The captivating rivalry between the Los Angeles Clippers and Lakers reached new heights as Russell Westbrook, a former Laker, played a pivotal role in the Clippers’ dazzling victory on Wednesday. The win not only demonstrated the Clippers’ dominance over their intercity rivals, but also highlighted Westbrook’s undeniable impact on the team, despite his controversial exit from the Lakers.
Were the Clippers motivated to win for Russell Westbrook?
Bones Hyland, the Clippers’ star, revealed that the team had been contemplating the significance of the marquee matchup in the days leading up to the game. They wanted to secure a victory for Westbrook, who had faced criticism and was often blamed during his tenure with the Lakers. Even though Westbrook’s approach to games and unwillingness to adapt to his teammates has been questioned, the Clippers have shown resilience and success with him on the roster. Since the Westbrook trade, the Lakers have been performing better as well, vying for a direct playoff spot.
The Clippers’ 11th straight victory against their city rivals not only marks a milestone but also serves as a personal vindication for Westbrook. Although he might remain reticent about the matter, the win has propelled the Clippers to a more favorable position in the Western Conference. At 42-38, they are poised to secure the fifth or sixth seed and avoid the play-in tournament.
Hyland’s comment suggests that the Clippers had ample time to strategize for their showdown with the Lakers. A scheduling peculiarity allowed them three days off, with their previous game occurring on Saturday. Meanwhile, the Lakers were playing the second leg of a back-to-back, having faced the Utah Jazz on the road in an overtime match on Tuesday. This situation likely impacted the Lakers’ performance, despite LeBron James’ impressive 33-point showing and Anthony Davis’ 11-rebound, two-block effort.
With the defeat against Westbrook and the Clippers behind them, the Lakers must now focus on their remaining home games against the Phoenix Suns and the Jazz. To sidestep the play-in tournament, the Lakers will need to triumph at the Crypto.com Arena.
As the story of the Clippers’ dazzling victory unfolds, it is evident that Westbrook’s influence on the game played an integral part in their success. The team’s determination to win for their teammate has not only solidified their standing in the Western Conference but also showcased the indomitable spirit of the Clippers.
