Clippers struggling without their injured sixth man

Westbrook's numbers this season have been far removed from his usual stat-stuffing. He's averaging 11.1 points, the lowest point total of his career, in 22.6 minutes, also a career-low.

But Westbrook has sublimated his game for the star-studded Clippers, taking a back seat to Kawhi Leonard, Paul George and James Harden. He's taking more shots at the rim and dunking more than he has in four years. Freed from offensive responsibilities, Westbrook is blocking shots at the highest pace of his career and getting steals more often then he has since 2018-19, clear signs of high effort on defense.

That's very important for a Clippers team that has admittedly had issues with effort. After getting blown out by the 30-37 Atlanta Hawks on Sunday, Leonard said the team's effort was lacking.

That was also the refrain Mar. 12, after the Clippers squandered a 22-point lead to the Minnesota Timberwolves and went on to lose by 18.

Say what you will about Westbrook's efficiency or shot selection, but his effort has never lacked. The same can't be said for his teammates in the last few weeks, especially when it comes to playing defense in transition. Some of that is caused by sloppy turnovers, while some comes from not consistently running hard.

It isn't helping that the Clippers aren't getting much from Bones Hyland, pressed into service as the backup guard with Westbrook out. In the last nine games, he's averaged under six points per game — and 1.4 turnovers.

Not long after Lakers fans at the Crypto.com Arena regularly chanted "Westbrick" at the nine-time All-Star, the Clippers and their fans fervently hope Westbrook can get back on the court. Otherwise, they're doomed to more postgame news conferences about not trying, and even more losing.