The supposed rift between Oklahoma City stars Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant took another turn on Wednesday night. Oklahoman reporter Darnell Mayberry says Westbrook and Durant got into an altercation on the Thunder bench after players objected to the way Westbrook scolded teammate Thabo Sefolosha. Westbrook was upset that Sefolosha passed on an open shot and cursed at him. Teammates tried to calm Westbrook down, but it didn’t work.
According to Mayberry’s report, “Westbrook appeared to take exception to how Durant delivered his message. The two began shouting at each other and had to be separated.
Durant patted Westbrook on the head when the two took the court out of the timeout, and the two seemed to communicate well throughout the rest of the game.”
Though Mayberry says the two got along the rest of the game, Westbrook had one of his worst games as a pro — an 0-13 shooting performance that resulted in four points, four turnovers, and six assists.
Durant and coach Scott Brooks had nothing bad to say after the game, and Brooks even said the intensity from his players was “healthy.” People will probably turn this into a bigger deal than it needs to be because many feel Westbrook is too selfish of a player.
Here’s the thing: the Thunder are a championship contender. They probably wouldn’t be without either player. They each know that. Arguments are part of the game and they happen. But there is little doubt that Westbrook is a confident player who thinks he’s a star. He probably has a difficult time tajing a secondary role on the team, but it’s what he’ll likely continue to do until his contract runs out after next season.
Here is a video of Kevin Durant speaking about Westbrook on NBA TV after the game:
We also recommend you read Thunder blogger Royce Young’s take on the incident.
