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Kevin Durant Makes Russell Westbrook Statement After Nuggets-Suns Christmas Day Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ryan Brooks | Last updated Dec 26, 2024 10:53 AM ET

The Denver Nuggets and Phoenix Suns squared off for a Christmas Day matchup. The two teams might have mediocre records in the Western Conference, but the matchup premiered two teams who put on a clinic on a nightly basis.

With Kevin Durant and Nikola Jokic taking part in the contest, it was primed to be an impressive matchup on Christmas Day -- an incredible tradition for the regular season of the league.

The Suns got the best of the Nuggets, defeating them 110-100, though Denver got quite a solid performance from a few players.

Jokic provided a strong stat line, which is typical, as he posted 25 points and 15 assists, though he only totaled two assists.

Michael Porter Jr. added 22 points while shooting 7-of-14 from the floor. Their co-star, Jamal Murray, wasn't impressive, though. He scored just 14 points and shot 4-of-10 from the field.

There was one good impact off the bench, though, as Russell Westbrook scored 17 points while shooting 6-of-12 from the floor and adding six rebounds.

After the game, Durant was talking about the great players to have defined the recent era. The talk of the town has been about himself, LeBron James and Stephen Curry -- all of which played on Christmas Day. Durant had opinions on the matter, though.

“I mean, so many great talents in this league," Durant said, via ESPN.

"It’s just not just us three [me, Curry and James]. You see [Nikola Jokic tonight. You see a Hall of Famer, [an] icon in Russell [Westbrook] out here tonight. You see so many great young players around the league today. It was an amazing day for basketball. I'm grateful I was able to play on this great day and entertain the fans and get a win at home.”

Durant calling Westbrook an icon should be heartwarming for Thunder fans and NBA fans alike, as the former duo was electric and dominated the league for years, even if they never came away with a title.

Now well into the latter half of their careers, it seems there is a mutual respect from the two players.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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