Golden State Warriors' forward Draymond Green had high praise for Washington Wizards' guard Russell Westbrook after the latter's outstanding performance in a game on Monday night. Westbrook, who has been criticized for his erratic play this season, led his team to a 110-107 win over the Warriors with a triple-double of 19 points, 14 rebounds, and 14 assists.
Speaking to reporters after the game, Green had nothing but respect for Westbrook's performance, saying, "That's who Russ is. He's a great player. He's going to be a Hall of Famer one day, and that's what he does."
Green also acknowledged that the Warriors had struggled to contain Westbrook, saying, "We didn't do a good enough job on him, obviously. We know how dangerous he is. He got going, and it was tough to slow him down."
Green's comments come at a time when Westbrook has been under scrutiny for his performance this season. Despite being a former MVP and averaging a triple-double for three consecutive seasons, Westbrook has been criticized for his high turnover rate and inefficient shooting. However, his performance against the Warriors was a reminder of his undeniable talent and ability to impact the game in multiple ways.
It is also worth noting that Green and Westbrook have a history of on-court incidents and trash-talking, making Green's praise all the more significant. The two players have had heated exchanges in the past, including a confrontation during a game in 2019 that resulted in both players receiving technical fouls.
The game between the Warriors and the Wizards was highly anticipated, as it marked the return of Golden State's star guard Stephen Curry, who had missed the previous five games due to a tailbone injury. However, despite Curry's 32 points and 6 assists, the Warriors were unable to secure the win against the resurgent Wizards, who have been playing better basketball lately.
Westbrook's triple-double was his 16th of the season and the 170th of his career, extending his record for the most in NBA history. His performance also helped the Wizards move closer to securing a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, as they currently sit in the 10th spot, just half a game behind the Chicago Bulls.
Green's comments on Westbrook also reflect the sportsmanship and respect that exists among players in the NBA. Despite their heated exchanges in the past, Green was quick to acknowledge Westbrook's talent and contribution to the game. Such moments of mutual respect among players are not uncommon in the NBA, where players often speak highly of each other's abilities, even if they are on opposing teams.
Russell Westbrook's performance against the Warriors also drew praise from other players and coaches around the league. Warriors' head coach Steve Kerr, for example, called Westbrook "one of the best competitors in the league," while Warriors' guard Kent Bazemore described Westbrook's game as "insane." Wizards' teammate Bradley Beal, who has played alongside Westbrook all season, also spoke highly of the guard's impact on the team, saying, "He brings so much energy, so much passion, and so much love for the game."
Westbrook's performance against the Warriors was also significant because it came on the heels of some criticism he has faced this season. While he is averaging a triple-double for the fourth time in his career, he has also been criticized for his high turnover rate and shooting struggles. However, Westbrook has remained steadfast in his commitment to the game and his team, and his performance against the Warriors is a testament to his unwavering dedication to the sport.
As for the Warriors, the loss to the Wizards was a setback in their playoff hopes. The team is currently in the eighth spot in the Western Conference, but with several teams in the conference vying for playoff spots, every game is critical. Despite the loss, the return of Curry to the lineup was a positive sign, and the team will look to build on his performance as they head into the final stretch of the regular season.
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