Rivals United in trash talking

RUSSELL Westbrook says he’ll be an honorary Kiwi to support teammate Steven Adams, while Terrance Ferguson announced: “I hate Melbourne” – welcome to Oklahoma City, United.

The Thunder won’t be rolling out the red carpet for Dean Vickerman’s men when they meet in today’s historic NBA pre-season clash.

Speaking at yesterday’s final practice, Westbrook had zero thoughts on what Melbourne could produce in their maiden foray on the NBA stage.

“I ain’t expecting s..t,” Westbrook laughed. “But I’m with Stevo (Kiwi teammate Steven Adams), though. I’m team New Zealand over here, just so you know.”

Melbourne’s star import guard Casey Prather wasn’t too concerned about Westbrook’s pre-game comments, labelling it good banter.

Prather said United were focused on letting their basketball do the talking.

“I just take it as kind of a joke and something you laugh at,” Prather said.

“Russell is probably a funny guy and clearly he has a New Zealand teammate, so it’s cool to back your teammate.

“I’d probably say the same if I was in his situation, but it is all good.”

Rookie Thunder guard and former Adelaide 36er Ferguson has also laid the boot into Melbourne.

Ferguson learnt plenty during his one-year stint in the NBL last season.

“I was at Adelaide, so we hated Melbourne,” Ferguson said, smiling.

“I absolutely hated Melbourne, so I just want to compete against them.”

To make Melbourne’s challenge against Oklahoma City even harder, Thunder coach Billy Donovan confirmed his Big Three – Westbrook, Carmelo Anthony and Paul George – would all play.