@russwest44 🤝 OKC! The @nuggets face the Thunder in the Western Conference Semis 👏

The stars have aligned, the narratives are juicy, and the matchups are electric. The Western Conference Semifinals are set: Denver Nuggets vs. Oklahoma City Thunder. But there’s one twist that’s got the basketball world buzzing—Russell Westbrook is coming home… kind of.

While Westbrook is now rocking different colors, the presence of @russwest44 in this series is a full-circle moment for Thunder fans, hoops historians, and NBA storytellers alike. The former face of the Thunder franchise—Mr. Triple-Double himself—gets to share the same playoff stage with the young core he helped lay the foundation for. And the emotions? They’re impossible to ignore.

Westbrook may not be suiting up for OKC anymore, but his imprint on the franchise remains permanent. For over a decade, he was the heart and soul of the Thunder. From the early days with KD and Harden to carrying the franchise post-Durant, Russ gave OKC everything he had—blood, sweat, and highlight after highlight. So even as he suits up for Denver, you can expect OKC fans to give him a warm welcome… before hoping their squad sends him packing.

On the court, this Thunder vs. Nuggets series promises to be a battle of experience versus energy. The Nuggets, led by Nikola Jokić, are the reigning champs and remain a well-oiled machine. Their methodical half-court offense, driven by Jokić’s genius, is a nightmare to defend. They’ve got chemistry, confidence, and playoff scars that have hardened them.

The Thunder? They’re the West’s top seed for a reason. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has blossomed into a legitimate MVP-caliber force. Jalen Williams is the silent killer, and Chet Holmgren gives them the length and rim protection they’ve sorely missed in recent years. But more than anything, this team plays with hunger and purpose. They’ve been building quietly. Now, they’re making noise loudly.

This matchup is layered. You’ve got SGA—the player OKC received in the Paul George deal—now leading the same franchise that once leaned on Russ. You’ve got Westbrook, now a veteran weapon off the bench for Denver, potentially going head-to-head with the franchise he helped build from scratch. It’s not just basketball—it’s legacy, evolution, and storytelling at its finest.

The Thunder will look to push pace, swarm on defense, and let their depth shine. The Nuggets will lean on their IQ, their composure, and the unstoppable Jokić-Murray duo. And somewhere in between, Russ will do what he’s always done: bring energy, ignite momentum, and play like there’s no tomorrow.

No matter how it plays out, one thing is certain: Thunder vs. Nuggets is must-see TV, and Russ being part of it—even in a new jersey—just adds the perfect dramatic touch.

@russwest44 🤝 OKC! Game on.