The Los Angeles Clippers have faced numerous unfortunate injuries to key players over the past few years, posing significant challenges during the Kawhi Leonard and Paul George era. While Leonard and George have been relatively healthier this season, the team suffered a setback with Russell Westbrook’s recent left-hand injury against the Washington Wizards. Westbrook exited the game early, later diagnosed with a fracture in his left hand.

During a postgame conference, James Harden expressed his genuine reaction to Westbrook’s injury, emphasizing the team’s loss of his athleticism, energy, play-making skills, and leadership. Harden admitted he was unaware of the fracture when Westbrook initially got injured. He highlighted that the Clippers will feel Westbrook’s absence across various aspects of the game, including his athleticism, energy, play-making abilities, and leadership.