Former teammates of Russell Westbrook make statements before Clippers-Nuggets

The LA Clippers and Denver Nuggets square off in a Western Conference battle on Saturday. Both teams are coming off season openers and are looking to get into the win column.

This game will be Russell Westbrook’s first time playing with his former team. The 2017 NBA MVP spent the last two seasons with the Clippers, where he did great things on and off the court. Asked about their former teammate after Friday’s practice, Clippers guards Terance Mann and Norman Powell both talked about Westbrook.

“One of the best teammates I’ve ever had,” Mann said. “He brought intensity on and off the court. He’s great to be around… I know he’s going to be really excited, so it’s going to be a fun one.”

Mann laughed and said there will be banter between him and his former teammate when they meet on Saturday, but they haven’t talked about the game yet.

“I’ve known Russ for a long time,” Powell added. “… He was a great mentor, leader… Like T-Mann said, he’s going to be fired up and want a little revenge. He always has that chip on his shoulder… But it’s all love. Nice to see him again.”

Westbrook made his Nuggets debut on Thursday against the OKC Thunder with whom he spent 11 legendary seasons.

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