Kevin Durant’s Wholesome Tribute to Russell Westbrook Melts Hearts – “This Hit Different”

Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook had a falling out after the former left the Thunder, but now are back to being close friends.

Kevin Durant’s Wholesome Tribute to Russell Westbrook Melts Hearts – “This Hit Different”

Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant (Image via Adryan Ashton/X)

Of all the people who paid tribute to Russell Westbrook upon his retirement, those from Kevin Durant and LeBron James hit differently than the others.

The latter and the triple-double champion had not been on speaking terms ever since the now-retired point guard unceremoniously left the Los Angeles Lakers.

Westbrook was painted as the scapegoat for the team’s struggles during his tenure there, and the running rumor was that he felt James’ avoidance of accountability led fans to assassinate his legacy.

That is why fans were surprised when the oldest player in the league was one of the first to congratulate his former teammate, and even went a step further by posting a collage of all the tributes. But Durant’s wasn’t that surprising. Now, the 16-time All-Star decided to do one better and broke his X silence.

A lot of people looked at the emotions on the court and thought Russ was loud, nah to me, he was quiet and methodical. He lead by example and once the lights were bright, he let everything out and experienced pure freedom… Keep inspiring in the next phase of life champ… The first YNs, finals run in our early 20s, all star games, seeing each other get injured and bounce back, the bus rides, plane rides, card games, jokes and arguments, the whole thing, memorable!!

Kevin Durant wrote

This was the two-time champion’s first post since the burner account controversy, and he made sure he used it to give his former running mate the best possible tribute he could think of.

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Fans react to Kevin Durant’s tribute to Russell Westbrook

Basketball fans know well how Russell Westbrook was hurt after Kevin Durant left for the Golden State Warriors and was beefing whenever he had the opportunity.

Fast forward to now, and those same fans are well aware that the two have put their differences behind them and have been behaving like the close teammates they once were. But this tribute proved just how much the point guard means to the Slim Reaper. Fans posted wholesome reactions, examples of which are below.

Basketball fans would have loved it even more had the Houston Rockets reunited the two former teammates last season. They needed a point guard, and Russell Westbrook could have been a great addition alongside Kevin Durant. But that did not happen, and now the former is done with his career.

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Mama Durant gives Russell Westbrook her flowers

Kevin Durant did his part in giving his former teammate the best possible tribute Russell Westbrook could get. But another Durant joined in to shower the now-retired star with praise.

James Harden, Durant, and Westbrook during their YN days
James Harden, Durant, and Westbrook during their YN days (Image via SLAM/X)

I already miss you. Your grit, your tenacity, your fire was always on display and something to see. Always love for you and always will. Enjoy what’s next! God bless you ALWAYS.

Wanda Durant commented
Wanda Durant's comment
Wanda Durant’s comment (Image via SS/IG)

This was Wanda Durant, mother of the Houston Rockets star, who gave her tribute in the best way the mother of a teammate can. Mama Durant holds Westbrook in high regard and greeted him lovingly when her son and his former teammate battled back in 2025. It seems the families of his teammates love the 37-year-old even if the said players might have some differences.

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