Russell Westbrook made a fan’s decade-long dream come true after leading the Denver Nuggets to a 116-110 victory over the Sacramento Kings on March 5. The star guard gifted his game-worn jersey to Kim Tae-Hyun, a devoted fan who traveled 6,000 miles from South Korea just to see him play.
Throughout the game, Kim Tae-Hyun stood out in the crowd. Wearing a Westbrook jersey, he jumped excitedly with every move his favorite player made. His enthusiasm caught the attention of the announcer, who relayed the story of the fan’s long journey to Westbrook.
After hearing about Kim Tae-Hyun, Westbrook smiled and said, “Appreciate you. Got another jersey for you—I’ll bring it over.” Moments later, he removed his game-worn jersey, walked over, and personally handed it to Kim Tae-Hyun.
The moment was emotional. Kim Tae-Hyun was on the verge of tears as he held the signed jersey. Overcome with joy, he shouted, “Best moment in my life!”
In a post-game interview, Westbrook expressed gratitude to his supporters. “I always feel blessed to inspire people. As a player, that’s my duty,” he said.
The clip quickly went viral. Fans praised Westbrook for his generosity and Kim Tae-Hyun for his dedication.
A Decade-Long Westbrook Fan
Kim Tae-Hyun’s admiration for Westbrook began 10 years ago. He first became a fan of the Oklahoma City Thunder, drawn to Westbrook’s relentless energy and triple-double performances. Over time, he followed Westbrook’s career across multiple teams, always remaining one of his most loyal supporters.
A well-known NBA YouTuber, Kim Tae-Hyun, also known as Mamba Kim, runs the channel Dis Is For You. He humorously breaks down players’ highlights and lowlights. His content covers stars like LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Kawhi Leonard, Nikola Jokić, and Giannis Antetokounmpo.
For Kim Tae-Hyun, this wasn’t just another NBA game. It was the culmination of a decade of admiration for Westbrook, making his trip across the world truly unforgettable.
BY YOONJAE JUNG [jung.yoonjae@koreadaily.com]
