Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, once one of the most formidable duos in the NBA, made a significant impact while playing for the Oklahoma City Thunder. Their partnership drove the team all the way to the 2012 NBA Finals, showcasing a level of talent that earned both players a future spot in the Hall of Fame. Recently, a notable quote from Durant about Westbrook has resurfaced, drawing attention on social media and reminding fans of their unique chemistry.
Reflecting on Westbrook’s abilities, Durant said,
“I’ve never seen somebody jump that high, or run that fast or be that explosive… I had the utmost confidence walking into every game.”
This rare praise highlights Westbrook’s exceptional athletic traits that contributed to the Thunder’s success during their peak years. Such statements continue to captivate fans due to the deep bond and memorable run Durant and Westbrook shared as teammates.
The Evolution of Durant and Westbrook’s Careers Post-Thunder
Following the 2016 season, Durant made a high-profile move by signing with the Golden State Warriors. During his stint there, he reached the NBA Finals in three consecutive seasons and secured two championship titles, solidifying his legacy. Meanwhile, Westbrook continued his career with different teams and currently plays for the Sacramento Kings, contributing with averages of 15.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 6.6 assists per game this season while maintaining solid shooting percentages.
Durant, now playing for the Houston Rockets in his first season with the team, at 37 years old, maintains impressive statistics. He is averaging 25.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game, with a field goal shooting percentage of 50.6% and three-point accuracy at 40.3% over 50 games. This level of performance underscores his enduring skills and adaptability as he continues in the league.
Legacy of the 2012-13 Thunder and Current Team Success
The Oklahoma City Thunder have enjoyed several milestone achievements in recent years. Back in the 2012-13 season, led by Durant and Westbrook, the team recorded 60 wins—a franchise record that was recently matched once again. NBA History noted this achievement, highlighting
“For the second time since moving in 2008-09, the OKC Thunder have collected 60 WINS in a season ⛈️ They tied the franchise record set by Kevin Durant & Russell Westbrook in 2012-13!”
This benchmark remains a testament to the strength of that era’s team.
Today’s Thunder have advanced far beyond their past, capturing the 2025 NBA Championship by defeating the Indiana Pacers and currently holding the top seed in the Western Conference with a 42-14 record. Their progress marks a hopeful new chapter for the franchise and presents a contrast to the previous era, which—as commentator Skip Bayless recently pointed out—was less beloved despite the high level of individual talent.
Now can you see why, even as a guy who grew up in Oklahoma City, I just couldn’t get my arm around the Durant-Westbrook-Harden 2012 Thunder, as all-time MVP talented as they were? All 3 are just so unlovable. The current Thunder are 10X easier to root for, and a better team.
— Skip Bayless, Sports Commentator
The Continuing Impact of Durant and Westbrook in the NBA Landscape
Although Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook have chosen different paths after their time together in Oklahoma City, their influence on the NBA remains significant. Their performances, both individually and as a pair, helped to elevate the Oklahoma City Thunder to elite status and left a lasting mark on the franchise’s history. As Durant excels with the Rockets and Westbrook contributes to the Kings, fans still reminisce about their memorable partnership. Meanwhile, the current Thunder team’s success signals a promising future for the franchise, offering renewed hope and fresh excitement to supporters.
KD on playing with Russell Westbrook:
“I’ve never seen anybody that explosive in anything in my life… I knew Russ had a physical advantage over every single point guard we played against…”
Triple Double Cocaine Bear 👀😭 pic.twitter.com/T6diOW5nPP
— Beastbrook (@Beastbr00k0) February 16, 2026
Now can you see why, even as a guy who grew up in Oklahoma City, I just couldn't get my arm around the Durant-Westbrook-Harden 2012 Thunder, as all-time MVP talented as they were? All 3 are just so unlovable. The current Thunder are 10X easier to root for, and a better team.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) February 16, 2026
For the second time since moving in 2008-09, the OKC Thunder have collected 60 WINS in a season ⛈️
They tied the franchise record set by Kevin Durant & Russell Westbrook in 2012-13!
Watch some of the best plays from that season ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/RMAJKQMhqZ
— NBA History (@NBAHistory) March 26, 2025
