Russell Westbrook’s Viral Moments That Broke The Internet
When Russell Westbrook retired this week after 18 legendary NBA seasons, it didn’t just mark the end of an era on the court—it closed a historic chapter of internet culture. The future Hall of Famer and all-time triple-double king exits the game with a legendary resume and a digital legacy as one of the most unapologetically funny and infinitely memorable athletes in sports history.
Just as great as he was on the court, “Broadie,” a one-time MVP and nine-time All-Star Game participant, gave the world some of the best memes and GIFs of all time.
In honor of his legendary career and becoming an iconic internet personality, here’s Russell Westbrook’s Viral Moments That Broke The Internet
The “What?” Press Conference Face
Without question, Westbrook gave the world the most famous reaction GIF in modern NBA history. After a post-game reporter asked a confusing question, Russ locked eyes with him, squinted his face in sheer disbelief, and uttered a simple, perplexed “What?” Afterwards, it instantly became the internet’s default reaction to absurd news.
The “Rock the Baby” Celebration
Westbrook’s “Rock the Baby” celebration is one of the best and funniest we’ve ever seen. Born from his bullying of smaller guards and overpowering them in the paint, the taunt features Westbrook cradling an imaginary infant in his arms, signaling to the opposing bench and crowd that his defender is like a helpless baby. First exploding into a viral phenomenon during his peak MVP and “Lob City” rivalry years, “Rock the Baby” became an instant favorite across NBA fandom, launching numerous celebrations throughout basketball culture.
When He Made Sure To Get His Dap
Few NBA players treat high fives with the intensity that Westbrook, making his most awkward sideline interactions instant internet history. The most famous example came in 2015 against the Orlando Magic, when teammate Jeremy Lamb heading to the bench accidentally missed Russ’s outstretched palm. Westbrook froze on the spot, locking eyes with Lamb and unleashing a terrifying death stare that made Lamb instantly backtrack to deliver proper contact.
Pat Bev ‘Trick Y’all’ Press Conference
The feud between Westbrook and his NBA nemesis, Patrick Beverly, was a sight to behold. Following a heated 2019 matchup between OKC and the Houston Rockets, Russ delivered one of the most unfiltered post-game quotes in sports media history, clowning Beverly’s defensive prowess: “Pat Bev trick y’all, man, like he playing defense. He don’t guard nobody, man. Westbrook said, citing James Harden scoring 47 points on Beverly in recent game. “He just running around, doing nothing… All that commotion to get 47.”
Pregame Sideline Dances with Cameron Payne
No one prepared for the game quite like Westbrook, and he took his pregame dances seriously. During the mid-2010s in Oklahoma City, Westbrook’s pregame routine with backup point guard Cameron Payne was appointment viewing. On April 18, 2016, Charlie Villanueva interrupted Westbrook and Payne’s pregame ritual dance by stepping between them near the scorer’s table. In another viral moment, Westbrook shoved Villanueva in response, calling his actions fake” and something for “guys that don’t play.””
His High-Fashion Tunnel Fits
As one of the most fashionable players in the game, Westbrook fundamentally transformed arena tunnel entrances into high-fashion runways. From Thom Browne skirts and neon cardigans to sleeveless overalls, Westbrook’s style was just as fearless as his play on the court. On April 14, 2025, at the WNBA Draft, Westbrook became the first NBA player to design and style a draft outfit for a WNBA prospect. He collaborated with guard Georgia Amoore—the No. 6 overall pick by the Washington Mystics—using his fashion label, Honor The Gift.
Taking the Stage at Kendrick Lamar’s ‘Pop Out’ Concert
During Kendrick Lamar’s iconic “The Pop Out: Ken & Friends” concert at the Forum in Los Angeles, Westbrook stole the show by storming the stage. Always repping Los Angeles and a champion of West Coast rap, Westbrook took the stage with a parade of local icons during the biggest moment of the performance. The former MVP danced while shouting every lyric to “Not Like Us,” dapping up Lamar, turning the stage into an impromptu victory lap for LA culture.
