The NBA 2023 post season is getting heated up with all kinds of storylines. The major storyline and rumors ahead of Clippers vs Suns first round playoff series is the beef between long time teammates and short time on court rivals. Former Oklahoma City thunder teammates Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook will be up against each other in the Suns vs Clippers first round matchup.
The fans and media are pretty much excited for the Durant-Westbrook matchup. Ahead of the first round series between Clippers vs Suns, Russell Westbrook said the matchup against his former teammate Kevin Durant wont be a big deal.
Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant played together for eight seasons in Oklahoma City Thunder. After their loss in the finals Kevin Durant made one of the biggest decisions in his career by signing with Golden State Warriors in the 2016 summer.
Durant and Westbrook then played as rivals in the 2016 Western conference finals. Golden State defeated OKC 4-3 and went onto win NBA champions. The beef between both superstars as per the rumors started on the way Kevin Durant left Russ and OKC after the loss.
Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant speak ahead of Clippers vs Suns Playoff series
“It’ll be normal for me,” Westbrook said. “I think people still think there’s some beef or something. There’s no beef. That’s a good narrative for media and people to talk about. I got nothing but respect for him and things he’s done with his career. Happy to see him back from injury. There’s no beef at all. He knows I’m a compete and I know he’s gonna compete and that’s all it is.”
Russell Westbrook on where he’s seen Kevin Durant grow: “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.” I’m feeling great and healthy entering this postseason.
Russell Westbrook on keys for the Clippers-Suns series: “Understanding the small details. Each possession, understanding time and score. Limiting our mistakes, self inflicted wounds.”
Kevin Durant on Russell Westbrook ahead of their face off in Clippers vs Suns matchup: “I think Russ is competitive against any player he plays against. I don’t think it was just specific to me. I’ve played with him for so long and watched him for so long, he was that way against everybody.”
Nicolas Batum Speaks on Clippers Success & Kawhi’s comeback
“The guy’s a winner. All year long, people talk about, ‘Playoff Kawhi this, playoff Kawhi that. ’ For a guard/wing guy, the numbers compared to Shaq. When he turns into that mode, he can be dangerous for sure.”
Nicolas Batum on where Kevin Durant ranks among star opponents: “I respect all those guys, but he’s in a different category. KD is different than all those guys. All those guys are great, but KD is KD. He’s a champion, he’s an all-time great.”
When asked on missing the playoff’s last year Batum said: “This is why we play. Regular season is good, but this is what we play for. Now we feel like real basketball starts, everybody’s gonna step up their game. This is what you’re playing for.”
Read More: Thunder vs Pelicans: Josh Giddey Propels Thunder to Play in Win
