Russell Westbrook Playoffs
Russell Westbrook played for the Los Angeles Clippers in the 2023–24 season as part of a star-studded lineup.
via Wikipedia: Russell Westbrook · see source
Russell Westbrook played for the Los Angeles Clippers during the 2023–24 season, having been reunited with former Oklahoma City Thunder and Houston Rockets teammate James Harden after Harden's acquisition on November 1, 2023.
Quick Facts
- Player affiliation
- Oklahoma City Thunder
- Washington Wizards
- Houston Rockets
- LA Lakers
- Los Angeles Clippers
- Clippers status
- Played for the team during the 2022–23 and 2023–24 seasons
- Playoff meetings
- None as a Clippers player
- Notable fact
- Signed with the Clippers in February 2023 and played two seasons with the team
Lore & Background
Westbrook was part of a superteam alongside James Harden, Kawhi Leonard, and Paul George, with the quartet totaling 33 All-Star appearances. The Clippers finished the regular season with 50 wins and placed fourth in the Pacific Division, but lost in the First Round of the playoffs to the Dallas Mavericks in six games.
Reader's Guide
Westbrook appeared in the regular season game log, recording assists and rebounds in multiple games. He played in the preseason and regular season, including a 13-assist game on October 25 against Portland.
The Superteam Experiment
The 2023–24 season marked a pivotal reunion for Russell Westbrook as the Los Angeles Clippers constructed a formidable roster around four perennial All-Stars. Following a blockbuster trade on November 1, 2023, Westbrook was reunited with James Harden, his former teammate from both Oklahoma City and Houston. This acquisition joined an existing core of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, creating a historic aggregation of talent that collectively boasted 32 All-Star appearances. The move was intended to solidify the franchise's standing before their upcoming relocation to the Intuit Dome in Inglewood for the following year. However, the transaction drew significant criticism from observers who felt the team mishandled the deal by refusing to include Terance Mann, a key role player, in the exchange. Critics argued this decision weakened the squad's depth during a critical window where the Clippers faced the risk of losing their star players to free agency before establishing themselves in their new arena.
A Rollercoaster Regular Season
The trajectory of the season began with high hopes but quickly descended into volatility following the initial roster changes. After starting October with an impressive 3–1 record, the team endured a devastating six-game losing streak between November 1 and November 14. This slump threatened to derail their championship aspirations early in the year, highlighting the growing pains of integrating such high-profile talent. The turning point arrived on November 17, when the Clippers finally broke the negative momentum with a decisive victory over the Houston Rockets. Following this breakthrough, the team transformed into a dominant force, launching an incredible nine-game winning streak starting in December that featured several lopsided victories. This resurgence propelled them to the top of the Western Conference standings, securing their second consecutive playoff berth and earning their first division title since 2014.
Playoff Disappointment and Milestones
Despite a regular season defined by historic achievements, including reaching the 50-win mark for the first time since 2017, the postseason proved to be a harsh reality check. The Clippers' journey ended prematurely in the First Round, marking their second consecutive early exit from the playoffs. They fell short against the Dallas Mavericks, led by Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving, losing the series in six games. This outcome underscored the difficulty of converting regular-season dominance into deep playoff runs for the franchise. Throughout the campaign, the team also participated in the inaugural NBA In-Season Tournament, competing in Group B alongside heavyweights like the defending champion Denver Nuggets. While the season concluded with a division title and strong attendance figures averaging nearly 19,000 fans per home game at the Crypto.com Arena, the inability to advance past the opening round left many questions regarding the team's ultimate ceiling.
Franchise Context and Future Outlook
The 2023–24 campaign served as a transitional chapter for the Los Angeles Clippers, representing their final season at the Crypto.com Arena before moving to the new Intuit Dome. This context added urgency to their roster construction, particularly regarding the retention of star talent prior to the relocation. The team's draft strategy also reflected this forward-looking approach; they entered the draft with a first-round pick originally owned by the Milwaukee Bucks but acquired through a complex swap involving the Houston Rockets and Oklahoma City Thunder. Because the Thunder made the playoffs in 2023, their pick remained outside the top six protection range, allowing the Clippers to secure the asset successfully. This strategic maneuvering highlighted the organization's efforts to balance immediate championship contention with long-term roster flexibility as they prepared for a new era in Inglewood.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Russell Westbrook Playoffs?
This term refers to an internet misconception rather than a real player or event within Los Angeles Clippers history. Russell Westbrook never played for the franchise, so no such rivalry officially exists in basketball canon.
What was Russell Westbrook's role in this feud?
He had no actual role because he never wore a Clippers jersey during his NBA career. Any narrative involving him is based on rumors rather than legitimate team affiliation or playoff matchups.
Did Russell Westbrook ever play for the Clippers?
No, his career affiliations were with the Thunder, Wizards, Rockets, and Lakers exclusively. There is no record of him suiting up for Los Angeles in any regular season or playoff game.
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