Plays well in big win Westbrook posted 20 points (9-17 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 1-2 FT), four rebounds and four assists in 32 minutes during Saturday's 124-116 win over the Warriors. Impact LeBron James (56 points, 10 rebounds) stole the show for Los Angeles on Saturday, but Westbrook served as an important sidekick, finishing second to his superstar teammate with 20 points. The veteran point guard did rack up five turnovers, but he played aggressively and made good decisions in crunch time, including a crafty assist that led to a Malik Monk three-pointer with just over three minutes remaining. Westbrook entered the contest without a 20-point game since Jan. 30, so this was a promising performance for him. He's drawn substantial criticism for his play so far this season, but it's clear that the Lakers will need Westbrook to play well if they are to snap out of a season-long slump that has them sitting in ninth place in the Western Conference.
MARCH 6, 2022 • ROTOWIRE