For years, Damian Lillard and Russell Westbrook battled on the court. At the time, they were arguably two of the best guards in the Western Conference. Evidently, it led to a long yet exciting rivalry between them.
However, since Dame joined the Milwaukee Bucks last summer and Russ is no longer in the prime of his career, it’s obvious that the rivalry is now coming to an end. Despite that, it’s always fun to look back at how the two stars competed on the hardwood.
The Bucks star recently shed light on his battles with the former NBA MVP in a conversation with Jeff Teague on the Club 520 podcast.
Lillard had fun with Westbrook
Being the cornerstone players of their respective franchises and playing against each other in the playoffs can lead to some bitter moments. Evidently, the same happened with Russ and Dame. But that doesn’t mean they didn’t enjoy their electrifying matchups.
“Honestly, them was the most fun with Russ,” Lillard said . “My first 5-6 years, he was the bully. They was on TV all the time, Russ it didn’t matter if it was a big matchup, if somebody was hurt and he was playing against the backup – he didn’t care. He tried to do it to everybody.”
During his Oklahoma City Thunder days, Brodie was known for his nuclear athleticism on the court. Westbrook’s trash-talking was undoubtedly at its peak as well. Russ never shied away from speaking his mind, which led to many on-court altercations with stars, including Dame.
The two stars have played 39 games against each other, and Lillard has a 21-18 lead over the former Los Angeles Clippers guard.
Related: "All of a sudden they don't care for him, they don't want him" - Oscar Robertson sounds off on Russell Westbrook being unfairly treated in the NBA
Lillard took things personal
In the same podcast, Dame mentioned how he initially avoided Russ’ antics on the court. Soon, however, the eight-time NBA All-Star understood that Westbrook was deliberately trying to score against him.
“Once I realized it was like that, that’s when I started taking it personal,” Dame added. “I know he always on go against everybody, but he really try to come get me. That was when it became personal.”
But to clap back at Brodie, the Trail Blazers had to go through a rebuild around Dame Dolla. Once it happened, the California native started dropping great performances in high-intensity games vs. Russ and OKC.
At the end of the day, both stars know to keep things professional. Lillard revealed they have no beef right now, even after competing and going toe-to-toe for years.
“He a cool dude, Russ is cool,” Lillard concluded. “Off the court, we cool. But on the court, he took that approach, and ain’t nobody punking me, I don’t care who you is.”
Next season, Westbrook will team up with Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray in hopes of leading the Denver Nuggets to another NBA title. On the other hand, Dame and Giannis Antetokounmpo will hope to make a deep playoff run in the Eastern Conference.
Related: George Karl reacts to Russell Westbrook going to Denver: "Puts the Nuggets back on top of the West"
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