A visual representation of how this “rivalry” has went so far for Westbrook
The Thunder and the Warriors added the latest chapter in their newfound rivalry this past Wednesday, finishing in a 121-100 win for the Warriors on their home floor. But to call it a rivalry for the teams as whole organizations isn’t really a fair analysis of what is forming on the hardwood this 2016-17 NBA season. No, this is really more about Westbrook himself and how he feels about being both metaphorically and literally dumped by Kevin Durant this past off-season when Durant accepted the offer to join the Warriors. The Warriors are focused on winning and while Westbrook is doing a decent amount of that himself, it doesn’t appear even his superhuman ability (Westbrook is averaging a triple double this season) can stop the pure talent on the Warriors roster. And for Russ, that is the hardest pill to swallow, and it shows in his outbursts on the court and off it.
The following link shows how he feels about his teammates even speaking to a Warrior after the game; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-csNEy-Fwx4. And when told about the incident pictured above (Westbrook apparently was unaware that Zaza Pachulia had stood over him after his hard foul), Russ responded with a simple message; “…I don’t play that game. Imma get his ass back… I don’t know when that’s going to be but I don’t play that game.” Suffice it to say, Russell has no love left for Durant and by extension he doe not have any for the Warriors either.
The sad part is that this “vendetta” or “rivalry” will largely remain in the mind of Russell personally until either he or Durant switch teams, and neither occurrence is likely to happen anytime soon, with Durant being under contract for two seasons and Westbrook for three. Unless the Thunder’s head brass can facilitate a miracle this offseason (Demarcus Cousins to the Thunder, anyone?) Westbrook and his Thunder are most likely to meet the same fate in future match ups with the Warriors and their super team to end all super teams.
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