Is Russell Westbrook the problem for LA Clippers losing 3 straight games since acquiring him? Closer look at his stats and performances
Russell Westbrook hasn't had much success with the LA Clippers. The veteran point guard signed as a free agent after completing a buyout with the Utah Jazz. Unfortunately, he hasn't won a game with his new team yet.
The Clippers are 0-3 with Westbrook. They've lost two overtime games as well as Tuesday night's matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Kawhi Leonard and Paul George wanted Westbrook, but their plan hasn't been successful so far.
Let's take a look at Westbrook's performances with the Clippers and see if he's to blame for their recent struggles.
Russell Westbrook has played well for the LA Clippers
Russell Westbrook has averaged 31.0 minutes per game for the Clippers. He's started in all three games, averaging 16.0 points, 5.7 rebounds and 9.3 assists per game. The guard has also been active on the defensive end, recording seven steals in total.
Westbrook has also been very efficient with his new team. He's converted 52.9% of his total field goals and 44.4% of long-range shots. Furthermore, the former MVP hasn't missed a single free throw.
Westbrook has been prone to turnovers, which is no surprise. In his first game with the Clippers, the veteran point guard turned the ball over seven times, but he also had 14 assists.
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He will need more time to get used to his new team, and that's when the Clippers will start winning. However, the last three losses haven't been Russell Westbrook's fault as he's put on a great show.
Why are LA Clippers losing games?
Despite Westbrook's addition, the Clippers have been the worst team since the trade deadline. With just two games above .500, they are in sixth spot in the Western Conference and only 0.5 games ahead of the Dallas Mavericks, who are in the first play-in spot.
While their recent struggles have worried some fans, the truth is that the Clippers played against several tough opponents, including the Denver Nuggets, the best team in the West.
In the first game of their losing streak, they lost to the Sacramento Kings, one of the best teams in the West, and even this game went into double overtime, ending 176-175. The Clippers are one of the oldest teams this season and they simply ran out of gas.
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The Clippers have the sixth-toughest schedule by the end of the season and winning games will be tough. However, there is no doubt they will soon bounce back and start winning.