It's not unlikely for two of the league's most potent scorers to become rivals, but in the case of Devin Booker of the Phoenix Suns, he broke into the league already not being fond of Oklahoma City Thunder point guard Russell Westbrook.
The brash, confident talent out of Kentucky started his career as a key reserve, working his way to a starter position in his second season, one he's stuck with ever since. But even before sharing the spotlight with Westbrook, Booker didn't like him one bit.
“Before I was in the NBA, he was a player I didn't like,” said Booker, according to Erik Horne of The Oklahoman. “But since my rookie year, we exchanged words, we were talking trash a little bit, ever since then he's somebody I watch, his passion, his energy he brings every night is unbelievable.”
Westbrook can come off as a cocky, self-serving superstar at times, which could hinder a first impression; but after sharing the same court, it's inevitable that Booker saw the raw passion for the sport and his maniacal willingness to compete every night — a trait every true player respects to the core.
Booker and Westbrook went at it last night as the Thunder survived a scare led by Booker's 39 points on the night, as Westbrook totaled 43 points, 14 rebounds, and eight assists, narrowly missing a monster triple-double in a 124-116 win.
The Suns phenom was an efficient 16-of-28 from the floor, canning six of his 10 attempts from deep and bagging six rebounds, eight assists, and a blocked shot.
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