Over the last few years, Russell Westbrook has been the subject of constant criticism from fans and pundits despite his status as one of the best players in NBA history. But, after turning in his latest standout showing with the Clippers, Westbrook was at the center of a different conversation courtesy of Kevin Durant and Chris Paul.
The All-Star trio again shared the floor on Sunday for Game 4 of the first round series between Durant and Paul’s Suns, and Westbrook’s Clippers, who remained without Kawhi Leonard (knee) and Paul George (knee). Much like Game 3, Phoenix capitalized on their ailing opponent with a 112–100 victory to take a 3–1 series lead, but it was Westbrook who stole the show with a game-high 37 points on 17-of-29 shooting, six rebounds and four assists.
After the game, Durant and Paul—both of whom have played with and faced Westbrook—were asked to comment on the critics who have bashed the former MVP’s name and game. And, judging by their responses, both players made it clear that they believe the slander has been wholly unwarranted.
“People [are] always going to criticize when you’re successful and doing your thing for this long,” Durant said. “Somebody’s [going to] always find something that they don’t like about you but, Russ has been resilient his whole life. He comes to work, don’t say much, just come hoop.
“When he retires, people are [going to] really tell the truth about how they feel about his game. Right now, the fun thing to do is to make a joke out of Russ but the way he’s been playing since he got with the Clippers is showing everybody who he really is. ”
Shortly after Durant’s answer, Paul quickly jumped in to further defend Westbrook, who he called “one his closest friends.”
“I feel like the only people that do that is the people who don’t know basketball and don’t know what it’s like to compete,” Paul said. “I know, for me, Russ is one of my closest friends, and so, people that do that, talk crazy, probably wish they could be in that situation.”
Kevin Durant on Westbrook:
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) April 22, 2023
"When he retires, people are gonna tell the truth about how they feel about his game. Right now, [they] make a joke out of Russ."
Chris Paul:
"I feel like the only people to do that is the people who don't know basketball."pic.twitter.com/7EuCCoVgg2
Although the Suns stars may have made valid points at the podium, the Westbrook detractors will likely still find ways to poke holes in the nine-time All-Star’s resumé going forward. And, while the chatter figures to continue, games like Saturday’s sensational effort will stand as another example of the way Westbrook often lets his game speak louder than his words.
With the Clippers looking to keep their season alive, Westbrook, who joined the team in February after a rough stint with the Lakers, will again be counted on to shoulder the load with Leonard and George expected to be sidelined. L.A. will now head to Phoenix for a do-or-die Game 5 Tuesday night.
