Apr 13, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook (4) dribbles against the Houston Rockets in the second half at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images Thomas Shea-Imagn Images

Russell Westbrook Ruled Out During Clippers-Nuggets Game 3

Originally posted on Los Angeles Clippers on SI
By Logan Struck | Last updated Apr 25, 2025 12:38 AM ET

After Games 1 and 2 went down to the wire, the LA Clippers did not want to give the Denver Nuggets a chance in Game 3. The Clippers dominated the Nuggets wire to wire on Thursday night, putting on a show for the Intuit Dome crowd in their first-ever playoff game.

The Clippers were led by Kawhi Leonard, James Harden, and Norman Powell, each scoring 20+ points on efficient shooting, while a 23-point triple-double from three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic was not enough for the Nuggets.

On top of a blowout loss, the Nuggets were dealing with some unfortunate injury issues. Veteran point guard Russell Westbrook left Thursday's game with left foot inflammation and would not return.

Westbrook will not return https://t.co/jn9I84lIXA
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) April 25, 2025

Of course, by the time Westbrook exited Thursday's game, the Nuggets had already dug themselves a huge hole, but not having their standout sixth man certainly hurt them in the second half. Westbrook finished his night with just three points, one rebound, and one assist on 1-5 shooting, all coming from three-point range.

Westbrook reportedly hurt his foot in pregame warmup, but his night was ultimately cut short after he tried to play through it.

This article first appeared on Los Angeles Clippers on SI and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: