The Denver Nuggets are not in their best form heading into the playoffs. They have fallen to a 47-32 record (good for fourth in the Western Conference) after dropping their last four games.
Jamal Murray did not play during their four-game slide due to a strained right hamstring, and Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone hopes to have his point guard back. In the meantime, Russell Westbrook must pick up the slack.
“I respect Russell Westbrook, and I’m also appreciative of everything he’s done for this team this year on the court and off the court,” Malone said via ESPN. “And with Jamal out, we need Russell Westbrook. We need him to come into the game, provide a spark, bring energy – and our turnovers aren’t just Russ. It is a team-wide issue right now.”
“But Russ has been around the block. He knows what big games are about and we’re playing a lot of guys right now that have no idea what big games are about. So, having a veteran that’s been there and done that can reassure some of those guys,” he added.
Denver Nuggets News: Russell Westbrook shares terse reaction to recent loss vs. Indiana Pacers
The Denver Nuggets lost 125-120 to the Pascal Siakam-less Indiana Pacers last Sunday for their fourth straight loss. After the game, Russell Westbrook offered a blunt response about the mood in the locker room given their predicament.
“I don’t know, man. I’m not sure,” Westbrook said via DNVR Sports.
The Denver Nuggets’ recent slump has brought them within 0.5 games of falling into the play-in tournament. They’ll aim to end their slide against the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday.
