03 March 2023 , 14:04
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The Los Angeles Clippers continued their nightmare streak after signing Russell Westbrook, with their issues clear to see during Thursday night's loss to the Golden State Warriors.
The Clippers have lost all four of their games since acquiring Westbrook following his release from the Utah Jazz after being traded away from rival Los Angeles Lakers.
The Clippers were on a solid run before bringing in the former MVP, and thought Westbrook could improve their team, playing alongside former teammate Paul George.
But so far it's been a disastrous period for the team, with Westbrook's arrival seemingly making them worse - losing matches to the Warriors, Sacramento Kings, Minnesota Timberwolves and Denver Nuggets.
Westbrook has shown that he is still capable of putting up big numbers on any given night, but his efficiency continues to be sub-par and his long-term issues are becoming far more noticeable.
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On Thursday night, the Warriors' defensive game plan was made clear - to not guard Westbrook at the three-point line. Defensive stopper Draymond Green had left Westbrook alone with the ball in his hands, but he did not attempt to take a shot with no defender anywhere near him.
It was certainly an embarrassing look for the star, with the Warriors clearly hoping that he would take an uncontested shot - a tactic rarely seen on players in the NBA.
Westbrook was left wide open by the Warriors (NBA on TNT)Westbrook has always been a poor three-point shooter, and has been roundly criticised for taking low-percentage shots far too often.
As well as his poor offensive efficiency, Westbrook has also been criticised for his defensive lapses. On another play against the Warriors, he threw the ball away before losing his man - who went on to score a three-point shot.
The 34-year-old had started the season well with the Lakers, after accepting a role off the bench while looking back to himself as an explosive facilitator. But after falling out with head coach Darvin Ham, he was traded away, and now needs to revive his career quickly if he is to remain in the NBA for much longer.