For anyone who saw Game 2 of last year’s playoff series between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Houston Rockets, it was a near certainty the meeting between the two teams on Tuesday would be worth a watch.
The Thunder won that game, and eventually the series, last April. But, the big story was Russell Westbrook sustaining a torn lateral meniscus that would force him to miss the remainder of the playoffs. The injury occurred when Beverley attempted to steal the ball from Westbrook as the Thunder were getting ready to call at timeout (video below).
Fast forward to Tuesday, and it didn’t take long for the two to renew acquaintances. Midway through the first quarter, Beverley grabbed Westbrook in nearly the same spot on the floor. Not surprisingly, Westbrook took exception with the gesture. The two exchanged words before eventually being separated.
After Sunday’s game between the Houston Rockets and Portland Trail Blazers some were wondering if a “rivalry” is forming between Patrick Beverley and Damian Lillard. There probably aren’t many wondering about one between Patrick Beverley and Russell Westbrook.
Below is the video from last year when Beverley injured Westbrook:
