Russell Westbrook blames the Clippers’ loss to the Magic

Los Angeles — Russell Westbrook blamed the Los Angeles Clippers’ four-game successful streak coming to a halt in opposition to the Orlando Magic and was already seeking to redeem himself in Portland on Sunday.

After the Clippers surrendered 39 factors within the fourth quarter and shocked the Magic at residence 113-108, Westbrook pointed the finger at himself despite the fact that the Clippers (37-34) have been enjoying with out Kawhi Leonard (managing a proper knee damage).

“That’s on me actually,” Westbrook mentioned. “I might have been higher. I began properly. However solely within the second half, it was dangerous. And I’ve to do a greater job serving to the blokes within the second half and the fourth quarter. So, no person did something. However actually, that’s on me.” .

With Leonard lacking only one recreation in a row as was the group’s longtime plan along with his celebrity, Westbrook performed 37 minutes and completed with 14 factors, 9 assists, 5 rebounds, and a steal.

However he had six turnovers, and Magic guard Markell Fultz scored 28 factors to go together with 6 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals. Fultz made all 4 of his photographs within the fourth and scored 12 of his factors within the closing 4:36.

The Clippers couldn’t cease Fultz or Wendell Carter Jr., who additionally scored 12 factors within the fourth quarter. Carter, Jr. completed with 27 factors, 12 rebounds and three steals, and hit 4 3-pointers to assist Orlando (29-42) erase an eight-point deficit going into the ultimate quarter.

“We’re not accomplished with the maneuvers,” mentioned Paul George, who scored 30. “Wendell Carter, he shot very well, however on a few of them, it was simply that we didn’t end the maneuvers and we didn’t take his shot significantly.”

George mentioned he was not anxious about Westbrook being shot. Westbrook shot 5-for-14 total and missed all three level makes an attempt on Saturday. In his previous seven video games, Westbrook has solely shot 4-for-22 from behind the arc.

“He’s a professional,” George mentioned of Westbrook, who missed three free throws within the fourth quarter. “He’s a veteran. A prime 75 participant. He’ll get by it. He is aware of he’ll keep assured, he is aware of we belief him and we’ll have his again, that he’ll keep on offense. By no means fear about Ross” the shot. I solely know what he brings and his worth to the group. That is larger than anything.

“He does a number of different issues that I don’t care about. He performs powerful and he’s a man I need to cope with.”

Westbrook was already trying ahead to taking over the Blazers and Damian Lillard earlier than the Clippers headed to the airport to fly to Portland.

“I can’t wait to play tomorrow after I’ve accomplished that [today]Westbrook mentioned.

The rule is hoping to create extra three-point probabilities for the Clippers, who’ve missed 16 of twenty-two makes an attempt from behind the arc.

“It’s greater than me,” Westbrook mentioned. “My job is to have the ability to break by and get guys open photographs, get them open 3s, I didn’t do a adequate job. Positive I’ll be higher at it tomorrow.”