The NBA Playoffs are officially here and the brackets have thrown us some interesting storylines. None, however, might be as enthralling as the narratives surrounding the Western Conference tie between the Phoenix Suns and the Los Angeles Clippers.
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The sheer star power in the clash is enough to turn the eyes to this first-round clash. But to add to the hype, there also happens to be no shortage of narratives. None, arguably, as high-profile as the Russell Westbrook vs. Kevin Durant duel we have in front of us.
The duo split ways in 2017 when KD decided it was time to leave Oklahoma to join the Golden State Warriors in free agency. With the duo being in the same conference to start off, there was the hope of a sizzling Playoff duel materializing between the two.
But that has only become a reality now. However, despite the storyline surrounding the two, there appears to be no more juice left in the beef. At least, from Westbrook’s end.
Russell Westbrook, despite their past, even called KD “one of the best scorers I’ve seen”.
Everyone knows how KD‘s apparent betrayal fueled Westbrook’s MVP season. Their meetings at the time were heated and filled with emotion.
However, time seems to have healed the wound that set in between the two former MVPs. While the Playoffs and the tension associated with the same may still trigger some drama, it seems age and maturity have set in.
“There’s no beef. I got nothing but respect for him and things he’s done. There’s no beef at all” said Westbrook when asked about the first-round matchup with his old running mate.
Brodie went on to shower compliments on his former OKC teammate. Despite their less-than-cordial parting of ways, Russ isn’t blind to Durant’s legacy in the league.
“He’s always been very efficient, but his ability to be even more efficient and still score the ball at a high rate. Probably one of the best scorers I’ve seen, can score the ball at a high rate” commended Westbrook, recognizing the offensive potency of KD, who recently became the first to the 55/40/90 club.
With Paul George missing the first round, there is a lot of expectation on Westbrook to spearhead the Clipper charge. Durant certainly would hope to put an end to Westbrook’s title charge and validate his decision to cut ties further, though.
Westbrook’s closest attempt at an NBA title came in Durant’s company.
Russ may have had a Hall-of-Fame career but a ring has always eluded him. Despite hopping around contenders after leaving OKC, Westbrook’s fortunes do not seem to have matched KD’s.
For Brodie, his closest title challenges came in The Slim Reaper’s company itself. Their Thunder sides were deemed the next dynasty and even made the NBA Finals.
However, things didn’t pan out and Durant’s departure following fellow draftee James Harden‘s marked the end of the Thunder’s brief run as contenders. While Westbrook made a couple more attempts to get OKC to the hallowed land, it wasn’t to be. His journeyman streak has also not done him greatly. Will his former teammate end yet another title charge and hope for an NBA ring for Mr. Triple-Double?
