The LA Clippers’ Russell Westbrook has confronted a fan in heated scenes at halftime of game one of the NBA Playoff series against the Phoenix Suns.
And the Clippers star had the last laugh, playing a key role in his side’s 115-110 win on the Suns’ floor.
Even though he shot three from 19 from the field, Westbrook finished the game with nine points, 11 rebounds and eight assists to go with two steals and three blocks, including the game sealer on Devin Booker.
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He also converted two key free throws in the final minute.
But the 34-year-old had something to prove after he confronted a fan at the halftime break.
While the video doesn’t show what was said to Westbrook, it does show the Clippers star confront a Suns hat wearing bloke enjoying some snacks during the break.
A security guard held Westbrook back who told the man, “What your mouth.”
The man replied: “Take it like man”.
Westbrook added: “Watch your mouth motherf**ker, watch your mouth”.
“Talk about it, be about it!” yelled the man and his friends continued to jaw at Westbrook as he headed back down the tunnel.
“We are aware of the incident that happened tonight and are conducting a review,” the Suns said in a statement, according to Arizona Republic reporter Duane Rankin.
The Clippers win was set up by Kawhi Leonard, who scored 13 of his game-high 38 points in the fourth quarter.
But he was ably supported by 19 points from Eric Gordon, 14 from Norman Powell, 12 from Ivica Zubac and 10 from Terance Mann.
For the Suns, Kevin Durant had 27 points, 11 assists and nine rebounds but suffered his first loss since joining the Suns from Brooklyn.
Devin Booker added 26 points while Chris Paul had seven points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists.
The Suns have put all their chips in to win this season by acquiring Durant, having lost the 2020-21 Finals to the Bucks, before being shocked last season by the Mavericks in the conference semi-finals after having easily the best record in the NBA.
Clippers forward Paul George was out with a sprained right knee and is questionable for the playoffs.
With AFP
