The Los Angeles Clippers are in the midst of a playoff berth, but the team will likely have to go through the final weeks of the regular season without one of its star players.
2017 NBA MVP Russell Westbrook broke his hand Friday night during the Clippers’ game against the Washington Wizards.
Clippers coach Tyronn Lue said it appeared Westbrook was injured by accidental contact with the elbow of a Wizards player.
“I feel bad for Russ right now,” Lou said. “You never want to see a player get injured. [Washington’s Jordan] Poole drove around and tried to deflect it from behind. I think he hit his elbow with his hand. ”
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Russell Westbrook of the Los Angeles Clippers goes to the basket during the 2023 NBA Playoffs game at Footprint Center on April 16, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images)
Westbrook left Friday’s game in the second quarter and did not return. He finished the contest with 6 points. Lue said it’s still unclear how long Westbrook will be sidelined.
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“So we don’t know yet what the schedule is going to be or if we’ll need surgery or anything like that,” Lu said. “But he’s out now. So he’s just trying to figure it out.”
The Clippers are in 4th place in the Western Conference.
Los Angeles Clippers guard Russell Westbrook eliminates Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (left) during the second half of Game 1 of a first-round playoff series on April 16, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. (AP Photo/Matt York)
Ten-time NBA All-Star James Harden said the team will miss “everything he brings to the game.”
“His athleticism,” Harden explained. “His energy, his playmaking ability, his leadership.”
The Clippers received some positive news regarding injuries. Paul George felt discomfort in his left knee but is expected to return after missing two games.
Russell Westbrook (0) of the Los Angeles Clippers posts Saben Lee (38) of the Phoenix Suns during a game at Footprint Center on April 9, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Chris Coduto/Getty Images)
“I needed a little vacation,” George said. “The road leading up to the game was tough.” [All-Star] Break, come out of the break. And only my body needed rest. But tonight I felt good and was able to walk nicely. ”
Westbrook entered the 2023-24 season as the starting point guard, but his role changed shortly after the team traded for Harden in October. Westbrook relinquished his starting spot, and since his departure, the Clippers have won 35 of 48 games.
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Westbrook played in all 58 games this season. The 35-year-old is averaging 11.1 points and 4.4 assists per game.
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