Los Angeles, CA – NBA star Russell Westbrook returned to the court on Monday night to play against the Indiana Pacers, marking his comeback just three weeks after undergoing surgery on his fractured left hand. Clippers coach Ty Lue confirmed that Westbrook, who entered the game in the first quarter, would not be limited by a minutes restriction.
Westbrook suffered the injury on March 1 during a game against the Washington Wizards and had surgery on March 4. Lue expressed that the Clippers greatly missed Westbrook’s energy and hustle during his absence and looked forward to having him back on the court. The team had a 6-6 record without him.
In his 58 games this season, Westbrook has averaged 11.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 4.4 assists. Although he started as a starter in the first 10 games of the season, he transitioned to a bench role after the James Harden trade to help the team’s chemistry. The Clippers had a 28-8 record from the time Westbrook moved to the bench until his injury.
James Harden, another key player on the team, expressed his excitement about Westbrook’s return, highlighting his leadership on the court and shared goal of winning a championship. Westbrook’s presence is expected to provide a significant boost to the Clippers as they aim for success in the remainder of the season.
Overall, Westbrook’s return signifies a positive development for the Clippers, as they look to build momentum and secure victories with their full roster intact. As the team gears up for the playoffs, Westbrook’s experience and skills are seen as valuable assets that could make a difference in crucial games.