In the hallowed halls of Oklahoma City Thunder history, two giants, Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, cast monumental shadows. This article delves into the statistical battleground, dissecting their respective tenures with the Thunder. As we explore their scoring prowess, defensive acumen, and individual accolades, a nuanced narrative emerges.Â
Durant’s departure in 2016 marked a seismic shift, but Westbrook’s subsequent solo act showcased a level of resilience that resonated with Thunder faithful. While Durant may claim numerical victory, Westbrook’s indomitable spirit and historic 2016-17 season without Durant cemented his place as an icon.
NBA Championships
Kevin Durant: 0
Russell Westbrook: 0
Kevin Durant’s journey to an NBA Championship with the Oklahoma City Thunder reached its pinnacle in the 2011-12 season. Durant displayed an extraordinary scoring prowess, averaging 30.6 points per game (PPG) in the NBA Finals against the Miami Heat. His efficiency was remarkable, shooting 54.8% from the field and an impressive 39.4% from beyond the arc. Durant’s impact was not limited to scoring; he contributed 6.0 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.2 blocks per game during the series. Despite his stellar individual performance, the Thunder fell short in a hard-fought five-game series, marking Durant’s closest brush with an NBA Championship as a member of the Thunder.
Russell Westbrook, Durant’s dynamic teammate, showcased his explosive playing style in the 2011-12 NBA Finals. Westbrook averaged 27.0 PPG, emphasizing his scoring ability and relentless attacking mentality. His all-around contributions were evident, as he also tallied 6.0 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 1.8 steals per game. Westbrook’s tenacity and athleticism posed a significant challenge for the Miami Heat, and his performances added a layer of intensity to the Finals. Despite his impactful play, the Thunder faced a formidable opponent, and Westbrook, like Durant, experienced the disappointment of falling short in the pursuit of an NBA Championship.
Advantage: Even
Finals MVP Awards
Kevin Durant: 0
Russell Westbrook: 0
While Kevin Durant’s resume gleams with two NBA Finals MVP awards, a closer look reveals that these accolades were earned during his tenure with the Golden State Warriors, not the Oklahoma City Thunder. Durant’s sublime performances in the 2017 and 2018 NBA Finals, where he showcased unparalleled scoring efficiency and clutch performances, undeniably elevated his status in the league. However, it’s crucial to note that these specific achievements were outside the realm of his time with the Thunder.
Russell Westbrook, the dynamic force in Oklahoma City, has yet to claim the elusive Finals MVP award. Despite his triple-double dominance and unwavering intensity, Westbrook’s journey toward postseason glory in terms of individual accolades remains a narrative yet to unfold. His impact on the game is undeniable, yet the recognition of being the most valuable player in the NBA Finals has eluded him during his time with the Thunder.
Advantage: Even
MVP Awards
Kevin Durant: 1 (2013-2014 Season)
Russell Westbrook: 1 (2016-2017 Season)
In the 2013-14 NBA season, Kevin Durant delivered a masterclass in scoring and leadership, capturing his first MVP award. Durant’s statistical brilliance included an impressive 32.0 points per game (PPG), 7.4 rebounds, and 5.5 assists. Durant’s shooting efficiency stood out, boasting a remarkable 50.3% from the field and 39.1% from beyond the arc. The Oklahoma City Thunder finished the regular season with a stellar 59-23 record, securing the second seed in the Western Conference.
Durant’s MVP season unfolded amidst a remarkable 12-game stretch where he scored 25 or more points, a testament to his scoring consistency. The Thunder progressed to the Western Conference Finals, where they faced a formidable San Antonio Spurs. Despite Durant’s outstanding individual performances, the Thunder fell short in a competitive series, marking the end of their playoff journey that season.
In the 2016-17 NBA season, Russell Westbrook etched his name in the history books with a historic MVP campaign. Westbrook’s triple-double dominance was the defining storyline, as he averaged a triple-double for the entire season with an astonishing 31.6 PPG, 10.7 rebounds, and 10.4 assists. Westbrook’s tenacity and determination were evident in his pursuit of nightly triple-doubles, totaling 42 triple-doubles during the regular season.
