Russel Westbrook the Los Angeles Clippers Point Guard might be a polarizing player but that doesn’t mean he isn’t a true hustler. Westbrook, even at the age of 35, plays with a lot of speed and energy.
Despite working very hard on his game, he often faces harsh criticisms from fans and NBA analysts. Nevertheless, he doesn’t let them demotivate him and plays hard in each game. Recently, Westbrook engaged in a verbal spat with a fan during a game between the Clippers and Denver Nuggets.
Russel Westbrook refuses to tolerate disrespectful fan behavior
Following a heated exchange with a fan at the conclusion of the LA Clippers’ 113-104 loss to the Denver Nuggets on Monday night, Russell Westbrook declared he would not stand for fans making disparaging remarks about him or his family. The Clippers inbounded the ball with 30 seconds left, and the Nuggets were ahead 113-102. Westbrook, positioned at midcourt, responded to a fan seated behind the courtside seats.
“I mean, it’s unfortunate,” Westbrook said after the Clippers suffered a frustrating loss to a Nuggets team that played without Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon. “Fans think they can say whatever they want. I’m not going to say [what was said] now because it’s not appropriate, but I’m just protecting myself.
He further added, “It’s just unfortunate fans think they can get away with saying anything and, personally, I won’t allow it. I’ve taken a lot of people saying anything and getting away with it, but I won’t stand for it.”
Lauren Holtkamp, the referee, stood in front of Westbrook to ensure that play continued on the court without any incidents. However, Westbrook returned to midcourt after the game’s buzzer went off, where spectators seemed to be pointing at the Clippers point guard. Westbrook’s Clippers teammate Daniel Theis, referee Holtkamp, Nuggets guard Justin Holiday, Clippers security, and arena security all arrived to ensure that tensions did not worsen.
Westbrook calls out teammates to target Doncic’s defense
The Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Clippers have met twice this season through 16 games, with a split in both encounters. The Mavs dominated the Clippers in their first meeting in Dallas, but Paul George and company responded with a 107-88 thumping on Saturday in the second game.
Additionally, Luka Doncic and the Mavs simply lacked the energy to compete with the Clippers over the weekend, even though they led Dallas with 30 points and had two extra days off. This was evident, particularly late in the game.
Following a fastbreak in which Clippers’ Russell Westbrook blasted past Mavs’ star player Doncic to finish with a layup and a trip to the free throw line in the fourth quarter, Westbrook, the former MVP challenged his teammates to go after Luka Doncic.
“GO AT HIM!” Westbrook yelled to his teammates. Doncic and the Mavericks are used to this. Almost every night, the opponent team will attack Doncic and put him in a pick-and-roll situation where he has to play alongside a dynamic scorer.
What are your thoughts on the hatred and criticisms Westbrook has to face? Feel free to share with us in the comments below.
