Los Angeles Lakers Coach Frank Vogel Explains Why He Benched Russell Westbrook in OT vs. Knicks
Los Angeles Lakers won their 26th game of the season against the Knicks as they beat them 122-115 in OT. LeBron James is finally back and scored 29 points in 40 mins he played. However, Russell Westbrook scored just 5 mins and 29 mins and Frank Vogel decided to bench him in OT. Vogel has now explained his rationale behind benching Russ.
Russell Westbrook (5 points on 1-10 shooting, 4 turnovers) had one of his most active offensive games of the season, and his poor shooting, along with a wholly toothless bench unit, was so dreadful in the first half that the L.A. native was booed by home fans. Monk, on the other hand, scored 18 of his 29 points in the third quarter to help the Lakers rally and eventually beat the New York Knicks 122-115.
Frank Vogel reveals why he benched Russell Westbrook vs Knicks in OT
“You just make tough decisions in the spirit of winning games,” Vogel said.
Frank Vogel said he knew the ball was going to be LeBron's hands, and he thought the Lakers would get more off-ball and on defense with Talen in the lineup. That led to benching Russ in OT.
"You just make tough decisions in the spirit of winning games."
— Kyle Goon (@kylegoon) February 6, 2022
“Hopefully the response is that player plays better,” Vogel added.
Frank Vogel on benching Russell Westbrook in OT: "Hopefully the response is that player plays better."
— Ryan Ward (@RyanWardLA) February 6, 2022
Russ only had 5 points on the night after shooting 1/10 from the field. He also had four rebounds and six assists while also turning the ball over four times.
Russell Westbrook’s response to being benched in OT
“But he’s the coach, he makes whatever he feels is the best decision for our team… We won the game, that’s the most important part,” Westbrook said.
https://twitter.com/hmfaigen/status/1490187294191456257?s=20&t=o_mNo17vR8LCxUYKZD6Pfw
But, while Westbrook didn’t improve much on this night, Monk made sure it didn’t matter with a fantastic third quarter in which he nailed several daring jumpers.
Los Angeles Lakers win 122-115 in Overtime vs New York Knicks
Tonight, the Los Angeles Lakers took on the New York Knicks. The Knicks have gone 3-7 in their previous ten games, with tonight’s game being their worst. The Lakers, on the other hand, have lost six of their previous ten games heading into tonight. They were out for blood after losing the Battle of LA to the Clippers.
The Lakers appeared to be in control of the game after reintroducing LeBron James to the starting lineup. The Knicks, on the other hand, had other ideas and built a 21-point advantage in the first half. In the third quarter, the Lakers fought their way back, forcing the game into overtime.
