When Russell Westbrook is on the court, he may be enemies with everyone who isn’t on his team or his team’s fan base, but he of all people knows that there are things in life that are bigger than basketball. Even after the Denver Nuggets suffered a 110-110 loss to the Phoenix Suns on Christmas Day, Westbrook paid tribute to the families of his two former teammates, Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal.

Immediately after the game, the Nuggets guard walked over to Beal’s two children, who were sitting in the floor seats at the Footprint Center. Westbrook then shared a heartwarming moment with Durant’s mother, Wanda, giving her a warm hug with a big smile on his face.

Westbrook may not be considered the most likeable player in the NBA due to some of the decisions he makes on the hardwood, but one thing is for sure: the Nuggets guard is as true a teammate as they come. His teammates have done nothing but speak highly of his character over the years, and this exchange shows that the bonds Westbrook builds on the court last a lifetime.

It’s definitely heartwarming to see that Westbrook continues to have a great relationship with Durant’s mother even after the sad end of Durant’s time with the Oklahoma City Thunder. This shows that they may be rivals on the hardwood, but family trumps everything else because family truly is the true MVP – especially on Christmas Day.

Nuggets’ Russell Westbrook shares story with Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal

Russell Westbrook has long been a polarizing player, and for a while it looked like he would never prevail against Kevin Durant. Westbrook has jumped at the opportunity almost every time he’s faced Durant, but clearly they’ve put the past behind them now that they’re with the Nuggets and Suns, respectively.

Durant also posted the best numbers of his career while playing alongside Westbrook, and the same can be said for Bradley Beal in the only season he played alongside the future Hall of Fame point guard. Westbrook was a stat stunner during his time with the Washington Wizards, and Beal was the primary recipient of his playmaking. And even in the year they spent together, a lifelong friendship developed between them – a testament to their character.