Russell Westbrook Reacts to Facing Kevin Durant in Playoffs
It is official, the LA Clippers will face the Phoenix Suns in the first round of the NBA playoffs. There are several storylines with the Phoenix vs. LA matchup, but perhaps none are bigger than Russell Westbrook vs. Kevin Durant.
Longtime teammates with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Westbrook and Durant have a complicated history. The two players have never faced off in the playoffs, but they had several battles together as teammates in the playoffs with OKC. Speaking with Andrew Greif of the LA Times and Law Murray of The Athletic after Sunday night's win over the Phoenix Suns, Westbrook was asked about facing Durant in the first round of the playoffs.
"For me honestly getting back into the playoffs is more important," Westbrook said. "Matchup and all that, I'll figure out in the next couple days, but excited just with the matchup and just play and compete at a high level, which we haven't probably played a series against each other. It's probably the first time, I think? I don't remember. So yeah, it'll be good. Exciting."
There are obviously additional storylines beyond Westbrook vs. Durant, including Chris Paul facing his former organization in the playoffs once again. Paul and the Suns eliminated the Clippers in the Western Conference Finals back in 2021; however, Kawhi Leonard was not available in that series.
With Leonard back in the mix - although Paul George's status is uncertain, the Clippers are hopeful that they can avenge that 2021 series with a big time victory in round one.
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