Los Angeles Clippers star Russell Westbrook and Dallas Mavericks forward P.J. Washington were ejected from Game 3 of their matchup on Friday night after a scuffle in the fourth quarter. Westbrook got into an altercation with Luka Doncic after being called for a foul while guarding him. Doncic tried to argue with Westbrook, who responded with a forearm shove. Washington then got involved and pushed Westbrook, leading to both players being ejected from the game.
Westbrook had also received a flagrant 1 foul earlier in the game for excessive contact on Josh Green during a breakaway chance. Clippers coach Tyronn Lue commented on the incident, stating that while he likes the physicality and tough possessions, the team needs to channel their aggression in other ways to avoid getting technical fouls and being ejected from games. Westbrook finished the game with one point and three rebounds in the loss, while Doncic and Kyrie Irving led the way for Dallas, with Doncic scoring 22 points and Irving adding 21 points.
The Mavericks went on to win the game 101-90, taking a 2-1 lead in the series. Game 4 was set to take place on Sunday, with Dallas looking to build on their lead and potentially close out the series. The incident involving Westbrook and Washington added a physical element to the matchup, but both teams will need to focus on maintaining discipline and avoiding similar confrontations in future games. Westbrook’s ejection was a significant blow to the Clippers, as they look to bounce back and even the series against a tough Mavericks team.
The scuffle between Westbrook and Washington highlighted the intensity of the playoff matchup between the Clippers and Mavericks. Both teams were engaged in a physical battle throughout the game, with tensions running high as they competed for a crucial victory in the series. The ejections of Westbrook and Washington further added to the drama, as both teams will need to regroup and refocus heading into Game 4. The incident also raised questions about the players’ composure and ability to control their emotions in high-pressure situations, as both Westbrook and Washington let their frustration get the best of them.
As the series between the Clippers and Mavericks continued, the focus shifted to how both teams would respond to the physicality and intensity of the previous game. Westbrook’s role in the Clippers’ lineup and his ability to bounce back from the ejection became a key storyline heading into Game 4. Meanwhile, the Mavericks looked to capitalize on their momentum and take control of the series with another strong performance. The incident served as a reminder of the competitive nature of playoff basketball and the importance of maintaining discipline and composure in order to succeed in the postseason. Both teams would need to bring their A-game in order to secure a crucial victory and gain an advantage in the series.
