Russell Westbrook returns to the Clippers 3 weeks after surgery

LOS ANGELES — Russell Westbrook returned to the court Monday night against the Indiana Pacers, just three weeks after the Los Angeles Clippers star guard underwent surgery to repair a fracture in his left hand.

Clippers coach Ty Lue said Westbrook, who entered the game in the first quarter, will not be subject to a minutes restriction. Westbrook broke his non-dribbling hand on March 1 against the Washington Wizards and underwent surgery on March 4.

Lue said the Clippers missed Westbrook's aggressive energy and could use his “pop” again. The Clippers won 6-6 without their former MVP.

Westbrook is averaging 11.1 points, 5.1 rebounds and 4.4 assists in 58 games. He started the first 10 games of the season but made a move off the bench to help the Clippers communicate better following the James Harden trade.

From his first game off the bench against the Houston Rockets on November 17 until he suffered a hand injury, the Clippers went 28-8.

“Another vet, a leader on the court, who is also on the same mission as us,” Harden said of what the Clippers will get with Westbrook back. “This is a championship win. Very happy to have him back.