Clippers' Russell Westbrook: Shines as top option

Westbrook closed Wednesday's 141-132 win over the Grizzlies with 36 points (13-18 FG, 5-5 3Pt, 5-9 FT), 10 assists, four rebounds and two blocks over 35 minutes.

With Paul George (knee) and Kawhi Leonard (personal) sitting out, Westbrook stepped up to lead the L.A. offense. The 36 points were a season high, as were his five made triples. He also reached double digits in assists for the second straight game. Though he continues to struggle from the free-throw line and had connected on only one-quarter of his three-point attempts as a member of the Clippers prior to Wednesday's 5-for-5 showing, Westbrook has at least improved his efficiency from the field. He's now converting at a 49.2 percent rate from the field in a Clipper uniform, and if he continues to eschew the three-point shot, he could end up being something close to a neutral performer in field-goal percentage the rest of the way rather than the major liability he's been for much of his career. Westbrook will lose out on some usage if Leonard is back in action for Friday's rematch with Memphis, but the veteran point guard should still be a solid source of counting stats while George is likely sidelined through the end of the regular season.