During the third quarter, the veteran forward tussled for an offensive rebound with Clippers center Ivica Zubac. A taller Zubac accidentally caught Green on the chin with his elbow, sending the Warriors star to the floor. Despite the veteran clutching his face and lying on the floor, the game continued for over 30 seconds before the Warriors took a timeout to allow their medical staff to assess the injury.

Draymond went to the locker room after taking an elbow to the face pic.twitter.com/beV68Dlncy

— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) February 15, 2024

Green was taken to the locker room for further evaluation. He cleared the concussion tests, returned to the game, and helped the Warriors secure a 130-125 win.

On Wednesday, the Gil’s Arena podcast crew discussed the incident involving Green and Zubac. Retired NBA star Kenyon Martin was displeased by the Warriors star’s reaction to getting elbowed. He claimed that the contact wasn’t severe enough for Green to hit the floor and stay there for multiple plays before exiting the game and heading to the locker room. He said,

“You can’t be out here punching people, slapping people and choking people, and you can’t take that [elbow]? So if a motherf***er punch you, it’s over. “If a motherf**ka punch you, it’s a wrap! That’s what you tellin’ me… That s**t didn’t hurt. You can’t lay out there when you’re choking motherf**kers!” 

“If a motherf**ka punch you, it’s a wrap! That’s what you tellin’ me! Hell no! Hell no! F**ck no, Gilbert!”

Kenyon Martin BLASTS Draymond in response to Zubac’s elbow pic.twitter.com/L9KESrYpY1

— Gilbert Arenas (@GilsArenaShow) February 15, 2024

Martin added that Green should have gotten up immediately after realizing the referees did not call a foul on Zubac. He claimed that Stephen Curry looked for him for an easy dunk after the Clippers scored on a 5-on-4 fast break, but he was still lying on the floor. Martin said Green is supposed to be physically menacing and have the mentality to retaliate. However, he was disappointed lying on the floor trying to sell a foul that the referees weren’t interested in calling.

Green is no stranger to committing egregious fouls and then accusing opponents of overselling the contact. However, he was indulging in the same act of trying to deceive the referees. However, watching Green lay on the floor while both teams continued playing was hilarious.

Jusuf Nurkic calls out Draymond Green for antics in Clippers game

Phoenix Suns star Jusuf Nurkic has been going back and forth with Draymond Green on social media since their altercation last Saturday. The center called out the veteran forward for staying on the floor after Zubac elbowed him in the face. He posted a GIF on X, formerly called Twitter, which said,

“You’re getting soft brother.”

https://t.co/CkSmQ5cg4M pic.twitter.com/uFuC5UC0M8

— Jusuf Nurkić (@bosnianbeast27) February 15, 2024

Nurkic and Green went after each other when the Warriors hosted the Suns at the Chase Center last Saturday. They both hit each other with the “too small” celebration after scoring a bucket.

In the post-game interview, Nurkic called out Green and said he hadn’t learned anything from his lengthy suspension for slapping him back in December. He said,

“Just a matter of time. He’s going to knock somebody else again. Take everything back what I said. He don’t deserve a chance.”

Green responded to Nurkic on his podcast, The Draymond Green Show, and called him a coward and ‘little man.’ The Suns star responded with a vicious jibe on X, formerly called Twitter, writing,

“All good, bad boy. Just don’t stay to long on podcast, gonna be late for therapy session.”

All good bad boy just don’t stay to long on podcast, gonna be late for therapy session.

— Jusuf Nurkić (@bosnianbeast27) February 13, 2024

Nurkic and Green won’t get the opportunity to rekindle their rivalry in the regular season. However, if the Suns and the Warriors meet in the playoffs, expect the duo to get into a verbal or physical altercation during the series.

The post “Can’t Lay Out There When You’re Choking Motherf**kers!”: Draymond Green’s Tussle With Ivica Zubac Has Kenyon Martin Irate appeared first on The SportsRush.

