Russell Westbrook returns for Clippers 3 weeks after surgery

LOS ANGELES — Russell Westbrook will return to the court Monday night against the Indiana Pacers, just three weeks removed from when the LA Clippers star guard underwent surgery to repair a broken left hand.

Clippers coach Ty Lue said Westbrook will not be on a minutes restriction Monday. 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 hustle and could use his “pop” again. The Clippers went 6-6 without their former MVP point guard.

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 the decision to come off the bench to help the Clippers better integrate after the James Harden trade.

From the first game he came off the bench against the Houston Rockets on Nov. 17 to the time he injured his hand, the Clippers went 28-8.

“Another veteran, leader on the court, who also has the same mission as us,” Harden said of what the Clippers are getting with Westbrook's return. “It’s winning the championship. I’m so happy to have it back.