Before social media and before the rules adjusted in favor of the offense, there was considerably more physicality and genuine dislike for other teams and opponents. With the advance in technology and a different perspective on an ever-changing world, the current generation of players tends to be more friendly and supportive of each other.
But in a new era of opponents being more like colleagues, Russell Westbrook is a throwback. He’s not out there to make friends or earn the respect of his opponent. He’s out there for one thing and one thing only – a win.