Tensions were high during the closing moments of Monday night’s game featuring the Los Angeles Clippers and Denver Nuggets.
But it wasn’t tension between players that viewers at home noticed.
Clippers star Russell Westbrook got into a verbal sparring match with a courtside fan and it felt like the entire situation could quickly escalate.
Thankfully it did not and Westbrook spoke about the incident after the game.
According to Joey Linn, Westbrook said, “Now having kids and understanding how important it is, not just myself but my last name.”
He went on: “Understanding what Westbrook means, understanding how important that is to my dad, my grandfather, my family. It’s very important. It’s something I stand on, and the respect is a big thing that I value. So the moment that line gets crossed, I won’t allow [it] no more.”
Russell Westbrook wouldn’t repeat what the fan told him tonight because it wasn’t appropriate.
Russ: “The moment that line gets crossed, I won’t allow it no more. I stood for it for years. Now that my son is old enough to know what’s going on… Now I gotta stand on it.” pic.twitter.com/Ab3dwZPRyp
— Joey Linn (@joeylinn_) November 28, 2023
It’s not clear what the fan said to Westbrook and the Clippers star wouldn’t repeat it but it was clearly enough to get under his skin.
This isn’t the first time that Westbrook has had words with people watching a game.
Last season, Westbrook had a confrontation with a Phoenix Suns fan during the first round of the playoffs.
Back in 2021, a fan poured popcorn on Westbrook’s head as he was trying to leave a game and the player, then with the Washington Wizards, had to be held back by security.
And in 2019, a Utah Jazz fan was kicked out of the arena and banned for life after he got into it with Westbrook.
Westbrook isn’t going to hold back how he feels with other players, coaches, refs, or fans.
If someone says something that offends him or crosses a line he is going to push back.
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