Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant tease the Clippers bench during a lighthearted argument.
Almost everyone in Oklahoma City was upset that Durant had joined the Warriors in the winter of 2016โ17, so in their first season together, the two got into some notable trash talking. The change was not well received by many people overall.
But as of late, the two future Hall of Famers seemed to have moved over their disagreements. Durant gave Westbrook’s game a lot of praise when the Suns defeated Westbrook’s Clippers in the playoffs the previous season.
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It appears that they are now more cordial and competitive in their trash talk. There does not seem to be any animosity toward one another in it. When Durant’s Suns traveled to Los Angeles on Monday night to play Westbrook’s Clippers, that continued:
While they were running their lips a little, both sides were grinning. The Clippers bench couldn’t get enough of it, which was perhaps the greatest part. The bench couldn’t help but laugh, even though it’s unclear exactly what the two were saying. They were clearly enjoying themselves.
Since they were on the same Western Conference All-Star roster in the 2017 All-Star Game, it has genuinely seemed as though the two had gotten over whatever animosity they may have had following their separation in Oklahoma City. On video, their colleagues from that squad were seen attempting to reunite the two former teammates from the NBA Finals.
Regarding their performances in the game on Monday, everyone of them made the most of their opportunities. With only fifteen minutes played, Westbrook was able to score nine points on three of his six field goals and all three of his free throw attempts. Furthermore, he collected two steals and seven assists.
Durant delivered a standard, outstanding performance. He pulled down seven rebounds and scored 30 points on 10-of-17 shooting (three of six from beyond the arc). In addition to recording a block, he completed seven out of eight from the charity stripe.
Besides Durant and Westbrook, star guard James Harden won the 2012 Western Conference while playing for the Thunder; he is currently a member of the Clippers. Durant spoke with reporters about facing those two former teammates after the game.
Durant remarked, “We will always remember the times we spent together before entering the league.” It was a very wonderful period of life that I often think back on. It’s encouraging to watch those guys, who I always enjoyed playing with, succeed and remain in the league after 15, 16, and 17 years.
For Durant, it means a lot to play against those two. Together, the three have won three NBA MVP awards, nine scoring crowns, 26 All-Star selections, and 32 All-Star Games.
Now that Durant has faced them twice this season, it has happened. The Suns lost both of their games, but they will get another chance to play the Clippers on April 9 and April 10.