Russell Westbrook on if Durant's departure stung: 'For who?'
Westbrook already brushing off departure of star teammate.
By
Matt Moore
•
1 min read
On Thursday, the Oklahoma City Thunder hosted an unconventional press conference in front of thousands of fans at Cheseapeake Energy Arena to announce Russell Westbrook's three-year extension. It was a raucous affair, and in some ways a healing one for a fanbase that had watched Kevin Durant walk out the door a month ago.
The presser was filled with the usual platitudes towards the organization, Westbrook's family, and the fans. Westbrook asserted that nothing changes for him with Durant gone because he plays the same way.
But the real zinger came when he was asked if Durant leaving for Golden State, who OKC led 3-1 in the Western Conference Finals before their miraculous comeback, made it "sting more."
Westbrook: "Sting for who?"
Reporter: "Did the fact that Kevin left for Golden State make it sting any more?"
— SLAM Magazine (@SLAMonline) August 4, 2016
Russ: "Sting for who?" pic.twitter.com/kjiXdP8dqc
The post-Durant Westbrook era is going to be awesome.
Westbrook and Durant's relationship was damaged by this episode, even as Westbrook said Thursday that after spending so long together as teammates, their relationship doesn't go away. KD reportedly told Westbook of his decision with a text message, and the two have not spoken since.
The NBA schedule is due out next week, and the most anticipated date on the calendar, even more so than a Finals rematch with the Cavaliers for Golden State, has to be when the Warriors visit Oklahoma City which is now finally, and solely, Westbrook's house.
