Russell Westbrook is now out indefinitely.
The Los Angeles Clippers veteran broke his left hand during Friday night's 140-115 win over the Washington Wizards at Crypto.com Arena, the team confirmed. Details about the broken hand are not yet known. It's unclear whether he will need surgery or whether he will be able to return at some point this season.
Russell Westbrook broke his left hand. He is out for the rest of the game.
— Ohm Youngmisuk (@NotoriousOHM) March 2, 2024
Westbrook appeared to injure his left hand early in the second quarter when he tried to reach from behind on defense and knock the ball out of the hands of Wizards guard Jordan Poole. Westbrook quickly reached for his left hand afterward, obviously in pain, but he stayed in the game.
At the next stoppage in play, Westbrook reached for his left hand again. He was eventually substituted from the game and did not return.
Westbrook became the second player in the league to break his left hand on Friday night. Toronto Raptors star Scottie Barnes did the same in the loss to the Golden State Warriors.
Westbrook had six points and one assist in 10 minutes off the bench on Friday. The 35-year-old started Friday's game averaging 11.1 points and 5.2 rebounds for the Clippers, his first full season with the team.
Russell Westbrook broke his left hand in the Clippers' game against the Wizards at Crypto.com Arena on Friday night. (Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
The Clippers, who announced Westbrook's injury midway through the third quarter, held a 14-point halftime lead over the Wizards. The Clippers continued to push forward effortlessly in the second half and easily secured the 25-point win. They held the Wizards to just 21 points in the third quarter and committed just eight total turnovers.
Kyle Kuzma led Washington with 32 points and seven rebounds. Poole added 16 points off the bench. The Wizards are just 9:51 this season, which is the worst record in the league.
James Harden led the Clippers with 28 points and eight assists after shooting 6 of 9 from behind the arc. Kawhi Leonard added 27 points and nine rebounds and Paul George finished the game with 22 points. The Clippers shot better than 57% from the field as a team.
The win snapped a two-game losing streak for the Clippers, who have now won just two of five games after the All-Star break. They hold a 38-20 record and head to the Western Conference next Sunday, where the Minnesota Timberwolves are at the top.