One of the biggest sub-plots of the first-round series between the Phoenix Suns and the Los Angeles Clippers was Kevin Durant facing off against Russell Westbrook.
The two former teammates had beefed for quite some time, and there was a tense moment between the two of them in Game 2, but after the game, they dapped each other up.
KD and Russ see one another postgame before leaving Game 2. pic.twitter.com/tpHItoirer
— Andrew Greif (@AndrewGreif) April 19, 2023
Westbrook had said prior to the series that there is no beef between them now and that he has nothing but respect for Durant. It is clear that their relationship is in a much better place now, but when they are on the court, they are going to compete and things might get a bit tense occasionally. KD himself said before the series, that Russ is going to compete hard, as he does in every single game he plays.
Westbrook has really exceeded expectations in this series, especially on the defensive end. He has also made some important hustle plays and despite a poor shooting night, was a big reason why the Clippers won Game 1. He shot the ball a lot better in Game 2, scoring 28 points on 9-16 shooting while grabbing 5 rebounds and dishing out 5 assists, but it wasn’t enough as the Suns tied the series at 1-1.
Russell Westbrook Spoke About Guarding Kevin Durant
Westbrook has guarded Durant a fair bit in this series and has managed to do a good job as well. He had an incredible block on KD in Game 2 and has tried to be really physical with him. When he was asked about guarding Durant after that Game 1 win, Westbrook stated that you need to make sure that he sees you and knows you’re there.
He’ll need to keep up that energy level and keep getting right up to KD if the Clippers are to win this series. With Paul George likely to not be able to play in the first round, the Clippers need Russ to continue playing at a high level on both ends to support Kawhi Leonard, and he seems up to that challenge.
Source: fadeawayworld.net