The Thunder finished the regular season with a 47-35 record, securing the sixth seed in the Western Conference. Westbrook’s MVP season was punctuated by memorable moments, including a 57-point triple-double against the Orlando Magic. In the playoffs, the Thunder faced the Houston Rockets in the first round, with Westbrook delivering stellar performances. However, they were eliminated in a hard-fought series.
Advantage: Even
Defensive Player Of The Year Awards
Kevin Durant: 0
Russell Westbrook: 0
While both Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook carved their names in NBA history with offensive prowess, the Defensive Player of the Year accolade eluded them during their time with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Kevin Durant, recognized for his scoring finesse, also showcased defensive capabilities. In the 2013-14 season, the same year he earned the MVP award, Durant demonstrated his commitment to both ends of the floor. His defensive efforts included averaging 1.3 steals and 0.7 blocks per game, contributing to the Thunder’s overall defensive scheme.
Russell Westbrook, known for his relentless energy on offense, also brought intensity to the defensive end. His incredible athleticism translated into defensive impact, evident in his ability to generate steals and disrupt opponents’ plays. In the 2016-17 MVP season, Westbrook averaged 1.6 steals per game, showcasing his ability to create turnovers.
Advantage: Even
Scoring Titles
Kevin Durant: 4 (2009-2010, 2010-2011, 2011-2012, 2013-2014)
Russell Westbrook: 2 (2014-2015, 2016-2017)
The Oklahoma City Thunder bore witness to an era of explosive scoring, with both Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook leaving an indelible mark on the franchise’s scoring record books.
During his tenure with the Thunder, Kevin Durant established himself as one of the league’s premier scorers. Durant secured an impressive four scoring titles in the 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, and 2013-14 seasons. His scoring prowess was nothing short of spectacular, averaging 30.1 points, 27.7 points, 28.0 points, and 32.0 points per game in each respective season. Durant’s combination of shooting efficiency, range, and versatility made him a constant offensive threat and a perennial scoring champion.
Following Durant’s departure, Russell Westbrook embraced the role of the primary scorer for the Thunder. Westbrook secured two scoring titles during his time with the Thunder in the 2014-15 and 2016-17 seasons. In the 2014-15 season, Westbrook averaged a staggering 28.1 points per game, showcasing his ability to lead the team in scoring. His scoring exploits reached new heights in the historic 2016-17 MVP season, where he averaged a triple-double while also leading the league in scoring with 31.6 points per game.
Advantage: Kevin Durant
All-Star Selections
Kevin Durant: 6 (2010-2015)
Russell Westbrook: 6 (2011-2013, 2015-2018)
The Oklahoma City Thunder roared with star power during the years of Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, as both players earned multiple All-Star selections, gracing the league’s grandest stage.
Kevin Durant, with his scoring prowess and all-around skill set, became a fixture in the NBA All-Star Game during his tenure with the Thunder. Durant earned All-Star selections in six consecutive seasons, from 2010 to 2015. His ability to dominate on both ends of the floor, coupled with his scoring consistency, made Durant a perennial fan favorite and a mainstay in the Western Conference lineup.
Russell Westbrook, known for his explosive athleticism and triple-double exploits, matched Durant’s All-Star contributions. Westbrook earned All-Star selections in six seasons spanning from 2011 to 2013 and then consecutively from 2015 to 2018. His dynamic playing style, relentless energy, and highlight-reel performances endeared him to fans and solidified his status as one of the league’s most exciting players.
Advantage: Even
All-NBA Teams
Kevin Durant: 6 (2009-2014)
Russell Westbrook: 7 (2010-2013, 2015-2018)
The recognition as members of the All-NBA Teams is a testament to the exceptional talents of Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook during their time with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Kevin Durant, with his scoring prowess and versatility, earned All-NBA Team honors in six consecutive seasons from 2009 to 2014. Durant’s elite offensive skills, combined with his impact on both ends of the floor, solidified his status as one of the league’s premier players. During this stretch, Durant received First Team honors five times and Second Team honors once, showcasing his consistent excellence.
