Challenges Faced by Russell Westbrook: Obstacles and Turning Points

Life is full of challenges, and Russell Westbrook faced many. Discover key struggles and how they were overcome.

Russell Westbrook III is an American professional basketball player currently playing point guard for the Denver Nuggets in the NBA. He entered the NBA in 2008 and rose to prominence with the Oklahoma City Thunder. He has played for six NBA teams during his career.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

April 25, 2013: Knee Injury

On April 25, 2013, in the second game of the series against the Houston Rockets, Russell Westbrook injured his right knee after a collision with Patrick Beverley.

April 27, 2013: Knee Surgery

On April 27, 2013, Russell Westbrook had surgery on his right meniscus and was declared out for the rest of the playoffs.

2013: Second Knee Surgery

Prior to the start of the 2013–14 season, Westbrook had a second surgery on his right knee, which delayed his return to basketball.

2014: Thunder Miss Playoffs

After Westbrook's return from injury, the Thunder could not secure a playoff spot in 2014, finishing ninth in the West with a 45-37 record.

2014: Fracture in Right Hand

After the 2014–15 season opener, Russell Westbrook suffered a small fracture of the second metacarpal in his right hand the following game against the Los Angeles Clippers, missing 14 games.

September 2018: Knee Procedure

In September 2018, Russell Westbrook underwent a procedure to address inflammation in his right knee, causing him to miss the preseason and the first two regular-season games.

April 5, 2022: Lakers Eliminated from Playoffs

On April 5, 2022, the Lakers were defeated by the Phoenix Suns, eliminating them from obtaining a playoff berth. This was the third season in Westbrook's career (and the first since 2015) in which he missed the playoffs.

April 26, 2024: Ejection from Playoff Game

On April 26, 2024, Russell Westbrook was ejected from Game Three of the first-round playoff series against the Dallas Mavericks after receiving two technical fouls for fouling Luka Dončić and shoving P. J. Washington, in a game the Clippers lost 101–90.