers have shown what they are capable of. Calling himself the “greatest rebounding guard“, Westbrook’s defensive display and offensive boards have stunned the NBA buffs. One among them is NFL great Shannon Sharpe.

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After going 3-19 in the first game, the 34-year-old guard redeemed himself in Game 2 with an efficient 28-point performance. Sharpe said, “This is Russ like seven, eight years ago. He was 9 of 16. 2 0f 3 from the three. Eight of eight from the free throw line.” This also prompted the three-time Super Bowl Champion to call Westbrook a “vicious killer“.

Watch this story: ” ‘Fam just deal with it’: Days after tarnishing Charles Barkley, 2x champion Kevin Durant slams NBA legend’s sensitive remarks”

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Even after recognizing the Clippers star’s performance, Sharpe seems a bit skeptical about Westbrook’s impact ahead of Game 3. The 54-year-old mentioned, “I believe Kawhi can continue to play like this. Do you believe Russ can still be efficient like he’s been efficient the last game? Kawhi Leonard has shown out with 69 points in the first two games. The Clippers will surely fancy their chances of overpowering Phoenix.

Can Westbrook continue the show?

Leonard and Westbrook have played a crucial part on the defensive end of the floor. It is not easy to stop both KD and Booker, however, the Clippers duo has shown out defensively in both games. As mentioned by Sharpe, it took Booker an outstanding offensive performance to turn the game around.

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Considering the above scenarios, the odds might favor the Clippers. Only time shall let us know if they can win it all. Do you think Westbrook and Leonard can defeat KD, Booker, and the Suns? Share your thoughts in the comments below. 

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Written by:

Rohan Dharmalingam

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Rohan Dharmalingam is an NBA content writer at EssentiallySports. He has been following the NBA for a decade now and specializes in covering trade rumors and reports on the ever-changing trade market. The wizardry of Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry made him fall in love with the game like millions worldwide.
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Edited by:

Pragya Vashisth