Clippers star Russell Westbrook is so good he doesn’t need shoes
YouTube: Official NBAClippers PG Russell Westbrook nails a deep three-pointer without his shoe
On Tuesday night, Clippers guard Russell Westbrook nailed a three-pointer — without his shoe.
A battle of Los Angeles occurred Tuesday on TNT, as the Lakers and Clippers dueled at Crypto.com Arena. The latter came out on top, as six Clippers accounted for 16 or more points each while Lakers star LeBron James sat out of the contest.
Russell Westbrook, a former NBA MVP, was one of those six players for the Clippers. He finished the game with an efficient stat line, recording 16 points on 6-of-11 shooting, including a perfect 3-of-3 from the three-point line.
One of those shots was particularly exciting.
Clippers PG Russell Westbrook sinks a deep shot without his shoe
In the final seconds of a back-and-forth first quarter, Westbrook lost his dribble near the sideline before gathering, passing to a teammate, and receiving the ball back.
As the shot clock dwindled, Westbrook made a move to center court, and in doing so, his right shoe came loose, leading the 35-year-old to fling it toward the bench.
Still doing his best Shoeless Joe Jackson impersonation, Westbrook confidently dribbled to the top of the key, collected himself, and drained the three-point attempt.
The TNT crew calling the game couldn’t believe it. Based on the fan reaction, most in attendance couldn’t either.
That play encapsulates the Russell Westbrook experience. Sure, he’s prone to inefficient scoring nights, and ugly turnovers occur from time to time, but Westbrook never gives up.
He could have easily given the ball up, knowing that scoring with one shoe is an unlikely venture. But instead, Westbrook gave the audience one of the best plays of the entire evening.
Maybe next time, he will go all in and lose both shoes. Don’t put anything past him.
