OKC Thunder: Westbrook the target of another inappropriate fan incident

Rarely does a player exit the OKC Thunder with anything negative to say about the franchise or the fanbase. Likewise, most former players are remembered fondly with Thunder Nation happy to give them rousing ovations each time they return to Chesapeake Arena.

Kevin Durant and Reggie Jackson are perhaps the exceptions to that common courtesy. The former for how he decided to exit the team. Or more accurately, who he decided to join within months of OKC being ousted from the postseason despite leading the Western Conference Finals 3-1.

On the opposite end of the spectrum are Chris Paul, Steven Adams, and Russell Westbrook. The latter provided countless memories that will undoubtedly result in his jersey being raised to the rafters one day.

His loyalty to the franchise was never in question and his infamous competitive nature established an example for what became part of the culture in OKC.

With the OKC already active in the offseason, many in the fanbase are viewing the playoffs pulling for the success of former Thunder players. Westbrook’s current team isn’t likely to vie for the title but the Wizards finished the season with a 17-6 record as one of the hottest clubs.

Although Washington lost the initial play-in game to Boston they easily defeated the Hornets to earn the eighth seed.  Unfortunately, their opponent then became the Philadelphia 76ers.

This match already had plenty of drama with Westbrook nemesis Joel Embiid having the best season of his career. The duo had repeated runs-ins during Westbrook’s time with OKC and there is still no love lost between them.

Former OKC Thunder star Russell Westbrook gets into altercation with 76ers fan

In the opening game of the series, the Wizards failed to take advantage of a sluggish 76ers squad who were still rusty from resting their core and the starters playing for the first time in nine days. Wednesday, the game wasn’t close but the drama was high.

Twice in the match, Westbrook appeared to injure himself but didn’t leave until after the second injury when he stepped on the foot of another player’s foot twisting his ankle.

The ensuing situation added to the angst the former MVP feels toward the 76ers as an unruly fan decided to add insult to injury by dumping popcorn on Westbrook as he exited toward the locker room.

Naturally, Westbrook was enraged and had to be held back by his security team who were escorting him back through the tunnel. The fan was pointed out by other attendees and evicted from the game.

The teams were at the start of the fourth quarter when the incident happened and Washington was already down 17 points eventually losing 120-95.

The teams now head to Washington for the next two games in the series occurring on Saturday, May 29th, and Monday, May 31st both at 7:00 pm EST.

This isn’t the first time opposing team fans have gotten into it with Russ. In March, of 2019 a fan in Utah was beligerant toward Russ and initially gave a completely different account of the words that were exchanged between the star and himself.

When the truth came to light the fan received a lifetime ban and Westbrook was fined $25k for reacting.  It was the second such incident occurring in Utah. Denver also had a fan come on the court and confront Russ after the game.

Intentions noted at that time the need for stricter rules and for security to be on their toes to ensure players can enter and exit games with their safety being paramount.

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Through two games Westbrook has recorded double-doubles. In Game 1, he amassed 16 points and 14 assists with five rebounds and six turnovers. In Game 2, despite missing the majority of the final frame he posted 10 points, 11 assists, six rebounds, and four turnovers.

No doubt, the incident will fire up the Brodie and if he’s able to go on Saturday he’ll be looking to get some payback against Embiid and make a point to the 76ers fanbase.

Unfortunately, for Westbrook, it seems very likely the 76ers will sweep the series as teams who win the first two games have a 93.7 percent advantage to win the series.

What is sad, is these fans that are acting out fail to recognize Russ is a competitor on the court, but off it, he is a father and a philanthropist who is an exemplary role model.

While its amazing fans are back in seats, let’s hope this incident prompts the NBA to revisit the existing rules so this never happens again.