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How will Russell Westbrook and Patrick Beverley turn from foes to teammates?

By Leocciano Callao

Westbrook confronts Beverley during Game Five of the 2017 Western Conference Quarterfinals. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
Westbrook confronts Beverley during Game Five of the 2017 Western Conference Quarterfinals. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /
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Westbrook confronts Beverley during the 2017 Western Conference Quarterfinals. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /

Once bitter enemies, Beverley and Westbrook find themselves on the Lakers.

After missing the draft, starting his career in Europe, and getting waived by the Miami Heat, Beverley got his first chance in the NBA with the Houston Rockets during the 2012-13 season. In the first round of the playoffs, the Rockets met the Oklahoma City Thunder, then spearheaded by Westbrook and Kevin Durant.

In the second quarter of Game 2, Westbrook dribbled toward the bench and called for a timeout. However, an eager Beverley dove for the ball and in doing so, hit Westbrook’s legs. The All-Star hopped it off and continued to play, helping his team towards victory. But a few days later, it was revealed that he had torn his right meniscus in the collision. While the Thunder, who were favored to win the west that year, won the series in six games without Westbrook, their season ended against the Grizzlies in the second round.

After joining the Rockets, Beverley made it known that he was not messing around. He fought his way to the league and was willing to fight harder to stay in it. Aside from his ability to run the floor, Beverley immediately built a reputation as the NBA’s most annoying defensive presence — a trait that was highlighted by every team he’s been part of since.

Westbrook and Beverley run it back in the 2017 NBA Playoffs

About a year and three surgeries later, Westbrook met Beverley again in the second half of the 2013-14 season. And in a similar fashion, Beverley charged toward Westbrook once more. This time, Westbrook did not get hit, nor did he hobble away in pain and frustration. The two had to be separated by teammates as tempers flared on the hardwood.

This has since become routine whenever the two squared off. Beverley, whose tenacity has pushed the likes of LeBron James, Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant to frustration, saw success in defending Westbrook. On the other hand, Westbrook who won the league’s Most Valuable Player award in 2017 and became the first player to average a triple-double in two different seasons, also had incredible games against Beverley.

Beverley and the Rockets, led by James Harden, ended up beating Westbrook’s Thunder in the 2017 playoffs before he was traded to the Clippers.

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