It’s safe to say that Jamal Murray is a huge fan of the Denver Nuggets’ free agency signing of Russell Westbrook, given the latter’s impact on his teammates a few months in.
The one-time NBA champion recently spoke to Katy Winge of AltitudeTV to explain why having the 2017 NBA MVP on his side is a pinch-me moment for him.
“I grew up watching him. We all did, really,” Murray said about Westbrook. “It’s cool to see him up close and in person. To look at Russ is like, ‘Oh, damn. That’s Russ.’ Every time he’s in the gym, he kind of lifts not just me but everybody’s spirit and awareness.”
Christian Braun agrees with Jamal Murray, saying that he always loved Russell Westbrook’s game when he was watching him growing up.
“I love his game. I loved his game when I was young. I love his game now,” Braun said via The Denver Post. “I think his energy, his tenacity, those are all things that every team needs. He loves the game. He plays it with the right intensity. The way he plays, downhill, so aggressive, so tough.”
Russell Westbrook made his Denver Nuggets debut in preseason
Russell Westbrook played his first game in a Denver Nuggets uniform during their preseason tour to Abu Dhabi, where they lost 107-103 to the Boston Celtics.
The nine-time NBA All-Star recorded 12 points, four rebounds, eight assists, and two turnovers in 19 minutes of action. He showed off his newfound outside stroke that he has been working on this offseason, making three three-point shots.
Westbrook didn’t play the second game in the Middle East. The Denver Nuggets suffered a 130-104 blowout loss against the Boston Celtics.
