Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook keep distance prior to matchup

OAKLAND, Calif. -- Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant spent eight seasons together as teammates, but they met for the first time as opponents Thursday at sold-out Oracle Arena.

With heavy anticipation centering on how Westbrook and Durant would greet each other before tipoff, the two didn't even look at each other.

Westbrook took his traditional spot underneath the opposing basket and spoke to no Warriors players. Durant didn't shake hands or talk with any of his former teammates.

"As soon as the game started, it brought back some memories," Durant said. "But after that it was back to business."

The Warriors went on to rout the Thunder 122-96, led by Durant's game-high 39 points, which tied an NBA record for most points by a player in his first game against his former team, according to the Elias Sports Bureau. Durant also tied a career high with seven 3-pointers.

Westbrook, who came in as the NBA's leading scorer at 37.8 points per game, was held to 20 points to go with 10 assists and 6 rebounds.

He arrived at the game wearing an orange vest that said "Official Photographer." One of Durant's primary off-court hobbies is photography.

Asked about the connection before the game, Westbrook said, "Just cause I wanted to. There's no particular reason. There's no story behind it. It's just because I wanted to wear it.

"I don't wear anything for nobody. I wear what I want to wear when I want to wear it."

Durant, for his part, brushed aside any talk of Westbrook's pregame attire.

"I don't care what anybody's wearing to the game, man. Who gives a s---," he said. "I don't care what he wore."

Westbrook and Durant have not spoken since Durant announced he was joining the Warriors. Durant sent Westbrook a text message informing him of the decision.

Referring to his silence toward Durant on Wednesday, Westbrook said, "When I get on the court, I don't talk to anybody but my teammates."

Still, there were plenty of words being exchanged between the other players on the court throughout Thursday's game.

"The Warriors were doing a lot of trash talking," Westbrook observed. "Apparently, I guess they talk a lot of trash talk now."

Durant acknowledged the trash talking between the teams but said it's simply a part of the game.

"Anybody that's seen me play or that's close to me and knows how I play, they know what it is," Durant said. "As long as it's between the lines, everything is all good with me. I'm going to go out there and be who I am. If you talk, I'll talk back. I don't really say much, but if you start it, I'll finish it."

There might still be some bad blood between Durant and Westbrook, but each player stressed the importance of not dwelling in the past. Durant said he has moved on.

"I'm a part of the Golden State Warriors, and I'm excited to be a part of this team," he said. "What I did in those last eight years [with OKC] were special. It's something that I'll never forget, but I've got to move forward."

ESPN's Chris Haynes and The Associated Press contributed to this report.