Thunder's Russell Westbrook to reporter: 'I just don't like you'
Russell Westbrook took a page out of the Marshawn Lynch playbook during his postgame interview on Friday, answering nearly every question by saying "we did a good job of executing" and also telling a reporter that he wasn't fond of him.
The extended routine came after the three-time All-Star posted a triple-double during the Thunder's 127-115 home victory over the Warriors. Much like Lynch, a running back for the Seahawks who has been notoriously brief during media sessions, Westbrook appeared to make a point of being as disengaged as possible while reporters asked him a standard array of questions.
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A transcript provided by The Oklahoman noted that Westbrook cited the Thunder's "good job of execution" six separate times in the 90-second interview and that he didn't engage deeply in any of the other questions.
Midway through the exchange, one of the newspaper's writers asked Westbrook if he was upset. Westbrook retorted: "Nah. I just don't like you." Asked whether he felt the same way toward the Thunder's team reporter, Westbrook repeated, "I don't like you."
This is far from Westbrook's first adventure during an interview, as he's widely known for his curtness. Back in Feb. 2013, he memorably exclaimed "What?!?" and cut off the interview session after he was asked a question that he didn't like.
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There is some history between the Thunder and The Oklahoman. Last May, the paper wrote a story about Kevin Durant that carried the infamous headline, "Mr. Unreliable." The paper later apologized after many people objected to the phrasing given Durant's consistent play and his large charitable contributions in Oklahoma.
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The Thunder improved to 19-20 with the win, but remain outside the West's playoff chase due in large part to early-season injuries to both Durant and Westbrook. That's an unusual spot for the franchise after five straight playoff trips, including a trip to the 2012 Finals. In recent weeks, GM Sam Presti traded for Dion Waiters and reportedly pursued a trade for Nets center Brook Lopez in hopes of improving his roster for the stretch run.
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