Russell Westbrook confronts fan during Clippers’ late-game defeat: What happened?

LOS ANGELES — Russell Westbrook made it clear that he will not tolerate fans making personal remarks about him or his family after a confrontational episode with a fan towards the end of the LA Clippers’ 113-104 loss to the depleted Denver Nuggets on Monday night.

During the final 30 seconds of the game, with the Nuggets leading 113-102, Westbrook engaged in a heated exchange with a fan seated behind the courtside seats while the Clippers inbounded the ball at midcourt.

“It’s unfortunate,” Westbrook expressed after a disappointing loss to the Nuggets, who were missing key players such as Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, and Aaron Gordon. “Fans believe they can say whatever they want. I can’t divulge what was said because it’s inappropriate, but I will defend myself.

“It’s unfortunate that fans think they can say anything and I won’t stand for it. I’ve dealt with a lot of people saying whatever they want and getting away with it, but I won’t tolerate it.”

Referee Lauren Holtkamp intervened to ensure there was no escalation as play continued, but after the final buzzer, Westbrook returned to midcourt where fans appeared to be taunting him.

Holtkamp, Nuggets guard Justin Holiday, Clippers security, arena security, and Westbrook’s teammate Daniel Theis all stepped in to prevent the situation from intensifying.

Last season during the first-round playoff series between the Clippers and Suns in Phoenix, Westbrook had a verbal altercation with a Suns fan as players were using a shortcut through a club area from the locker room to go to the court.

In May 2021, while with the Washington Wizards, a fan at a playoff game in Philadelphia dumped popcorn on Westbrook as he was leaving the court following an injury. Westbrook had to be restrained by Wizards staff and arena security guards.

In 2019, a fan in Utah received a lifetime ban from what was then called the Vivint Smart Home Arena after an altercation with Westbrook while he was with the Oklahoma City Thunder.

“I understand that fans are passionate about the game and may feel emboldened to speak their minds,” Westbrook stated. “But negative comments about family are off-limits to me. Anything else, they can say what they want.”

Westbrook reiterated that he will not tolerate fans verbally attacking him or his family.

“Now that I have kids and understand the importance of protecting not just myself, but my family name,” Westbrook continued. “It’s something I stand for, and respect is something I highly value.”

“So the moment that line is crossed, I won’t tolerate it anymore. I’ve tolerated it for years, but now my son is old enough to understand what’s happening, and I have to take a stand, no matter the circumstances.”