The Suns and Clippers unsurprisingly kicked off their playoff series with some drama, when Russell Westbrook got into a confrontation with a fan at the Footprint Center in Phoenix during LA's Game 1 win.
Westbrook repeatedly told the fan "watch your mouth" with security breaking the two up. The fan told Westbrook "take it like a man" before Westbrook was eventually escorted from the situation.
The altercation reportedly escalated when the fan called the Clippers guard "Westbrick," a nickname he has repeatedly tried to distance himself from and talked about at length with regards to his family.
HEATED exchange between a Suns fan and Russell Westbrook last night at halftime 😳
— Ball Don’t Lie (@Balldontlie) April 17, 2023
(via @BCH66223) pic.twitter.com/2q9G8Tekdf
MORE: Monsters of the Midrange: How Suns tied up series with Clippers
As a result of the altercation, the Footprint Center has changed the way visiting teams enter the floor. The Club Gila Lounge was used as a shortcut from the visitors' locker room to get to the court. However, the Suns have now cordoned off the lounge, meaning the players will walk a greater distance to get to the floor.
Response to Russell Westbrook/#Suns fan incident at halftime of Game 1. #Clippers #NBAPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/4yiko9Lk03
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) April 19, 2023
The Suns released a statement regarding the incident, saying they were reviewing it. "We are aware of the incident that happened tonight and are conducting a review."
MORE: How Clippers vs. Suns schedule could impact Los Angeles
Westbrook, who played for the Lakers to start the year and eventually joined the Clippers after a buyout from the Jazz, has enjoyed a bit of a resurgence with his Crypto.com Arena mates.
Although isn't the triple-double machine he once was, Westbrook has been significantly more efficient with the Clippers, and he was part of a late-season push that helped get the team to the No. 5 seed. He has had multiple interactions with fans in the past, specifically over the nickname "Westbrick."
Westbrook and the Clippers will host the Suns at Crypto.com Arena in Game 3 of the best-of-seven Thursday with the series tied 1-1.
