The Los Angeles Clippers confirmed that their point guard Russell Westbrook suffered a hand fracture in Friday night’s 140-115 win over the Washington Wizards.
Westbrook injured his hand while trying to pick off Wizards’ Jordan Poole in the first half. He exited the game shortly after and didn’t return. According to The Athletic’s Law Murray, Westbrook is expected to miss several weeks and possibly won’t play again until April.
“(I) just feel bad for Russ right now,” Clippers’ coach Tyronn Lue told reporters during the post-game conference. “You never want to see a player get hurt. Jordan Poole drove around, and he tried to deflect from the back. I think he hit his elbow with his hand. We don’t know what timetable, don’t know if he needs surgery or anything yet, but he’s out right now. So just trying to figure it out.”
Entering the Wizards’ game, Westbrook was the only Clipper to play in every game in the 2023-24 season. The former NBA MVP established himself as a key contributor from the bench, averaging 11.1 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.5 assists while also playing some of the best defense in his career.
The Clippers will definitely miss Westbrook and his energy as they try to stay in the race for the No.1 seed in the Western Conference. The LA team is currently sitting fourth in the standings with 3.0 games behind the leading Minnesota Timberwolves.
