The LA Clippers traded Russell Westbrook after he struggled mightily in the 2024 playoffs. He shot just 26.0 percent from the field and had more turnovers than assists as the Mavericks knocked LA out in the opening round. The Clippers attached a 2030 second-round draft pick to the former MVP to get Kris Dunn. They could not have regretted that decision more after their Game 7 loss to the Nuggets in the first round of the 2025 playoffs.
LA was a flawed team, but they won a crucial Game 6 to send it back to Denver. Nicolas Batum fueled things by replacing Dunn. The guard’s limited offensive skill set made him a negative in this series. Dunn started the first six games but was benched for Game 7. He got on the floor but missed his first three shots and was disastrous when the outcome was in question.
To make matters worse for LA, Westbrook sunk two wide-open triples and stuck it to his former team in the deciding contest. It was a fine bit of vindication for the future Hall of Famer.
Russell Westbrook makes the Clippers regret dumping him
The Nuggets do not knock out LA without Westbrook. He had 15 points, including making a couple of crucial plays in Denver’s Game 1 overtime win. They got 21, including three 3-pointers, from the nine-time All-Star in Game 5 to take a 3-2 edge.
Westbrook showed up again in the finale. He had 16 points, five rebounds, five assists, and five steals in 27 minutes of action. Nikola Jokic struggled on Saturday evening, but the Nuggets supporting cast stepped up. Much has been said about Westbrook and Denver’s talent behind the three-time MVP. Those players answered the call in their biggest game of the season so far.
All the Clippers could do was shake their heads. LA looked gassed after a strong first quarter. They fought back from a 3-2 deficit but just did not have enough to finish the series.
The LA Clippers now face a crucial offseason with several questions, and will have to watch Russell Westbrook face his first team in the second round. James Harden has a player option and will want a raise. He has a long track record of playoff struggles. Do the Clippers keep him or risk regretting letting him go too? LA needs more talent to be a serious contender in the loaded West and the added offense from Westbrook would have helped in this series.
Russell Westbrook got the last laugh on the Clippers. Can he finally get a championship ring? He knocked out his former team and all the Clippers could do was regret giving up on him, especially as Kris Dunn flamed out in the most important games.