Los Angeles Clippers are reportedly concerned that guard Russell Westbrook could be subject to a suspension after he confronted a fan at halftime of Sunday night’s Clippers-Phoenix Suns playoff game.
Russell Westbrook checked a Suns fan 😳
“Watch your mouth motherf*cker”pic.twitter.com/V08x2WlCG5
— Ahn Fire Digital (@AhnFireDigital) April 17, 2023
Sean Deveney of Heavy.com quoted an unnamed source who noted that Westbrook’s behavior could result in a multiple-game suspension.
“The Clippers are concerned,” Deveney wrote. “‘Yeah, that was a surprise and it is something to worry about,’ one source told Heavy Sports. ‘He was in the stands. That not only gets you knocked out for a game, it can get you two or three games. I don’t know how much it will matter that he did not go overboard and there was nothing physical. But now you’ve got to worry about a suspension.'”
Westbrook’s past few years have been filled with plenty of turmoil, much of it connected to his ill-fated tenure with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Westbrook’s arrival to the Lakers in 2021 was seen by many as a key building block toward another NBA title for the team. Instead, chemistry issues coupled with key injuries resulted in the Lakers completely missing the postseason last year.
Even before last season had ended, Westbrook’s name was brought up in trade discussions, though the Lakers were never able to complete a deal until a few months ago.
In that deal, Westbrook was sent to the Utah Jazz, with the Jazz subsequently releasing the veteran. He then signed with the Clippers.
Even before that deal was made, Westbrook had been dealing with constant abuse from fans that was even directed at his family. Those attacks led Lakers legend Magic Johnson to issue a plea for fans to stop such actions.
Westbrook’s ill-advised decision on Sunday marred what had been an impressive performance by the Clippers, who took the early advantage against the Phoenix Suns in a 115-110 victory.
On an individual level, Westbrook’s performance was a key factor in springing the upset win. The veteran delivered an all-around game with 11 rebounds, nine points, eight assists, three blocks and two steals.
In the final minute of Sunday night’s game, Westbrook also notched a pair of clutch free throws with 17.7 seconds left. He then managed to stop the Suns’ Devin Booker and regain possession for the Clippers with 10 seconds to play.
Russell Westbrook with the CLUTCH stop on Devin Booker pic.twitter.com/uJLVo3W2cX
— Ahn Fire Digital (@AhnFireDigital) April 17, 2023
If Westbrook does end up getting suspended, it would further hurt the Clippers, who began the series against the Suns with Paul George sidelined with a knee injury.
Whatever action the NBA might take against Westbrook figures to come later on Monday, since the Clippers and Suns will battle in Game 2 of their series on Tuesday night.
