Clippers guard Russell Westbrook out indefinitely after breaking left hand in win over Wizards

Russell Westbrook is now out indefinitely.

The Los Angeles Clippers veteran broke his left hand on Friday evening of their 140-115 win over the Washington Wizards at Crypto.com Area, the crew confirmed. Specifics on the damaged hand should not but identified. It’s unclear if he’ll want surgical procedure, or if he’ll have the ability to return at any level this season.

Westbrook appeared to injure his left hand early within the second quarter whereas making an attempt to achieve from behind and poke the ball out of Wizards guard Jordan Poole‘s palms whereas on protection. Westbrook shortly reached for his left hand after doing so, clearly in some ache, however he remained within the recreation.

Westbrook once more reached for his left hand on the subsequent stoppage of play. He was finally subbed out of the sport, and didn’t return.

Westbrook is the second participant within the league to interrupt his left hand on Friday evening. Toronto Raptors star Scottie Barnes did the identical factor of their loss to the Golden State Warriors.

Westbrook had six factors and an help in 10 minutes off the bench on Friday. The 35-year-old entered Friday’s recreation averaging 11.1 factors and 5.2 rebounds for the Clippers, his first full season with the crew.

The Clippers, who introduced Westbrook’s damage halfway via the third quarter, held a 14 level lead over the Wizards at halftime. The Clippers then pushed forward simply within the second half and rolled to the 25-point win with none challenge. They held the Wizards to only 21 factors within the third quarter, and dedicated simply eight turnovers as a unit.

Kyle Kuzma led Washington with 32 factors and 7 rebounds. Poole added 16 factors off the bench. The Wizards are actually simply 9-51 on the season, which is the worst report within the league.

James Harden led the Clippers with 28 factors and eight assists after he shot 6-of-9 from behind the arc. Kawhi Leonard added 27 factors and 9 rebounds, and Paul George completed with 22 factors. The Clippers shot higher than 57% from the sector as a crew.

The win snapped a two-game shedding skid for the Clippers, who’ve now gained simply two of 5 video games popping out of the All-Star break. They maintain a 38-20 report, and can journey to the Western Convention main Minnesota Timberwolves subsequent on Sunday.