After a disastrous finish to the Denver Nuggets 2OT recreation with Minnesota, Russell Westbrook is dealing with a backlash.
From lacking a go-ahead lay-up and committing an egregious foul that led to Nickeil-Alexander Walker’s recreation profitable free throws to win it for Minnesota Timberwolves, the Denver Nuggets star discovered himself returning to the middle of public scrutiny.
Westbrook’s late-game errors trashed the all-time masterpiece from Nikola Jokic who completed with a historic 61-point triple-double within the double-overtime thriller.
Russell Westbrook’s actions led to a brutal evaluation from ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith, claiming that this was a reminder of why Kevin Durant selected to depart him behind on the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder practically 10 years in the past.
Amid the negativity that presently surrounds him, Russell Westbrook has refused to get discouraged.
On the second evening of their back-to-back following their disappointing loss towards the Timberwolves, the Nuggets welcomed the visiting San Antonio Spurs.
Denver determined to close down their whole beginning group as Jokic (ankle), Jamal Murray (hamstring), Michael Porter Jr. (private), Aaron Gordon (calf), and Christian Braun (foot) have been all positioned on the damage report.
Michael Malone contemplated on shelving Westbrook as effectively for his or her April 2 matchup towards the Spurs, however he was solely left impressed when the Nuggets veteran insisted that he needed to play.
And regardless of their 113-106 eventual loss at dwelling, the Denver mentor tipped off his hat to Westbrook upon staying obtainable for the Nuggets.
“Positively I take into consideration Russ’s 17 years of service, and that’s not your common 17 years.
“I imply, Russell Westbrook’s bought a whole lot of miles on these wheels and he performs so rattling laborious.
“So I spoke to him about tonight [keeping him out], I used to be by no means shocked when he stated, ‘What? I’m enjoying, man,’” Malone stated in his postgame presser.
“That’s not simply because we misplaced final evening. That’s as a result of he’s a competitor and he loves a chance to go on the market and compete.
“I advised him after the sport tonight how a lot I appreciated him.”
Taking part in with out the Nuggets’ starters, Westbrook made probably the most of his alternatives to briefly lead the ball membership and redeem himself from his earlier blunders.
The previous famous person guard completed with a double-double efficiency of 30 factors and 11 assists to go together with six assists. He even logged 40 minutes of play.
This 2024-25 season, Westbrook has been energetic and engaged for the Nuggets, showing in 69 video games (35 begins) thus far whereas tallying 13.1 factors, 6.2 assists, and 5.0 boards.
“I do know a whole lot of guys, a whole lot of guys would have seen who was out and brought the simple approach, and that’s not in Russell Westbrook’s DNA,” Malone additional added about Westbrook.
As polarizing as Westbrook would possibly really be, Nuggets followers will at the least present some love and appreciation for what the 36-year-old has introduced them positively this season. In any case, Westbrook is loving his expertise in Denver, and wouldn’t need one dangerous reminiscence to bitter it.
