Much has been made of the inaugural playoff matchup between Suns forward Kevin Durant and Clippers guard Russell Westbrook. The two players were both drafted by the Seattle SuperSonics over a decade ago and came up together in the Thunder's infancy from 2008 to ’16.
However, Durant left Oklahoma City for the Warriors in the summer of 2016, leaving significant animosity between the two future Hall of Famers. Westbrook won an MVP award in ‘17, but went on to drift around the league while Durant remained successful with Golden State, the Nets and Phoenix.
Despite their different career trajectories, however, Westbrook suggested Wednesday afternoon that much of his past resentment toward Durant has dissipated.
"It'll be normal for me. I think people still think there's some beef or something. There's no beef," Westbrook told reporters. "I got nothing but respect for him and things he's done with his career. Happy to see him back from injury."
Russell Westbrook on facing Kevin Durant:
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) April 12, 2023
"It'll be normal for me. I think people still think there's some beef or something. There's no beef. I got not hing but respect for him and things he's done with his career. Happy to see him back from injury."
pic.twitter.com/l0xxLaQv2z
In eight years as teammates, Durant and Westbrook combined to win 10 playoff series and numerous individual accolades, but couldn’t get over the hump to bring the Sooner State a title.
The Suns and Los Angeles will open the first-round series Sunday evening in Phoenix.