Ahead of the Golden State Warriors-Los Angeles Clippers contest, Shams Charania broke the news that Kawhi Leonard would be missing the contest with a right adductor strain.

Clippers say Kawhi Leonard has a left adductor strain and is out vs. Warriors on Wednesday.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 14, 2024

Usually, coaches and players look to capitalize on the fact that the best player of the opponent team is sidelined. However, Steve Kerr didn’t think of it that way. The 58-year-old seemed to be frustrated after learning about Leonard’s unavailability against his team. As per Kerr, the Warriors have lost games when stars of the opposing teams have sat out of the contest. Expressing his hatred for load management, Steve also said:

“I hate when guys sit out, especially stars. We’ve lost so many games the last couple years when star players sit out. There’s just a natural let down…I’m dead serious. It’s the worst feeling in the NBA.”

“I hate when guys sit out, especially stars. We’ve lost so many games the last couple years when star players sit out. There’s just a natural let down…I’m dead serious. It’s the worst feeling in the NBA.”

Steve Kerr after @WillardAndDibs told him Kawhi Leonard is OUT tomorrow. https://t.co/OJYXvL7k92

— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) February 14, 2024

Despite Kawhi Leonard’s absence, Steve Kerr should expect a well-contested bout. Yes, Leonard has been on a tear in the past 30 games. However, Paul George, James Harden, and Russell Westbrook have also been immensely valuable for Ty Lue’s team. Even if the two-way star is out, the Clippers, who have won 10 out of their last 13 games, will be the favorites to emerge victorious.

Steve Kerr often expressed despising load management

This is not the first time that Steve Kerr has spoken on the topic of “load management”. Back in 2023, Kerr revealed feeling sorry for the fans who spent time, money, and energy only to witness the star players sit out due to load management.

“It’s a brutal part of the business,” Kerr said.

Steve Kerr’s suggestion to the commissioner to tackle to same was to reduce the length of the season. According to him, changing the regular season to a 72-game campaign would be the best idea.

Earlier this offseason, while several personalities expressed their dissatisfaction with the NBA’s new 65-game policy for players to be eligible for season accolades, Kerr accepted the new rules. He also agreed to the policy that prevented teams from load managing their star players.

“We understand we are trying to entertain basketball fans everywhere. That’s the business. You know, putting on a good product, putting on a good show for our fans, and giving our fans the opportunity to come out and see our guys play,” Kerr said.

The Golden State Warriors have been following this mandate. However, the team has had to deal with some injuries. Players such as Chris Paul, Gary Payton II, and Moses Moody have already missed several games. However, with the Warriors finally having a relatively injury-free campaign, their performance on the court has improved. Having won five straight games, the Bay Area side are finally looking like the formidable squad that they were always meant to be.

The post Kawhi Leonard’s Availability for Clippers vs Warriors Leaves Steve Kerr Annoyed appeared first on The SportsRush.

In a recent episode of Undisputed, Skip Bayless said “They have the best coach in basketball. Ty Lue is it to me,” comparing Lue and coach Doc Rivers’ tenure with the Clippers. While Rivers failed to manage the ego of the players, Ty Lue has just about right managed the sentiments of everyone, including the big four stars of his team.

Since the arrival of James Harden, Ty Lue has managed to find the fix for the ego clashes between the minutes shared on the floor by the stars. Lue even convinced Russell Westbrook to take a back seat in the roster, something Darwin Ham had failed to do with him at the Lakers. Bayless commended Lue’s handling of Westbrook, who has maintained a calm and positive approach to his coach’s methods.

Skip also praised Kawhi Leonard, playing to the best of his prowess without missing any games. Kawhi’s presence remarkably improves the Clippers’ chances of winning, given he is able to stay healthy through the season. Praising Ty Lue for achieving an incredible hold over the Clippers roster, Bayless said,

“It’s a sweet situation that Ty Lue has masterminded and controlled pretty much with an iron fist. So now, all boils down to Kawhi’s health.” 

