Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook are all set to play against each other for the first time in the playoffs this season.
The two superstars have had a rocky relationship since Durant left the Oklahoma City Thunder to join the Golden State Warriors in 2016. Ahead of the 2023 NBA playoffs matchup, Westbrook shared his honest thoughts on facing off against KD in the postseason for the first time in his career.
“For me honestly getting back into the playoffs is more important,” Westbrook said. “Matchup and all that, I’ll figure out in the next couple days, but excited just with the matchup and just play and compete at a high level, which we haven’t probably played a series against each other. It’s probably the first time, I think? I don’t remember. So yeah, it’ll be good. Exciting.”
Russell Westbrook stopped on his way out of the arena to talk with myself and @LawMurrayTheNU. He said how important it was to be back playing in the playoffs, "something I don't personally take for granted."
And the matchup with KD? pic.twitter.com/GIq7AWPTcA
— Andrew Greif (@AndrewGreif) April 9, 2023
The Phoenix Suns vs. the Los Angeles Clippers first-round series has many layers of competition to it. Among them is the much-anticipated battle between Russ and KD.
Over the years, they have somewhat improved their relationship. But playing for the first time against each other in the playoffs is bound to scratch some old wounds.
Kevin Durant vs. Russell Westbrook Head-To-Head
After being teammates for nine years with the Thunder, Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook went their separate ways.
Since 2016, the two superstars have faced off 11 times against each other. All 11 games between them were during the regular season. As of now, Westbrook holds a 6-5 lead over Durant.
As for their stats, Russ has averaged 28.3 PPG, 10.1 RPG, 9.5 APG, 1.6 SPG, and 0.6 BPG against KD. Brodie has shot just 42.7% from the field and 30.3% from downtown in those games.
On the other hand, the Slim Reaper has averaged 32.0 PPG, 8.6 RPG, 3.6 APG, 0.6 SPG, and 1.2 BPG while shooting 54.1% from the field and a ridiculous 47.9% from the three-point line.
Westbrook may have a better record, but Durant’s shooting efficiency is miles ahead of him. Either way, it will be great for fans to see them play against each other during the first-round series of the 2023 NBA playoffs.
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