OKC Thunder naughty list: Top 5 enemies of Russell Westbrook
No. 1 Patrick Beverley
Hands down the most intense beef with Russell Westbrook and the entire Thunder organization is with Patrick Beverley. This beef dates back to 2013 playoffs when Beverley arguably cost the Thunder a championship by injuring Westbrook.
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In a scene which has been summative of the Thunder’s poor luck in the playoffs, Beverley ran into Westbrook’s knee, tearing his meniscus, in an attempt to steal the ball after the whistle. Beverley might have been off the hook had it not been for bad timing.
But since play had stopped, it was perceived by Thunder fans to be an unnecessary and petty play. In all fairness, it was really close to the whistle, so it genuinely could’ve been an honest mistake.
Playing it off as an accident is a hard sell, however, because Beverley has a history of dirty play and reckless hustle. And an accident on not, it still cost the OKC Thunder a good chance at a title, so Westbrook and fans weren’t happy, to say the least.
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The beef continues to this day, as Beverley is still annoying the Thunder as a member of the Los Angeles Clippers. He will probably remain public enemy No. 1 in Oklahoma City for the rest of his life unless something truly crazy happens.