There are similarities between Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Russell Westbrook.
On the hardwood, they are polar opposites. However, the similarities rise when considering their impact in Oklahoma City and within the Thunder organization.
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Westbrook won an MVP after Kevin Durant up and left the organization and city.
Gilgeous-Alexander was next in line to take over the club when Westbrook was traded, and he’s developed into a franchise player — on pace to win an MVP trophy of his own.
However, during the 2024-25 NBA Playoffs, the two are on opposite sides.
Once dominant in a Thunder jersey, Westbrook has become more of a journeyman late in his career, now representing the Denver Nuggets.
Typically, when the legendary guard rolls into Oklahoma City, he’s met with cheers on the hardwood — which was the case in Game 1 of the second-round series between the Thunder and Nuggets.
May 5, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) drives around Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon (32) during the second half during game one of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center. © Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
The tide turned in Game 2, as the Thunder instead rallied behind the current squad, who won the contest and evened the series at 1-1.
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Still, the current Thunder superstar and franchise player understands where the crowd is coming from — whether it be boos or cheers — as it pertains to Westbrook.
“The ovation is beautiful. The things he’s done for this city, this organization — he deserves it. What he’s done for this game has been special,” Gilgeous-Alexander explained. “Our crowd, they got it. They do what they want when they want. They always have our back. That’s what matters to me.”
That very sentiment from the Canadian was proven in Game 2. The Thunder jumped on the Nuggets early, and the crowd was engaged for 48 minutes throughout the blowout.
Westbrook’s impact on the city still can’t be understated, though. The franchise arrived in 2008, where Westbrook then spent 11 years showing loyalty and calling OKC his home.