By Celso Samson
LOS ANGELES - At age 35, Russell Westbrook is nearing the sunset of an amazing career that has seen him win the regular season MVP award once while being named an All-Star nine times.
There's just one thing missing in his portfolio. A ring.
This year's playoffs, which begin this weekend for the fourth-seeded Clippers against the fifth-ranked Dallas Mavericks, give Westbrook another shot at a championship. This time, he's readier than ever.
Westbrook no longer triple-double machine
For three straight seasons - 2016-17 to 2018-19 - Westbrook averaged a triple-double. Although he's no longer that triple-double machine, the former OKC Thunder star is still pretty good.
In an April 7 game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Westbrook scattered 8 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists in a 120-118 Los Angeles victory. He followed that effort with a more imposing 16 points, 15 rebounds, and 15 assists versus the Phoenix Suns on April 9.
"I know who I am and what I'm able to bring to the game," Westbrook told reporters days before the post-season kicks off.
Through 15 NBA seasons, a journey that includes stops in Houston and Washington, Westbrook has always been a full-time starter. But last April 2023, putting himself beneath the team, he approached the Clippers coaching staff and volunteered to come off the bench.
Westbrook embraces new role
Westbrook embracing the Sixth Man role has fortified the depth of a Clippers team that parades a Big Three of Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, and James Harden, plus notable veterans Norman Powell and big man Ivica Zubac.
In the 68 games he appeared during the regular season, Westbrook started only 11 times, but his numbers were very productive - 11 points, 4.5 rebounds, and five assists per outing while playing only 22 minutes.
"He's gonna bring that energy every night. He's been producing for us off the bench, producing for us as a starter. He just does it all," Clippers coach TyLue said of Russ' value to this team's playoffs push.
But beating Dallas will be a tall order.
Luka Doncic is averaging 33.9 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 9.8 assists while Kyrie Irving is averaging 25.6 points, 5 rebounds and 5.2 assists a game. The Mavericks also have a great support cast in Tim Hardaway Jr, P.J. Washington, Daniel Gafford, Max Kleber, and Derick Lively III among others.
Still, the Clippers must feel good in this series.
They have two things going for them in this upcoming series: Homecourt advantage and star power off the bench courtesy of Russell Westbrook.
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