Throwback - Kevin Durant’s perfect 2K definition for Russell Westbrook’s 2016-17 MVP season
Arguably one of the greatest NBA duos of all time, Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook played as teammates for eight seasons in OKC. While the two superstars approached the game differently, they shared the same passion and competitive zeal for success.
Durant and Westbrook achieved many milestones in Oklahoma, including a 2012 Finals appearance. The pair had a close to 63% success rate in their 526 games as teammates on Thunder but fell short of winning a championship.
KD’s decision to form a superteam with the Warriors in 2016 didn’t sit well with Russ, who was reportedly angry and hurt. Heading into the 2016-17 season, Brodie became a one-person wrecking crew for OKC, creating history with his triple-double season, earning him league MVP. Amid all the tensions in their relationship, Durant congratulated his former teammate in the YouTube comments section.
Durant described Westbrook’s MVP stint as a custom player on NBA 2K
After KD’s exit in 2016’s free agency, the Thunder found themselves in rough waters, receiving nothing in return for their marquee player. Using the situation to fuel himself, Russ took matters into his own hands, putting on one of the greatest basketball shows ever.
Playing 81 of the 82 games, Westbrook broke a five-decade-old record belonging to Hall of Famer Oscar Robertson. Averaging 31.2 PPG, 10.7 RPG, and 10.4 APG, the OKC guard had 42 triple-doubles, dethroning the Big O’s single-season record 41.
The nine-time All-Star’s greatness was honored with an MVP award. Getting his due from the NBA community, former teammate Durant offered Russ his flowers, too, expressing his thoughts.
“Huge congrats to Russell Westbrook on MVP; that boy went out there and was a created player on 2k all year, (expletive) balled out. Gotta respect it,” stated KD.
It was an excellent year for both the ex-Thunder teammates as Durant won his first championship and was the 2016-17 Finals MVP.
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