When the Los Angeles Clippers signed veteran guard Russell Westbrook off the buyout market just a few weeks in the past, many nationwide pundits favored the transfer and felt it might be the ultimate piece to the puzzle for a Clippers workforce that has championship aspirations.
However he has continued to be a blended bag, as they immediately dropped 5 video games in a row, then went on a four-game successful streak.
On Saturday, the self-destructive aspect of Westbrook confirmed up for L.A.’s recreation in opposition to the Orlando Magic, and he contributed to a fourth-quarter meltdown that resulted in a 113-108 loss.
Fox Sports activities 1 persona Skip Bayless criticized the Clippers on Twitter for including Westbrook to their roster within the first place.
As soon as once more, Russell Westbrook was a nightmare within the 4th quarter because the Clippers entered the 4th main Orlando by 8, misplaced by 5 at residence. He performed your complete 4th! He performed 37 minutes! WHAT WERE THE CLIPPERS THINKING TO ADD WESTBRICK AND MESS UP WHAT WAS WORKING???
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) March 18, 2023
Clippers followers on Twitter had been equally dissatisfied and annoyed at what has taken place since Westbrook joined the workforce.
That is so pathetic, they actually simply gained 4 straight
— Cozy (@Mx2ock) March 18, 2023
and misplaced 5 straight earlier than that. 4-6 is not good for a workforce whos presupposed to win the championship
the workforce is 1-6 when westbrook performs over 25 minutes and closes
— KawhiWrld (@kawhi_ring) March 18, 2023
It’s hilarious and must go down as an all time joke determination🤣 particularly after seeing how ineffective he was on the Lakers when beginning
— TradingforFreedom (@AlwaysSFG) March 18, 2023
Not a coincidence they win video games when he doesn’t play vital 4th quarter minutes… he simply can’t shut video games out anymore
— Jarred Mayweather (@JMonyMayweather) March 18, 2023
This fan, nonetheless, appeared to have Westbrook’s again.
Skip
Be quiet.
He’s not the rationale Clippers misplaced.— Maverick (@KimbleGathers) March 19, 2023
Though they weren’t a championship-caliber workforce previous to Westbrook’s arrival, the Clippers had been taking part in respectable ball and had been in place to make the playoffs outright with out having to undergo the play-in match.
With Saturday’s loss, they’re nonetheless in fifth place within the Western Convention, however they’re just one recreation forward of the seventh-place Golden State Warriors.
The Clippers had a stable lead firstly of the fourth quarter, however that lead shortly disappeared, as Westbrook shot simply 1-of-3 from the sphere and 1-of-4 from the free throw line whereas committing two turnovers within the interval.
General, he had six turnovers and shot 5-of-14 for the sport, and he had a late layup try that will’ve introduced L.A. to inside three factors blocked.
With every further loss, it’s turning into extra clear that the Clippers merely aren’t even near championship materials, regardless of the nationwide media’s love affair with them over the past three or 4 years.
