Russell Westbrook and Rajon Rondo met on Friday for the first time since Westbrook shouted against Rondo’s brother in a playoff game last year. Things got angry between them again.
The veteran guards, who now play for teams other than those they represented in the Orlando bubble, had words for the first time in the Wizards-Hawks’ first half in Washington and were assessed as technical fouls .
Animosity peaked in the fourth quarter when a frustrated Westbrook pushed Rondo on a rebound attempt. This move earned Westbrook a second technique and an early exit from a game the Wizards ultimately lost.
I mean, honestly, it’s more mine. I can’t afford to lower myself to anyone’s level, ”Westbrook told reporters after the game. according to NBC Sports Washington
. “It’s not my character or who I am. I have to be better despite the nonsense and the things being said.
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Rondo was sent off for a second technical foul five minutes from time on the bench. The reason was not clear.
The obvious decision here is to tie at least the first incident to what happened last September in the Western Conference semi-finals. As the Rondo Lakers shut down the Westbrook Rockets in Game 5 of the series, Westbrook became engaged to Rondo’s brother William following a free throw from LeBron James. William Rondo sat in court singing in Westbrook, as did Rajon Rondo.
“People in the game, you’re supposed to shut your mouths and watch the game,” Westbrook told reporters after the game. “These are the rules, especially when you have families and people here … Because [Rajon] Rondo was talking shit, decided he wanted in too. It’s good. Everything is fine. I understand. He wanted to help his brother. I don’t know what, but that’s it.
The Washington Post reported that arena security escorted William Rondo out of the arena.
Rajon Rondo came to his brother’s defense in his comments after Game 5.
“He didn’t do anything crazy,” Rondo said. “He called the man ‘trash’. The fans do what the fans do. The first is my brother. He didn’t do anything disrespectful.
This article has been updated with Westbrook’s comments and Rondo’s expulsion. Material from Jordan Greer and Stats Perform News was used in this report.