Russell Westbrook, known for his explosive athleticism and triple-double capabilities, left an indelible mark on the All-NBA landscape. Westbrook secured All-NBA Team honors in seven seasons, spanning from 2010 to 2013 and then continuously from 2015 to 2018. His dynamic playing style, relentless energy, and all-around contributions earned him recognition as one of the league’s top guards. Westbrook received First Team honors twice and Second Team honors five times during these campaigns.
In the realm of All-NBA Teams, Westbrook holds a slight edge, earning All-NBA honors in seven seasons compared to Durant’s six during their time with the Thunder. The combination of Durant’s scoring brilliance and Westbrook’s dynamic all-around game placed them among the elite players in the league.
Advantage: Russell Westbrook
All-Defensive NBA Teams
Kevin Durant: 0
Russell Westbrook: 0
While the offensive brilliance of Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook garnered widespread acclaim, their impact on the All-Defensive NBA Teams remained absent during their tenure with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Despite Kevin Durant’s reputation as a prolific scorer and versatile player, he did not secure a spot on the All-Defensive Team during his time with the Thunder. Durant’s focus on offensive dominance, coupled with occasional defensive highlights, did not translate into All-Defensive recognition.
Russell Westbrook, known for his relentless energy and triple-double capabilities, also did not earn selections to the All-Defensive Teams during his impactful stint with the Thunder. Westbrook’s defensive tenacity and ability to disrupt opponents were notable, but the specific recognition from the league’s All-Defensive voting did not materialize.
Advantage: Even
Total Win Shares
Kevin Durant: 107.9
Russell Westbrook: 96.9
In the realm of Total Win Shares, Kevin Durant’s impact on the success of the Oklahoma City Thunder stands out prominently. Durant accumulated an impressive Total Win Shares of 107.9 during his tenure with the Thunder. His scoring proficiency, versatility, and ability to contribute on both ends of the floor played a pivotal role in driving the team’s success.
Russell Westbrook, known for his dynamic playing style and triple-double feats, amassed a commendable Total Win Shares of 96.9. Westbrook’s relentless energy, all-around contributions, and leadership were integral to the Thunder’s performance on the court. While slightly trailing Durant in this metric, Westbrook’s impact remained a driving force for the team.
Advantage: Kevin Durant
Player Efficiency Rating
Kevin Durant: 25.0
Russell Westbrook: 23.7
Player Efficiency Rating (PER) serves as a comprehensive measure of a player’s overall efficiency on the court. In this aspect, Kevin Durant boasts a remarkable PER of 25.0 during his time with the Thunder. Durant’s efficiency, scoring ability, and well-rounded skill set contributed significantly to his high PER, showcasing his impact on the game.Â
Russell Westbrook, known for his explosive playing style and versatility, recorded a commendable PER of 23.7. Westbrook’s ability to contribute across various statistical categories, including scoring, rebounding, and playmaking, is reflected in his strong PER. Westbrook’s dynamic playing style and tenacity contributed to his efficiency on the court.
Advantage: Kevin Durant
Final Score
Kevin Durant vs. Russell Westbrook 3-1
In the head-to-head comparison between Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook during their respective tenures with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Durant emerges victorious with a 3-1 advantage across key categories. Durant’s statistical excellence, scoring titles, and higher Total Win Shares and Player Efficiency Rating contribute to his overall edge in the comparison.
However, it’s crucial to acknowledge the six categories where Durant and Westbrook stand on equal ground, showcasing the remarkable impact both players had on the Thunder’s legacy. Their combined contributions elevated the franchise to unprecedented heights, leaving an indelible mark on the history of the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Despite Durant’s statistical edge, it’s essential to recognize the unique legacy each player forged with the franchise. Westbrook’s unparalleled intensity, especially during the historic 2016-17 season without Durant, endeared him to the fans. His resilience and leadership in maintaining competitiveness after Durant’s departure have solidified Westbrook as one of the most beloved figures in Thunder history.
While Durant may have secured the numerical victory, Westbrook’s emotional connection with the Thunder faithful, coupled with his extraordinary on-court performances, ensures that both players hold a special place in the hearts of Oklahoma City fans. Their contributions, both individually and as a dynamic duo, weave a narrative of success, excitement, and everlasting impact on the franchise.
