3 times Russell Westbrook clashed with NBA fans

During the Oklahoma City Thunder's trip to the Utah Jazz, Russell Westbrook once again made national headlines after clashing with a rival fan. The incident occurred when Westbrook threatened a home supporter during the second quarter of the Thunder's 98-89 win and Westbrook received considerable criticism in the immediate aftermath.

Nevertheless, it soon emerged that the fan involved in the incident had been shouting racially charged comments at the 2017 MVP, and the Jazz fan was subsequently banned for life, while Westbrook was handed a $25,000 fine for expletive language.

However, this was not the first time that Westbrook has been involved in a notable exchange with a rival fan, as the 30-year-old's passion for the game has often spilled over into interactions with the crowd. So, here are three times that Westbrook notably clashed with opposing fans.

#1 Denver Nuggets - 2018

A Denver fan approached Westbrook after a buzzer beater (Picture Credit - Business Insider)

Back in February 2018, the Thunder headed to Denver to face the Nuggets in a crunch clash. Entering the game, both teams were jostling for a playoff spot in a competitive Western Conference, and despite a brave second-half comeback from the Thunder, Gary Harris hit a buzzer-beating three to secure the game.

In the aftermath, the Denver players swarmed around Harris to celebrate, and amidst the chaos, one fan made it onto the court, screaming in Westbrook's face. The Thunder guard responded by shoving the Nuggets spectator, and the fan quickly disappeared from view.

The NBA subsequently investigated Westbrook's actions, although the point guard faced no punishment as he had simply stood his ground. Meanwhile, the fan in question was removed from the arena by security and was subsequently banned from attending future Nuggets games.

#2 Utah Jazz - 2018

Westbrook engaged with the Utah Jazz fans following the Thunder's game six defeat

OKC met the Utah Jazz in the First Round of the 2018 Western Conference playoffs, and the game provided plenty of entertainment both on and off the court. The Jazz eventually advanced from a tight series, with the Thunder's season coming to an end during a Game 6 clash in Utah.

Throughout the game, Westbrook was seen engaging in back and forths with the Utah crowd, and as the 30-year-old headed down the tunnel following the loss, he engaged in a verbal confrontation with a Utah fan, swiping the phone out of his hands.

The fan appeared to be recording the All-Star as he left the court, although after Westbrook shouted a few words at the fan, multiple arena officials quickly jumped in to stop the incident from escalating any further. Neither Westbrook nor the fan faced any subsequent punishment.

#3 Philadelphia 76ers - 2016

This Philadelphia 76ers fan decided to get into Westbrook's face during the 16/17 season

During this 2016 game between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Thunder, a Sixers fan infamously flipped off Westbrook, also shouting verbal abuse at the point guard.

The incident occurred midway through the first quarter when Westbrook finished a layup and drew a foul. Whilst Westbrook celebrated his highlight play, a spectator in the front row decided to make the obscene gesture, and unsurprisingly, the Philly fan was quickly ejected from his expensive seat.

On this occasion, Westbrook handled the situation extremely well, simply turning towards the referee and indicating that the fan should be removed. The fan has since claimed that Westbrook both insulted him and called him out, however, no evidence exists to back-up his claims.

Nevertheless, Westbrook had the last laugh as the point guard went on to win his first MVP title.