Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) during the first quarter against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

NBA Fans React to Russell Westbrook, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Exchange

Originally posted on Denver Nuggets on SI | By Joey Linn | Last updated 10/16/24

Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

The Denver Nuggets fell to the Oklahoma City Thunder in an NBA preseason game on Tuesday night. The loss dropped Denver to 0-4 on the preseason.

Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, and Russell Westbrook all missed the game for the Nuggets. Oklahoma City played their usual starters, and were led by All-NBA guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander who finished with a game-high 19 points.

Gilgeous-Alexander has emerged into the next great Thunder star. The franchise has had some all-time great players, most notably the duo of Westbrook and Kevin Durant.

Westbrook is the greatest player in Thunder history, and has been supportive of Gilgeous-Alexander as he attempts to lead the franchise. The two guards shared a moment after Wednesday’s game.

Via Bally Sports Oklahoma: “Always good to see an old friend ”

Always good to see an old friend @okcthunder | #ThunderUp pic.twitter.com/XN9FxXF461
— Bally Sports Oklahoma (@BallySportsOK) October 16, 2024

NBA fans have been reacting to this exchange between Westbrook and Gilgeous-Alexander.

Via @TalkinBallOKC: "Torch passed"

Torch passed
— TALKIN’ BALL PODCAST (@TalkinBallOKC) October 16, 2024

Via @lukemolet97: "The amount of FEELS man…"

The amount of FEELS man… https://t.co/mJRJP3N55r
— Laxative Luke (@lukemolet97) October 16, 2024

Via @chase_mcquade: "Brb gonna cry"

Brb gonna cry https://t.co/sQaeRHkMrS
— Chase (@chase_mcquade) October 16, 2024

Via @RamblingTeller: "Come back to OKC, Russ."

Come back to OKC, Russ. https://t.co/RHHJLTll5N
— Josiah | The Ramblings of a Storyteller (@RamblingTeller) October 16, 2024

Via @Tayler_P15: ""

https://t.co/70dF9H2SLG
— Tayler Peterson (@Tayler_P15) October 16, 2024

Gilgeous-Alexander spoke highly of Westbrook when asked about him last season.

“He’s one of the best competitors to ever play the game," Gilgeous-Alexander said. "... A really good guy off the court. That’s a guy I’m cool with, we’re friends, he’s just a really good guy.”

This article first appeared on Denver Nuggets on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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