Russell Westbrook's Gesture Towards Kevin Durant's Mom Draws Attention

Yet, years later, moments of warmth have suggested that time has healed some of those old wounds.

As both stars prepare for the 2025–26 NBA season — Durant with the Houston Rockets and Westbrook with the Sacramento Kings — a resurfaced clip from Netflix’s “Starting 5” series drew attention on social media. The video showed a touching exchange between Westbrook and Durant’s mother, Wanda, during a Phoenix Suns vs. Denver Nuggets regular season game last year. 

In the clip, Wanda warmly called out to Westbrook and he responded with a warm embrace as the two shared an emotional moment.

The clip sparked an outpouring of reactions from fans.

“❤️ the way she touched his face like he's still a little boy to her,” a fan said.

“Dat mama’s baby right there,” another fan added.

“The right way. Bigger than ball,” said one fan

“That’s family,” another fan posted.

“Mama Durant is such a legend. The way she keeps it real with everyone is what makes her special,” a fan noted

“He’s always going to be her baby,” another fan remarked.

“Russ and KD brothers, man. They may not show it in the game, but you can tell outside with their personal life,” another fan wrote.

Their shared history remains one of the most memorable in modern basketball. Durant became a two-time Finals MVP with Golden State, while Westbrook earned league MVP honors in 2017 after averaging a triple-double.

Though their careers have since taken different paths, the heartfelt moment with Wanda Durant reminded fans that some bonds run deeper than basketball — proof that respect and affection still endure between two of the era’s greatest competitors.