"Russell Westbrook, who a week ago was getting it from all sides in Thunder Nation, is about to get the ultimate compliment.

He's going to get the Kobe Bryant treatment.

Jason Kidd will not get the first crack at the Thunder's blistering point guard. Instead, look for DeShawn Stevenson to start on Westbrook in Game 1 Tuesday night.

But Westbrook, whose star is rising after outsider opinions were aired last series that he and Kevin Durant are incompatible, should know that Kidd will be waiting. And he'll bring a healthy dose of respect with him.

"If he gets a rebound or outlet pass, he puts a lot of pressure on, no matter if there's one, two or three guys back on defense," Kidd said. "He has the ability to get in the paint and make things happen.""