:quality(85)//cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/infobae/6BO6YBO7622PES5JC5QFWLTOIU.jpg "Westbrook, from bench with the Lakers to starter with the Clippers 1")
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Russell Westbrook didn’t just change his costume at the Crypto.com Arena. He went from the bench to the starting lineup.
Los Angeles Clippers coach Tyronn Lue wasted no time in seeing how Westbrook would fit in with his new team. The eight-time All-Star signed with the team on Wednesday after reclaiming his rights and started Friday against the Sacramento Kings.
His debut with the Clippers was overshadowed by what ended up being the second-highest scoring game in NBA history. He had 17 points, 14 assists and five rebounds in 39 minutes in a 176-175 double-overtime loss to the Clippers.
“It was great to get back on the pitch. Obviously you want to win and that’s the most important thing,” admitted Westbrook, who left with 1:49 minutes left in the second overtime due to a foul play.
Lue was happy with Westbrook’s debut even though he had only participated in two practices with the Clippers before the game. Westbrook was released by Utah on Monday after the Lakers traded him to the Jazz on Feb. 9.
“I think it was great. He’s still learning the attack, he’s still learning where the players want the ball, where to take the ball,” Lue said. “He knows how PG (Paul George) and Kawhi (Leonard) play, that’s the most important thing and he learned that quickly.
Westbrook integrated quickly, stepping up the game and helping his new teammates. He was the first Clippers player to reach 10 assists on his debut for the team since 2005.
George, who has supported Westbrook since joining the Clippers, said it was clear Westbrook quickly filled a need in the team.
“We needed a leader. What you saw tonight: someone to lead the offense and someone to help us get easy shots,” said George, who played with Westbrook for two seasons in Oklahoma City. “I know their trumps. If you move forward with him, it makes the game easier for you.”
The Clippers need Westbrook to catch up quickly with just 20 games left in the regular season. The Clippers are fifth in the Western Conference with a 33-29 record, but they have just two games left against the group that would play the mini-tournament.