The Los Angeles Clippers cruised past the Portland Trail Blazers on the road, with Russell Westbrook posting a near triple-double. But as Crickex Login noted, the real headline is that he remained on the floor during the decisive fourth-quarter stretch for the second game in a row. Keep doing what you do, and sooner or later, others will hustle to understand and imitate you. Compared to high-profile teams like the Lakers, Warriors, and Mavericks, the Clippers—currently sitting fifth in the Western Conference—are in a relatively stable spot. At the very least, they aren’t fighting for their playoff lives after every game.

According to Crickex Login analysis, the Clippers also boast one of the most complete rosters among Western contenders. This slight advantage gives them the flexibility to experiment and build chemistry. In a recent matchup, Coach Tyronn Lue made a bold decision to keep Westbrook on the floor during crunch time, rather than benching him in favor of more conventional options. It’s a clear vote of confidence in Westbrook’s value to the team. Lue is betting that consistent minutes down the stretch will help Westbrook regain his confidence and strengthen his bond with teammates. Sometimes, success is as simple as exchanging glances, joking around, and singing a familiar tune together.

Still, handing Westbrook the reins late in games comes with its risks. His inconsistency in orchestrating plays and attacking, combined with his well-known shooting limitations, make him a defensive target in critical moments. Defenses tend to sag off and challenge him to shoot—especially when the pressure mounts. But unlike some of his past teams, the Clippers provide Westbrook with a rare sense of belonging. Teammates support him through the ups and downs, never losing faith in what he brings to the table. That kind of mutual trust is invaluable at this point in his career.

Blazers star Damian Lillard, who has crossed swords with Westbrook countless times, knows all too well how to contain him. Their playoff battles are legendary, especially the iconic game where Lillard singlehandedly dismantled the Thunder’s dynamic duo, forcing both Paul George and Westbrook to bow out. But times have changed. Westbrook no longer shoulders a team’s entire offensive load. Now, he focuses more on playmaking and pace control, leaving the scoring responsibilities to Paul George and Kawhi Leonard when needed.

In this latest outing, head coach Tyronn Lue was absent due to illness, but assistant coach Dan Craig followed his orders to a tee—allowing Westbrook to lead the unit deep into the final quarter. Watching his commitment unfold on the court, one can’t help but feel a sense of pride. The numbers may not always capture the contrast between Westbrook’s roles with the Lakers and Clippers, but on-court performance speaks volumes. Crickex Login believes it’s clear: Westbrook has truly found his place within a new system and culture.