For those expecting fireworks when the Golden State Warriors take the court to play the Oklahoma City Thunder tonight may need to scale back their anticipation. Despite the game marking the 1st time Warriors’ forward Kevin Durant has taken the court in Oklahoma City since his much-criticized departure from the Thunder to Golden State in free agency.
Russell Westbrook, who is enjoying an MVP season, and has spoken regularly about his severed relationship with Durant, once again spoke at length about Durant’s return.
“Obviously, us playing here, we grew up here together,” Westbrook said. “Since then, his decision has been made about what’s best for him and his future, and I made the decision that was best for mine, and that’s just how it’s been.”
“Sometimes it happens like that,” Westbrook said. “There’s nothing I can say about it. Sometimes that’s how things go.”
Westbrook was asked if he was “hurt” about his relationship with Durant.
“Hurt? I mean, I’m fine. I’m fine. Honestly. Move forward,” Westbrook replied. “Things happen in life, man, and as a man, you’ve got to move forward. I have a great group of guys here that I love like my brothers. There’s been many-a-teammates I’ve had here before that left me, and they’re still my brothers. That I still talk to and I don’t talk to. Not just Kevin. There’s many guys that have come in and out of Oklahoma City that I’ve gained a relationship with that maybe you guys don’t know about, but I think obviously, with me and Kevin, it’s a little bigger stage. It happens.”
Westbrook was then asked if he and Durant would ever reconcile:
“I’m not sure. It’s not really up to me, honestly.”
“I’m just looking forward to playing,” Westbrook said. “I like playing basketball, man, every night, and you get an opportunity to play in a great atmosphere on our home court and get an opportunity to play in games like this, it’s always fun.”