ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith has voiced strong criticism against Russell Westbrook"s behavior during Game 3 against the Mavericks, asserting that the Clippers guard should have been suspended for his actions.
Westbrook"s conduct during the game included shoving Dallas" Luka Doncic and PJ Washington, which resulted in his ejection from the match. The altercation ignited after Westbrook forcefully grabbed Doncic"s arm during a foul, and he also delivered a hard foul to Josh Green"s head earlier in the game, resulting in a flagrant foul.
"Inexcusable behavior… And I don't know why this isn't being talked about enough… I was of the mindset that Russell Westbrook deserved to be suspended for today's game. That's how appalling his game was."
Stephen A. Smith on Russ' Game 3 showing.pic.twitter.com/q3VMAX51Di
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) April 28, 2024
Smith expressed his dismay over Westbrook"s actions, emphasizing that they warranted a suspension from Game 4, a contest narrowly won by the Clippers.
“I was of the mindset that Russell Westbrook deserved to be suspended for today"s game. That"s how appalling his game [three] was," Smith remarked during an ESPN segment.
Smith highlighted the severity of Westbrook"s actions, particularly his arm pull on Doncic, which he claimed could have caused a serious injury. He further revealed that he reached out to the NBA"s league office seeking an explanation for Westbrook"s lack of suspension.
According to Smith, the league cited Westbrook"s two technical fouls and one flagrant foul, along with his subsequent ejection, as factors considered in their decision. Additionally, the absence of any injuries resulting from Westbrook"s actions factored into the league"s ruling.
However, Smith noted that the NBA indicated a suspension might have been warranted had the incidents occurred during the regular season.
Despite his criticism, Smith acknowledged Westbrook"s contributions to the Clippers since joining the team last year, describing him as an “energizer bunny" and a valuable asset to the squad.
In Game 4, Westbrook played 22 minutes, contributing five points, three rebounds, and two steals to the Clippers" 116-111 victory over the Mavericks.