.@RealSkipBayless is giving the Clippers a small chance at finally winning it all:

“They have the best coach in basketball. Ty Lue is it to me.” pic.twitter.com/hj2FKeADx5

— UNDISPUTED (@undisputed) February 7, 2024

When Kawhi Leonard is healthy and playing for the Clippers, his influence permeates every facet of the game. In the recent win against the Hawks, Leonard added 36 points, 5 assists, and 2 rebounds and had a domineering presence on the court. Skip Bayless’ analysis on Kawhi Leonard is definitely on point, given the 2x NBA champion is currently excelling in scoring and playmaking consistently, showcasing the breadth and depth of his skills.

Bayless, however, was not quite trusting of James Harden to be able to lead the team during the postseason. Harden had a history of previous playoff upsets, which brings Bayless’ trust factor down for the Clippers’ chances of winning the championship. However, the FS2 analyst believes that if Ty Lue wanted to depend on his other stars, there were chances for the Clippers to lead their way further down the postseason.

Skip Bayless argues for Kawhi Leonard to be included in MVP considerations

After the Clippers recently beat the Atlanta Hawks 149-144 on the road, Skip Bayless has been incredibly impressed with Kawhi Leonard. In just 37 minutes of play, Kawhi scored 36 points to extend the Clippers’ winning streak of four at the State Farm Arena. Leonard has been much healthier this season and has missed fewer games. Comparing Leonard to NFL’s MVP-elect Lamar Jackson, Bayless said,

“Here comes Kawhi into the MVP race. Playing another back to back, at Atl, he just scored 34 on 13-20 & 5-8 from three. Won’t have gaudy “MVP” stats. But he’s the Clippers’ Lamar Jackson. They go as he goes.”

Bayless continued comparing Leonard to Lamar Jackson, trying to push the agenda of MVP considerations for Kawhi again this season. In a tweet, he once added, “If the Clippers, who have won 25 of 30, win the West, Kawhi should win a Lamar-esque MVP. He won’t have MVP-style stats – neither does Lamar – but Kawhi is having Lamar’s eye-test impact on the season. Clips go as he goes. Right now he’s scary healthy.”

The fans have also started noticing how the Clippers have drastically improved from being in literal shambles three months ago to being the first seed in the West. The initial days of finding the right mix following James Harden’s arrival were tough on the Clippers. However, this team created a franchise record late in the season by rising to the first seed.

The Clippers have a 9-1 record in their 10 games and are showing incredible chemistry within their roster. With their new style of play, surely the Clippers have created their new brand of basketball, becoming a serious contender for the championship this season.

The post “Boils Down to Kawhi Leonard’s Health”: Skip Bayless Believes Clippers Head Coach’s Control Have Given Clippers a Slight Chance of Winning a Ring appeared first on The SportsRush.

Speaking to a reporter, Ty Lue believed that Kawhi Leonard was a legitimate candidate for the 2024 Most Valuable Player trophy. The 46-year-old immediately lauded the 6ft 7” star for his production in the last 30 games.

“Last 30 games shooting 50/50/90. Our record the last 31 games… He should definitely be mentioned in the MVP conversation… Why not?”

Ty Lue on Kawhi Leonard’s MVP case:

“Last 30 games shooting 50/50/90. Our record the last 31 games… He should definitely be mentioned in the MVP conversation… Why not?”

— Joey Linn (@joeylinn_) February 8, 2024

Due to his efficient shooting from across the field, Kawhi has been averaging a staggering 26.4 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game. Thanks to the 32-year-old’s hot streak, the LA side has had a 25-5 record in that span, propelling them to sit at the top-most position in the Western Conference.

Lue isn’t the only one who is expressing his faith in Leonard’s candidacy for the Michael Jordan Trophy. Skip Bayless, who usually loves criticizing players, added the two-time champion to the MVP race.

