As the NBA playoffs tip off this weekend, all eyes are on the high-stakes first-round clash between the defending champion Denver Nuggets and the surging LA Clippers. But amid the buzz, one storyline stands out for its heart and humility: Russell Westbrook vs. Kawhi Leonard — not as rivals, but as respected former teammates.
Before signing with Denver last summer, Westbrook spent parts of two seasons in a Clippers uniform, sharing the court with Leonard. Now, the veteran point guard is gearing up to face his old squad in Game 1 this Saturday in Denver. Yet, there’s no animosity — just admiration.
“Kawhi impacts winning in different ways,” Westbrook said when asked about the Clippers star. “Not just scoring the basketball. He’s a hell of a player and does a great job of getting to his spots… He’s playing at a high level and makes them a really good team.”
Leonard, who has battled numerous injuries over his six seasons with the Clippers, is entering the playoffs healthy and dangerous. Despite playing only 37 games this season, the two-time NBA Champion put up strong numbers: 21.5 points, 5.9 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.6 steals per game, while shooting a crisp 49.8% from the field and 41.1% from deep.
Magic Johnson, weighing in on X, hyped the matchup as a must-watch thriller:
“Basketball fans, buckle up for the West. The Nuggets vs. Clippers will be a 7-game thriller! I can’t pick a winner but I think the Clippers finished the season playing their best basketball!”
As for Westbrook, now 35, he’s been a steady presence in Denver, averaging 13.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 6.1 assists over 75 games while embracing a new role on a deep, title-hungry team.
While the series promises fierce competition, Westbrook’s comments are a refreshing reminder that in today’s NBA, respect often runs deeper than rivalry. And when the ball tips off in Game 1, it won’t just be about advancing — it’ll be about legacy, loyalty, and the bonds formed along the way.
Leave a Reply