4. Russell Westbrook
Playoff averages vs Warriors: 26.7 PPG, 11.3 APG
Russell Westbrook has a very clear reason to be motivated for a matchup with the Golden State Warriors. After eliminating him and the Thunder from the playoffs in 2016, Westbrook watched as his sidekick, Kevin Durant, jumped ship to the other team.
Now, the Warriors are more than just an enemy to Russ. KD’s move clearly had a personal effect on Westbrook as he entered the next season with more fury than ever. Each time the Dubs and OKC face off, Russ is at full tilt.
Since Durant joined the Warriors, Russ has averaged 29.5 points, 10.9 rebounds and 8.6 assists per game versus the Dubs. In his most recent game against the Warriors, he put up 44 points and 16 rebounds in a loss.
However, Westbrook was doing damage to the Warriors even before Durant left town. Before the 2016-17 season, Russ had already recorded six different 30+ point games against the Warriors. This stretch contained multiple clutch shots versus the Dubs, including a game-winning shot at the buzzer.