Veteran Clippers guard Russell Westbrook faces likely absence weeks after suffering a left hand injury in the Clippers' recent 135-110 victory over New Orleans. Initial X-rays returned negative, but lingering pain through his non-shooting appendage now threatens shelving Westbrook multiple games entering the All-Star break stretch. A confirmed hand fracture or tendon strain would force a decision weighing prolonged rest mending properly versus risking re-injuries rushing back impacting the playoff push.
Westbrook's injury came trying instinctively breaking his awkward late fall after slipping along the baseline late third quarter - exemplifying the frenetic hyperactivity defining his polarizing career. The former MVP immediately winced grasping at the affected hand before departing for locker room evaluation beginning a worrying wait.
While Westbrook eventually returned for a quick fourth quarter substitution, scoring pain and swelling worsened overnight warranting Thursday morning scans determining severity. The Clippers now fear a small break or torn ligaments jeopardizing Westbrook's typical ironman availability facing scheduling decisions.
Prioritizing Westbrook's long-term health remains paramount with the Clippers already losing Paul George multiple weeks to a hamstring tear. But competitive instincts pull Westbrook fighting possible limitations or limited minutes during recovery. The frustrating physical decline associated with Westbrook's mid-30s now includes minor nagging ailments piling up faster, testing patience.
This hand setback especially grinds Westbrook reluctantly embracing a secondary playmaking role behind Kawhi Leonard this campaign. Steadily finding assist grooves supporting the Clippers stars, Westbrook must temporarily surrender larger ball handling duties again to Reggie Jackson and company if sidelined. But that transition absolutely depends whether LA doctors greenlight playing through pain.
Considering his shot remains inconsistent and shaky defense prone, the Clippers desperately need Westbrook rediscovering attacking and distribution prowess off the bench avoiding heavy reliance on stars carrying full burdens. Every outcome now brings pressure: rush Westbrook back hazarding long term issues, or lose an elite table-setter best gifting the surrounding cast scoring chances.
Rest assured the notoriously stubborn Westbrook pushes fighting limitations seeking a quick court return regardless as the scrappy Clippers cling Western Conference standings. But team personnel may override those wishes if medical opinions recommend extended recovery timelines guarding against re-injury risks. For now the Clippers, Westbrook and fans anxious await formal word whether the ironman streak holds or another forced hiatus now hits.