As the LA Clippers get ready to take on the Phoenix Suns in the NBA Playoffs, all eyes are on the point guard matchup between Chris Paul and Russell Westbrook. Paul, a veteran in the league, had high praise for Westbrook but also dropped a truth bomb about his playing style.
“I’m really close with Russ and probably one of his biggest fans just because of the energy that he brings,” said Paul regarding Westbrook. “Everybody wants to talk all that foolishness & whatnot but it’s a lot of people that don’t love to play the game like him. He only plays 1 way.”
"I'm really close with Russ & probably 1 of his biggest fans just cuz of the energy that he brings. Everybody wants to talk all that foolishness & whatnot but it's a lot of people that don't love to play the game like him. He only plays 1 way."
Chris Paul on Russell Westbrook pic.twitter.com/7WrUxibnJ1
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) April 15, 2023
While Paul praised Westbrook’s energy and passion for the game, he also acknowledged that Russell Westbrook only knows how to play one way, which could ultimately work in the Suns’ favor. Westbrook’s aggressive style of play has been both a blessing and a curse throughout his career, and he has often been criticized for being too ball-dominant and not involving his teammates enough.
Paul, on the other hand, is known for his high basketball IQ and ability to get his teammates involved. He has led the Suns to the second-best record in the league this season, and his leadership has been a key factor in their success. As the two point guards go head-to-head in this playoff series, it will be interesting to see how their contrasting styles of play affect the outcome.
Despite the differences in their playing styles, both Paul and Westbrook are highly respected in the league and have achieved great success throughout their careers. Westbrook has been a triple-double machine, while Paul is widely regarded as one of the best point guards in NBA history. The matchup between these two stars is sure to be one of the most exciting of the playoffs, and fans will be tuning in to see who comes out on top.
As the Suns and Clippers prepare to face off, it will be interesting to see how Paul’s assessment of Westbrook’s playing style plays out on the court. Will Westbrook’s energy and aggression be enough to overcome Paul’s leadership and basketball IQ? Only time will tell.
Clippers and Russell Westbrook face an uphill battle in Suns matchup as Paul George sits out Game 1
The Los Angeles Clippers will begin their first-round playoff matchup against the Phoenix Suns without one of their star players, Paul George, due to a knee injury. This leaves the Clippers at a disadvantage against a formidable Suns lineup that includes Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Chris Paul. Despite this setback, the Clippers will have to rely on their remaining players to step up and fill the void left by George’s absence if they hope to have a chance at winning the series.
The Clippers have faced injury woes during their previous playoff runs, including Kawhi Leonard’s ACL tear during the 2021 playoffs, which resulted in the Suns advancing to the NBA Finals.
Now, with Durant on the Suns’ roster, they have established themselves as a top contender for this season’s NBA Championship. The Suns have won all eight games in which Durant has played, highlighting his significant impact on the team.
The Clippers will need to bring their A-game and put up a fierce fight against the Suns in this challenging series. The Suns’ recent form has been impressive, winning 17 of their last 32 games played away from home this season, and the Clippers will have to contend with a team that has only suffered three defeats in their last ten NBA games.
It will be a tough battle for the Clippers, but they will have to play with grit and determination to overcome this significant hurdle in their playoff journey.
