NBA 2018/19: 3 Reasons why the OKC Thunder are a major threat to the Warriors

Oklahoma City Thunder v Brooklyn Nets
Oklahoma City Thunder v Brooklyn Nets

#1 Westbrook wants revenge

Westbrook is desperate to defeat Durant and the Warriors
Westbrook is desperate to defeat Durant and the Warriors

It is fair to say that Russell Westbrook has an on-court rivalry with both the Golden State Warriors and Kevin Durant.

Westbrook has sworn revenge on the Golden State Warriors ever since his team blew a 3-1 lead in the 2016 Conference Finals, and Westbrook's desire to beat the Warriors only increased when just week's later, his longtime teammate Kevin Durant chose to join the team.

Durant and Westbrook's relationship has been tense ever since, and earlier this season KD stared down an injured Westbrook after blocking a Steven Adams shot. Westbrook is well known as the league's most competitive player, and he will have a burning desire to beat both Durant and the Warriors.

This desire will only be intensified by the fact that Durant is set to leave the Warriors this summer, so the 2019 playoffs may be Westbrook's last opportunity to beat them both.

Quick Links