Oklahoma City Thunder superstar point guard Russell Westbrook and his new teammates, star forwards Paul George and Carmelo Anthony, did not last very long in the 2017-18 NBA Playoffs and were eliminated following a loss in Game 6 to the Utah Jazz.

However, when he addressed the media this weekend during his exit interview with members of the media, he said that he learned a lot during his first season with George and Anthony.

“We obviously had previous relations before the season. But to get through the season and figure out what real brotherhood is like. Those guys are somebody that I can always look up to, different things they brought to the game. Not just on the court, but off the court, I think us bonding as brothers was a bigger thing for me,” Westbrook said.

Article Continues Below
More NBA News
image thumbnail
Tyrese Haliburton’s classy trophy gesture to Pascal Siakam after Pacers’ ECF winJedd Pagaduan ·
Thunder's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander vs. Pacers' Tyrese Haliburton
Magic Johnson shares true feelings about Thunder-Pacers NBA Finals collisionJedd Pagaduan ·
Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) reacts after game six of the eastern conference finals against the New York Knicks for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Magic Johnson gets real about Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton’s dominance vs. KnicksRichard Pereira ·
Three mystery players in the middle, Head coach Tom Thibodeau, Jalen Brunson, and New York Knicks logo, around them, Explosions in the background
New York Knicks most to blame for ECF loss to PacersEnzo Flojo ·
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James warms up before the start of a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center.
Lakers’ LeBron James doesn’t hold back on clout-chasing trainersRichard Pereira ·
Bucks' Damian Lillard sits courtside
Bucks’ Damian Lillard shares encouraging video amid recovery from Achilles injuryJedd Pagaduan ·

The reigning MVP also said that although basketball is a huge part of his life, it will not last forever and the relationships he develops with his teammates will last a lot longer.

“That's always the most important thing for me is making sure that basketball is a short stint in your life, but friendships and things like that go longer than that,” Westbrook added. “That was always important for me to make sure we bonded and understood where we come from and know a little about each one of us personally. That was the most important thing.”

Although the Thunder were eliminated and ended their season in a very disappointing fashion, Westbrook still averaged a whopping 29.3 points, 12.0 rebounds, and 7.5 assists per game during the 2018 postseason.