Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook propelled the Oklahoma City Thunder to a first-round playoff series win over the Dallas Mavericks, but before moving on to the next one, they had plenty to say about their first-round opponents.
The Thunder’s dynamic duo was none too pleased with the words and actions coming from the Mavericks during the series, most notably the words of Dallas owner Mark Cuban and the actions of seldom-used forward Charlie Villanueva.
Cuban said Monday before Game 5 that Durant is the Thunder’s only “superstar.” Westbrook, he said, was merely an “All-Star.” Westbrook responded by nearly posting a triple-double, scoring 36 points, grabbing 12 rebounds and adding nine assists in the Thunder’s series-clinching 118-104 win.
Predictably, Westbrook was asked after the game about Cuban’s comments. Before could respond, Durant jumped in and gave his decisive take.
There ya go.
Later, a reporter asked about Villanueva, who made news earlier in the series by interrupting Westbrook’s pregame dance routine. Once again, Durant interjected, although Westbrook was more than willing to answer this question.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zv6vsoAHajg
Durant’s casual “might not even be in the league” was so ruthless and really a perfect way to cap a relatively dominant series from OKC.
Westbrook’s point about Villanueva not playing is pretty accurate, too. The UConn product played 13:24 in Game 1 but was otherwise relegated to bench duty for the rest of the series, with a DNP in Game 2 and a combined 6:58 of playing time in Games 3 through 5.
Thumbnail photo via Kevin Jairaj/USA TODAY Sports Images
