It’s not a secret to anybody that Damian Lillard and Russell Westbrook don’t exactly like each other. They’re fierce competitors and have starred in countless back-and-forths throughout their careers, with a lot of harsh words and trash-talking going both ways.
Westbrook has stated that Lillard can’t guard him, while Damian has had the last laugh in the playoffs a couple of times. Honest to God, it’s seemed like things could get out of hand a couple of things from now.
Nonetheless, both Lillard and Westbrook have been known for being fair and objective. They give credit where it’s due and take the blame when they’re responsible for it.
That was again at the full display when Lillard had no choice but to tip his hat off to Russell Westbrook after his 41-point explosion vs. the Brooklyn Nets. When asked about what he thought about Westbrook’s performance vs. Kevin Durant and company, Lillard didn’t hesitate to give him his flowers, tweeting that he was hooping:
Russ was hoopin https://t.co/5tL0JOtBvJ
— Damian Lillard (@Dame_Lillard) February 1, 2021
It’s been a rough start of the season for Russell Westbrook and the Washington Wizards, winners of just four games thus far. Russ had to miss a couple of games due to either injury or load management. Also, the team had multiple games canceled due to health and safety protocols.
Westbrook’s legacy was once again in question after he was ejected vs. the Atlanta Hawks, so he took things personally once again and delivered when his team needed him the most, scoring 41 points with 10 rebounds, 8 assists, 2 steals, 1 block, and 4 three-pointers; including a go-ahead bucket with little time on the clock.
The Wizards still need to make a lot of adjustments to try and make a playoff push despite their All-Star backcourt but it’s never a good idea to poke a competitor like Russell Westbrook.
