The Denver Nuggets took a calculated risk when they brought Russell Westbrook over as an additional weapon that will make life easier for Nikola Jokic and strengthen their chances of making a potential Finals run in a crowded Western Conference.
While Brodie’s start to life in Denver was decent enough, he turned back the clock into an effective contributor for a Western Conference contender. He reminded everyone why everyone in and around the association loved playing with and against him.
He’s thriving at the Mile High City to the point that he’s taking turns with Nikola Jokic for triple-double games. Mike Malone is so impressed with Westbrook’s quality for Denver that he quipped a hilarious jab at the renaissance the veteran guard is going through.
Mike Malone jokingly ages Russell Westbrook while discussing his value to the Nuggets
Westbrook was all over the place for the Nuggets as the 2023 champs cruised past a Luka Doncic-less Dallas Mavericks, 112-101. Brodie was the standout performer for the visitors, finishing the night with an impressive stat line of 21 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists, one steal, and two blocks.
Malone took the time to praise Westbrook after the game, as shown in the team’s video on their Twitter/X page:
Stayed with it! pic.twitter.com/rGQLaxfco6
— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) January 12, 2025
Malone first talked about how the Nuggets had to claw their way back into the game when the Mavs put up a sizeable lead against them.
“4:49, third quarter, we’re down by 19,” Malone told the locker room. “We lead the league in double-figure comebacks in the season. We don’t like getting down [by] double figures, but to your credit, you guys always stay with it, you never quit.”
He then praised some of the key contributors to the team’s comeback win before motioning to the chain he was holding, which was recognizing the best player for the team through 48 minutes:
“This goes to the guy that continues to f***ing amaze me. At 42 years old, doing what he’s doing.”
Malone then went to a smiling Westbrook as he happily accepted the chain from his head coach. The rest of his Denver teammates were cheering him on for another fantastic performance.
Westbrook is enjoying a resurgence for Denver this season, averaging 13.2 points, 5.1 rebounds, 6.8 assists, 1.6 steals, and 0.6 blocks through 38 appearances. It’s not strange to expect them to make a deep postseason run if Westbrook and Jokic continue to overwhelm opponents with their play.
For More Content
Message me at c.alamodin.writes@gmail.com for questions and opportunities. Click here for more content about your favorite NBA, WNBA, and college basketball teams!