Here comes Kawhi into the MVP race. Playing another back to back, at Atl, he just scored 34 on 13-20 & 5-8 from three. Won’t have gaudy “MVP” stats. But he’s the Clippers’ Lamar Jackson. They go as he goes.

— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) February 6, 2024

Because Kawhi Leonard has been the best player on one of the best teams in the league, he’s constantly rising in the MVP Ladder. Kawhi sat at the 8^th spot in the latest ladder. And now, with the Clippers shining bright at the top of the Western Conference at the moment, things will likely only improve for the 32-year-old. That said, whether or not he can supersede the likes of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Nikola Jokic, along with the other equally deserving candidates, remains to be seen.

Paul George lauds Kawhi Leonard

Paul George is merely one of many to be blown away by Kawhi Leonard’s performance. During an episode of the Podcast P, PG explained how efficient a shooter Leonard is from across the field – post and three-point land.

“He making it look easy. He got that much respect that like when he posts up, they doubling him right away. That’s how effective he is at the post and getting to his spots… It don’t matter if it’s midrange, from three, it’s cash bro, it’s money,” George said.

Later, George emphasized the fact that his teammate was one of the people destined to become a basketball player. Seeming like a fanboy, the sharpshooter further praised the Claw, stating that the game was extremely easy for the latter.

“I was looking at him yesterday like actually watching him in the game and I’m just like bro some people are just meant to hoop. Like some people were put on this Earth just to play basketball. like you watch him move you watch his movement, like that is a basketball player like he was just made to do this. It’s just the game just so easy for him,” George showered Leonard with praises.

George and Leonard were expected to win a title immediately after they were acquired by the Los Angeles Clippers in 2019. However, due to injury-riddled campaigns, the Clippers never came close to winning the coveted title. This season, with all four superstars – George, Leonard, James Harden, and Russell Westbrook – playing sensationally, Ty Lue’s side has a legit shot at winning the 2024 championship.

The post “Last 30 Games Shooting 50/50/90”: Kawhi Leonard’s Absurd Stats Have Ty Lue Wanting His All-Star Firmly Placed In The MVP Conversation appeared first on The SportsRush.

For more than a week, Zion Williamson has been struggling with a bone contusion in his left foot. The injury was painful enough to keep him sidelined for the 31^st January clash against the Houston Rockets. Due to the same, Zion has also been added to tonight’s injury report, being listed as “questionable”.

Zion Williamson (left foot bone contusion) and Naji Marshall (back spasms) listed as questionable tomorrow against Clippers.

— Christian Clark (@cclark_13) February 7, 2024

Zion was listed as “questionable” for the past two clashes. However, he did suit up on both occasions. In the previous outing against the Toronto Raptors, due to Brandon Ingram’s 41-point explosion, Williamson was rested for the entirety of the 4^th quarter. Having played merely 21:55 minutes, Zion Williamson should be fit enough to help his side defeat Kawhi Leonard and Co. tonight.

Zion Williamson has had contrasting performances against the Clippers this season

The New Orleans Pelicans have already gone up against the Los Angeles Clippers twice this season. The four-game season series is currently tied at one game apiece.

Zion Williamson had an electric performance in the first Clippers-Pelicans contest of the season on 24^th November. Playing in the In-Season Tournament Game, the former Duke Blue Devil erupted for a 32-point performance to go along with 6 rebounds and 5 assists. Shooting an efficient 52% from the field, the southpaw led the Louisiana side to a 116-106 victory.

The Pelicans hosted the LA side on 5^th January and this time, Ty Lue’s boys got their revenge. Backed by Paul George’s 24-point outing, the Clippers grabbed a 111-95 victory. Williamson couldn’t find a way to overcome the Clippers’ incredible defense and finished the night with a lackluster performance – 12 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 assist.

