Los Angeles was dealt a major injury blow to a key member of its rotation during Saturday’s rout.
Los Angeles Clippers point guard Russell Westbrook suffered a fractured left hand during Saturday night’s game against the Washington Wizards, the team announced, per ESPN’s Ohm Youngmisuk.
The injury appeared to occur in the first half of the contest at Crypto.com Arena as the veteran point guard attempted to reach in for a steal on Wizards guard Jordan Poole. Westbrook left the game with 8:10 remaining in the second quarter and did not return.
The Clippers announced his diagnosis a short while later, with L.A. having opened up a sizable third quarter lead over Washington.
Prior to his departure, Westbrook tallied six points and an assist in 10 minutes played.
Here’s the play where it appears that Russell Westbrook suffer his hand injury. He grabs at and flexes his hand multiple times immediately after trying to poke the ball out of Jordan Poole’s hands. https://t.co/we7FFBzDxX pic.twitter.com/vqgUTDt7px
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) March 2, 2024
The injury to the 2017 MVP could potentially deal quite a blow to the surging Clippers, who have established themselves as a threat in the crowded Western Conference. Having dealt with various past injury issues centered around star tandem of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, L.A.’s rotation has been healthy for much of the season, resulting in the team posting a 37–20 record. The Clippers are currently fourth in the conference standings, 3 1/2 games behind the first-place Minnesota Timberwolves.
Westbrook has been a pivotal part of the L.A.’s success this season, having averaged 11.1 points on 45.1% shooting, 5.2 rebounds and 4.4 assists per game in his first full year with the Clippers since last season’s crosstown trade with the Los Angeles Lakers.
