Russell Westbrook’s late-game contributions within the Clippers’ Game 1 victory against the Suns appeared to follow a confrontation with a fan at halftime.
Based on Bleacher Report and a fan’s video, Westbrook told a fan wearing a Suns polo shirt, “Watch your mouth, motherf–ker, watch your mouth.”
A Clippers security person gets between the 2 with a child looking on.
Then, as Westbrook — together with his Clippers jersey untucked and pulled up — heads toward the tunnel that brought him back to the Footprint Center court, a voice yelled for Westbrook to “discuss it, be about it.”
(Warning adult language)
“We’re aware of the incident that happened tonight and are conducting a review,” the Suns said in a press release, based on Arizona Republic reporter Duane Rankin.
It’s unclear when precisely the video occurred, or what the fan said or did that prompted Westbrook’s response, however the fan told Westbrook to “take it like a person.
Rankin showed in a Twitter video that the incident happened in a lounge area that can also be a shortcut to the visiting locker room.
Each Bleacher Report and the fan’s video noted that the exchange occurred at halftime.
Despite nearly recording a triple-double because the Clippers stole the series-opener from Phoenix, Westbrook struggled shooting from the sphere — only making 3-of-19 shots and ending with nine points.
He also added 10 rebounds and eight assists.
But Westbrook still converted a pair of key free throws in the ultimate minute. He also blocked Devin Booker at the opposite end — and ensuring the ball hit the Suns star before careening out of bounds — to get possession back to the Clippers.
“My whole profession, I pride myself every season on doing the whole lot,” Westbrook told reporters after the sport. “Whatever is required of me to win the sport, I’ll do it.”
Westbrook helped lead the Clippers to the No. 5 seed within the Western Conference alongside Kawhi Leonard, while, satirically, establishing a first-round series against his old Thunder teammate: Kevin Durant, who Phoenix acquired from the Nets on the trade deadline.
Los Angeles and the Suns will meet for Game 2 on Tuesday, before the series shifts to California and the Clippers host Games 3 and 4.