Zion has been in incredible form lately, putting up 24.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.5 assists in the last four games. Fans will hope that the 6ft 6” forward can continue to add his series of exceptional performances and lead NOLA to their 30^th win of the campaign.

The post Is Zion Williamson Playing Tonight vs Clippers? Feb 7th Injury Report Raises Concern for Pelicans Star appeared first on The SportsRush.

Following the Clippers’ win, Bayless posted on X, formerly called Twitter,

“Here comes Kawhi into the MVP race. Playing another back to back, at Atl, he just scored 34 on 13-20 & 5-8 from three. Won’t have gaudy “MVP” stats. But he’s the Clippers’ Lamar Jackson. They go as he goes.”

Here comes Kawhi into the MVP race. Playing another back to back, at Atl, he just scored 34 on 13-20 & 5-8 from three. Won’t have gaudy “MVP” stats. But he’s the Clippers’ Lamar Jackson. They go as he goes.

— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) February 6, 2024

The Lamar Jackson comparison is pretty apt in this instance. The Baltimore Ravens quarterback is not a prolific passer and has never had a season with over 4,000 passing yards. However, he’s pretty efficient when he passes the ball and doesn’t commit too many turnovers. Likewise, Leonard has never been a prolific scorer, at least in the regular season. He has averaged over 26 points only twice in his career. However, he’s terrific defensively and is also very efficient as a scorer. The two-time NBA Champion has a career field-goal percentage of 49.8, and is an 86% free throw shooter.

Jackson and Leonard don’t fill up the stat sheet like many other superstars but are the backbones of their respective teams. The Ravens were a perfect 6-0 when their quarterback threw for 237 passing yards or more, while the Clippers are 15-5 in games where their superstar forward scored more than 25 points.

Jackson is the massive favorite to win the MVP award after the Ravens’ incredible surge late in the season helped them secure the #1 seed in the AFC. If Leonard can continue his impressive form and the Clippers finish atop the Western Conference standings, the 32-year-old could win his first league MVP award this year.

Skip Bayless continues to push the ‘Kawhi Leonard for MVP’ agenda

After the Clippers’ hard-fought 103-95 win over the Miami Heat on Sunday, which came on the back of Kawhi Leonard’s 24-point performance, Skip Bayless began lobbying for the forward to win the MVP this year. He compared Leonard’s campaign to Lamar Jackson’s expected NFL MVP award win, writing,

“If the Clippers, who have won 25 of 30, win the West, Kawhi should win a Lamar-esque MVP. He won’t have MVP-style stats – neither does Lamar – but Kawhi is having Lamar’s eye-test impact on the season. Clips go as he goes. Right now he’s scary healthy.”

If the Clippers, who have won 25 of 30, win the West, Kawhi should win a Lamar-esque MVP. He won’t have MVP style stats – neither does Lamar – but Kawhi is having Lamar’s eye-test impact on the season. Clips go as he goes. Right now he’s scary healthy.

— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) February 5, 2024

Leonard is having a modest season statistically. He’s averaging 24.2 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 3.7 assists. However, he’s been a menace on the defensive end. Among players averaging 34 or more minutes, Leonard has the fifth-best defensive rating in the league. The Clippers forward and MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander are the only two players in the league with an offensive rating of over 121 and a defensive rating of under 110.5, while averaging 34+ minutes a game.

Leonard has also been surprisingly healthy this season. He averaged 55 appearances between 2018 and 2023 but has missed only four of the Clippers’ 48 games this season. On Monday’s episode of FS1’s Undisputed, Bayless claimed that Kawhi’s recent uninterrupted run is due to his hard work, saying,

“[Kawhi Leonard] worked his tail off. He doesn’t post about it on social media like a lot of people do. But he worked his tail off in the offseason to get this healthy. And he has no plans to be avoiding all the back-to-back[games].”

