It was simple to dismiss the Denver Nuggets signing Russell Westbrook to a minimal contract over the offseason as a determined transfer from an inexpensive crew. The group had already misplaced a key starter from its 2023 championship squad in free company when Kentavious Caldwell-Pope signed with the Orlando Magic. As Denver continued to bleed expertise from its title crew, Westbrook was introduced on board for his sixth crew in seven years on the request of famous person Nikola Jokic.
Westbrook has been improbable in his position by means of the beginning of this season, and he got here up large once more for the Nuggets with Jokic out with an sickness on Wednesday towards the Los Angeles Clippers.
The Nuggets beat the Clippers, 126-103, to maintain tempo within the Western Convention Playoff race. Westbrook packed the field rating as soon as once more to complete with 19 factors, eight assists, and 6 rebounds on 8-of-16 taking pictures from the ground, whereas ending as a +18 in his 29 minutes of motion. Past the numbers, Westbrook’s depth additionally gave his crew an emotion carry.
Throughout the first quarter, Westbrook discovered himself on the blocks subsequent to Clippers middle Ivica Zubac throughout teammate DeAndre Jordan’s free throw. Jordan is a profession 47.5 p.c free throw shooter, so Westbrook may sense a miss was coming. Westbrook barked “you higher field out” to Zubac. When Jordan missed the free throw, Westbrook beat Zubac to rebounding place, and received the putback for 2 factors. Watch the play right here:
What an incredible play by Westbrook. Even at age-36, he’s nonetheless stuffed with the bravado and athleticism that after made him MVP.
The Nuggets are 11-4 with Westbrook as a starter this season. It has felt all yr like Jokic has to do all the things himself to provide the Nuggets as an opportunity to win due to all of the expertise drain round him, however Westbrook actually has been a key piece to maintain Denver afloat. His resurgence has been one of many extra delicate joys of his NBA season.
