The Suns knocked off the Clippers 136–130 in Game 5 on Tuesday night to advance to the Western Conference Semifinals and end Los Angeles’s season.
After the game, Russell Westbrook, who led the Clippers in points, assists and rebounds for the series, was reflective about his time with the team after being traded from the Lakers midseason.
“Once I got traded. Immediately, to be honest. From that moment, mentally, I was in a better place,” Westbrook said when asked about the weight lifted off his shoulders after the trade.
The Lakers sent Westbrook to the Jazz ahead of the trade deadline on Feb. 9. He signed with the Clippers weeks later, after agreeing to a contract buyout with Utah.
There’s no doubt that Westbrook relished his opportunity with the Clippers, which allowed him to be more himself within the offense. With the Lakers, Westbrook was coming off the bench and was more tentative in the offense that was being spearheaded by LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Meanwhile, with the Clippers, Westbrook felt wanted after stars Kawhi Leonard and Paul George lobbied for the team to trade for him at the deadline.
Tyronn Lue told reporters after the game that he hopes that Westbrook will return to the Clippers. Westbrook is a free agent this offseason, and may have other options after a strong late-season tenure in Los Angeles.