.@RealSkipBayless says Kawhi Leonard can make a push to win the NBA’s MVP:

“Kawhi is the driving force of the Clippers and this team will go as far as Kawhi takes them.” pic.twitter.com/4ozwRll4Ey

— UNDISPUTED (@undisputed) February 5, 2024

Leonard is currently eighth on the NBA’s MVP ladder. But if the forward and the Clippers continue their incredible surge, he could win the MVP and add the only individual accolade missing on his CV.

The post “Kawhi Leonard Into the MVP Race”: Skip Bayless Pushes Narrative of ‘Clippers’ Lamar Jackson’ After 36-Point Performance appeared first on The SportsRush.

Jrue Holiday didn’t believe in sugarcoating when talking about the Boston Celtics’ 96-115 loss. When assessing his side’s performance, the two-way guard stated that the Los Angeles Clippers were better in every department.

“Good old-fashioned a** whooping. They did everything better – rebounding, transition, 50-50 ball, seemed like they were a step ahead,” Holiday assessed.

Before tonight, Joe Mazzulla’s boys had won 20 games at home. With the 19-point loss, tonight marks only the second loss that they have suffered when playing at TD Garden. Knowing that the Celtics are not invincible, Holiday stated that the loss was “humbling”. However, he did assure that the Celtics would learn from the mistakes that they committed tonight.

“Definitely humbling, I think to be able to come home and get your butt kicked. But you know it’s a long season, we know that we can learn from this,” Holiday claimed.

“Good old-fashioned ass whooping… They did everything better”

Jrue Holiday explains why the Clippers were able to dominate the Celtics pic.twitter.com/cvaYPZ82t6

— Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) January 28, 2024

The bout between the two powerhouses was expected to be much more entertaining than it turned out to be. However, Ty Lue’s boys seemed to be in control of the game and were in the driver’s seat throughout the 48 minutes.

Jayson Tatum was the only member of the Cs to record more than 20 points, while the remaining starters combined for a forgettable 17-point outing. Kawhi Leonard was the undisputed star of the night, lodging 26 points and 7 rebounds while leading the Clippers to a massive win.

If it wasn’t clear before, this victory has made the Los Angeles Clippers serious contenders to win the 2024 NBA championship. On the other side of things, Holiday’s words about the Celtics being humbled couldn’t have been more accurate. All season long, the franchise has been touted as the favorite to be champions this year. However, they lost to a squad that still has a few things to figure out, despite all the chemistry Boston has. When it all comes down to it, the loss allows the Celtics to wonder if there is more that they can consistently do during their time in the short pants.

The previous loss against Jrue Holiday and Co. motivated Paul George to suit up tonight

The Los Angeles Clippers faced off against the Boston Celtics in December of 2023 as well. During that contest in LA, Jayson Tatum and co. put up a picture-perfect performance to defeat the Clippers 145-108.

The Clippers used this 37-point blowout loss as motivation and approached tonight’s contest with a vengeance. Following the game, Ty Lue explained that his boys were beyond determined to prove themselves tonight.

“The guys were pretty motivated… When they came to LA they did us pretty bad. So guys were locked in,” Lue said.

Due to a groin injury, there were concerns regarding Paul George’s availability for tonight. However, the Clippers’ head coach revealed that PG insisted on suiting up.

“This was a game we thought PG might be out, but he wanted to play to see where we’re at,” Lue disclosed.

Ty Lue on the Clippers’ blowout win over the Celtics:

“The guys were pretty motivated… When they came to LA they did us pretty bad. So guys were locked in… This was a game we thought PG might be out, but he wanted to play to see where we’re at.” pic.twitter.com/YpuhiBDdW8

— Joey Linn (@joeylinn_) January 28, 2024

Paul George played for merely 22:29 minutes, practically sitting out for the entire fourth period. While shooting the ball at a high efficiency, the forward finished the night with 17 points and 6 rebounds. These numbers might not be as visually appealing but were essential for the Clippers to clinch their 30th win of the season. And with the confidence it has likely brought to the entire team, the squad has been empowered to be dominant against just about any team in the NBA.

