Nuggets’ Russell Westbrook shares Christmas moment with Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal families

Russell Westbrook may be the enemy of anyone who isn’t part of his team or his team’s fan base when he’s out there on the court, but he of all people would know that there are things in life that are bigger than basketball. Even after the Denver Nuggets suffered a 110-110 loss to the Phoenix Suns on Christmas Day, Westbrook made sure to acknowledge the families of his two former teammates in Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal.

Immediately after the game, the Nuggets guard walked over to Beal’s two children, who were sitting on the floor seats in the Footprint Center. Afterwards Westbrook then shared a heartwarming moment with Durant’s mother, Wanda, and gave her a warm hug with a huge smile on her face.

Westbrook may not be perceived as the most likable player in the NBA because of some of the decisions he makes on the hardwood, but one thing is for sure: The Nuggets guard is as true a teammate as they come. His teammates over the years have done nothing but speak highly of his character, and these exchanges show that the bonds Westbrook forms on the court last a lifetime.

It’s certainly heartwarming to see Westbrook remain on excellent terms with Durant’s mother even after the sad way Durant’s tenure with the Oklahoma City Thunder ended. This shows that they may be rivals on the hardwood, but family trumps everything else, because family really is the real MVP – especially on Christmas Day.

Nuggets’ Russell Westbrook shares history with Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal

Russell Westbrook has long been a polarizing player, and for a while it looked like his beef with Kevin Durant would never be squashed. Westbrook has almost always raised the occasion whenever he faces Durant, but it’s clear they’ve let bygones be bygones — now that they’re with the Nuggets and Suns, respectively.

Durant also posted career-best numbers playing alongside Westbrook, as did Bradley Beal in the only season he played alongside the future Hall of Fame point guard. Westbrook was quite the stat-sheet-stuffer during his time with the Washington Wizards, and Beal was the primary recipient of his play. And even in the year they spent together, they formed a lifelong friendship – a testament to the character of the two.