NBA star Russell Westbrook uses 'Any Given Sunday' to put Kevin Durant on notice

In case anyone was wondering whether NBA star Russell Westbrook was taking the return of his former teammate, Kevin Durant, to Oklahoma City seriously, his pregame wardrobe just removed all doubt.

Strolling into the Chesapeake Energy Arena hours before the 8:30 p.m. ET tip-off, Westbrook sported a number 13 Willie Beamen jersey. If you've forgotten, Beamen is the unapologetically awesome quarterback character played by Jamie Foxx in Any Given Sunday. Beamen's struggle in the film, like Westbrook's in real life, is defying the doubters, even in the face of his obvious talent.

Westbrook often uses his wardrobe to send not-so-subtle messages. Last year, when the Oklahoma City Thunder guard played against Durant in Oakland, he wore an orange photographer's vest, a fashion choice many took as a dig at Durant's hobby of photography.

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In the days leading up to Durant's return to OKC, the speculation about how fans will receive him has turned into its own story, beyond talk of who might actually win the game.

One thing's for sure, if Westbrook can somehow pull off a win against the Golden State Warriors, now stacked with four All-Stars, he'll seal his status as the frontrunner for league MVP.

More importantly, he'll also earn vindication and praise from everyone who (rightly or wrongly) thinks Durant bailed on OKC's loyal fan base just to seek an easier path to a championship.