The post “Good Old-Fashioned A** Whooping”: Jrue Holiday Doesn’t Mince His Words Following Blowout Celtics Loss To Clippers appeared first on The SportsRush.

The Los Angeles Lakers continue to have multiple players added to their injury report. Anthony Davis and Jarred Vanderbilt are listed as “probable”. Whereas, fans will not be pleased to learn that Gabe Vincent and LeBron James are set to miss out.

The Lakers have ruled LeBron James (left ankle) out of Tuesday night’s TNT date with the Clippers.

More NBA from me: https://t.co/LGN9cVpeGP pic.twitter.com/pTe0hOWdEN

— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) January 23, 2024

For the past few weeks, LeBron has been dealing with a left ankle injury. Typically, despite being added to the injury report, Bron has managed to play. However, that won’t be the case tonight.

LeBron James and Co. are 2-0 against the Los Angeles Clippers

The Los Angeles Lakers have had a subpar performance this season. However, Darvin Ham’s boys manage to elevate their game whenever they face the Los Angeles Clippers. So far in this campaign, we’ve witnessed the LA rivalry on two occasions. The Purple & Gold have managed to win both contests. LeBron’s contributions in both outings are worth noting, averaging 30 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists.

Previously in this campaign, the Lakers have had to play without LBJ on four instances. While they overcame the Portland Trail Blazers and the San Antonio Spurs, the Lakers fell short to the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Utah Jazz.

The Los Angeles Clippers are relatively injury-free, with Ivica Zubac being the only player from the starting lineup to be added to the injury report. Add the fact that the Clippers have won 10 out of their last 12 games, and it is understandable as to why Kawhi Leonard and co. will be the favorites entering the fixture. And without LBJ, the Lakers will be facing a lot of difficulties.

The post Is LeBron James Playing Tonight Against the Clippers? Injury Update on Lakers Superstar Following Win Over Trailblazers appeared first on The SportsRush.

Russell Westbrook clarifies that he’s one of the strongest and most athletic guards ever. pic.twitter.com/vLtbiqEMZV

— Joey Linn (@joeylinn_) January 21, 2024

Over the past few seasons, Russell Westbrook has been a solid role player, at best. However, during the prime of his career, Westbrook dominated games on a nightly basis. Standing at 6ft 4” and weighing around the 200-pound mark, ‘The Brodie’ would often use his physical gifts to his advantage while asserting dominance over his competition.

As a result, Russ recorded a plethora of triple-doubles and also gathered several accolades – a regular-season MVP, two scoring titles, and multiple All-Star & All-NBA selections.

Westbrook is in the right to correct the reporter. Apart from being one of the greatest point guards ever, he is also one of the most athletic ones. The likes of Magic Johnson, Stephen Curry, and Isiah Thomas may have been better overall players. However, when it comes to strength alone, Russ is arguably the best.

There were numerous moments tonight when the point guard displayed his famous strength and explosiveness. Putting up one of his best performances of the season, Russ recorded 23 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists, a steal, and a block, while coming off the bench. He may have been in the middle of a slump during the last few seasons, however, he is clearly in the midst of a comeback at the moment.

Russell Westbrook received praise from Paul George

Russell Westbrook was unarguably the star of the night. Missing out on his season’s highest-scoring performance by just 1 point, Mr. Triple Double seemed unstoppable. Even Mikal Bridges, one of the best defensive guards in the league, was unsuccessful in preventing Westbrook from leading his team to their 2^nd straight win.

Paul George has been among the few supporters of Russ during a lackluster season. Even when Westbrook was demoted to the bench, PG kept displaying his immense faith in his teammate. Tonight, after the 2017 MVP’s sensational performance, George showered him with lofty praises.

“Russ is intensity. He brings it every night, every possession. In a game like tonight when we were pretty flat, and couldn’t make shots, you needed someone to give you that extra kick. And Russ definitely brought that extra kick,” George said.

Paul George on Russell Westbrook:

“Russ is intensity. He brings it every night, every possession. In a game like tonight when we were pretty flat, couldn’t make shots, you needed someone to give you that extra kick. And Russ definitely brought that extra kick.” pic.twitter.com/1Wq7Z3vIA3

— Joey Linn (@joeylinn_) January 21, 2024

For obvious reasons, Westbrook seemed extra chirpy after the contest was over. Answering a question about the joy that he’s been playing the game with, the nine-time All-Star revealed the importance of “having fun”. Attributing the Clippers’ game-winning 22-0 run to the energy that they played with, the 35-year-old said:

“The most important thing about sports, in my opinion, is having fun,” “For me, the joy, the energy, is so important,” Westbrook said. “Our bench, our fans were so great to instill that with us. It was so much fun to be on the floor.”

Fulfilling the sixth-man role that he is appointed with, Russell Westbrook is averaging merely 11.2 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game this season. Brilliantly leading the second unit of the team, Russ’ contributions have played a huge reason behind the California side’s success.

The post “Ever. Ever”: Russell Westbrook ‘Checks’ NBA Reporter As He Claims He’s One Of The Strongest Guards Across League History appeared first on The SportsRush.

Ben Simmons missed his team’s 33rd game on the trot with a nerve impingement in his back that he suffered in November. He started the season in decent form, averaging 6.5 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 6.7 assists. The Nets were 3-3 in the six games the guard played this season.

In the 34 games that Simmons has missed, the Nets are 14-20. The veteran guard is on the road to recovery. He took part in a light shootaround before the Nets’ games against the Portland Trail Blazers last Wednesday.

Ben Simmons doing some light work at #Nets shootaround today. pic.twitter.com/dU84uPtzo4

— Evan Barnes (@evan_b) January 17, 2024

The Nets expect Simmons to return to action soon, but he won’t come in their game against the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday. He’ll likely not return to Brooklyn’s starting lineup before the All-Star break on February 18th. The Nets cannot afford Simmons suffering a setback in his recovery and missing more time. They desperately need his defensive presence and playmaking ability on the court to turn their season around.

Ben Simmons’ tragic downfall

Ben Simmons was once heralded as the future face of the NBA. The first overall pick in the 2016 draft was treading in that direction after earning three straight All-Star nods from 2019 to 2021. However, his career quickly petered out after the 76ers’ shocking 4-3 series loss in the 2021 Eastern Conference semifinals. Simmons was berated by Joel Embiid and head coach Doc Rivers for his performance, and in the offseason, he demanded a trade away from the franchise.

He started the year on curfew and refused to play for the 76ers. The team levied heavy fines on the disgruntled star. Following months of drama, they traded him to the Brooklyn Nets in February 2021 as part of the James Harden deal. Simmons, who sat out citing mental health issues, did not play a single game for his new franchise in the 2021-22 season.

After missing 41 games, Simmons finally debuted for the Nets in their 2022-23 season opener against the New Orleans Pelicans. He finished the game with four points, five rebounds, and five assists. He played 42 of the Nets’ first 58 games and averaged 6.9 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 6.1 assists. In February 2023, the Nets shut down Simmons for the rest of the season due to his back and knee injuries. He missed their remaining 28 games of the season.

Since joining the Nets, Simmons has played 48 games and missed 110. In those 48 games, he has averaged 6.5 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 6.7 assists. Simmons’ current contract ends in 2025. It’s unlikely he’ll earn a new contract in the NBA unless he agrees to sign a veteran’s minimum deal. However, given his injury record, most teams will refrain from offering even that.

Simmons has gone from a bonafide superstar to an expensive bust. It’s sad to see a potentially great player likely exit the league before he turns 30. However, that’s Ben Simmons’ reality unless he miraculously salvages his career in the next 18 months.

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