Explosive Night! 18-9-10 as a Starter—Nuggets' Most Valuable Signing This Season

Russell Westbrook, now donning a Denver Nuggets jersey, continues to prove his worth with performances that remind fans of his MVP days. In a thrilling 130-129 victory over the Sacramento Kings, Westbrook delivered a near-triple-double with 18 points, 9 rebounds, and 10 assists in 35 minutes as a starter. His contributions, particularly in the clutch moments, have cemented him as one of the most impactful signings of the 2023-24 NBA season.

Westbrook’s Transformation in Denver

Westbrook’s path to Denver was paved by Nikola Jokic, who played a pivotal role in recruiting the former MVP during the offseason. With a modest two-year, $6.77 million deal, the Nuggets secured a player who has not only embraced a complementary role but has thrived in it.

This season, Westbrook has played 24 games, starting in six. In those starts, he has averaged 14.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, 8.7 assists, and 2.7 steals, shooting an impressive 54.1% from the field. The Nuggets have gone 5-1 in those games, demonstrating the positive impact of Westbrook in the starting lineup.

While his overall stats for the season—11.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, 6.5 assists, and 1.7 steals per game—might not jump off the page, they don’t tell the full story. Westbrook’s ability to control the pace, create opportunities for his teammates, and provide defensive intensity has been invaluable.

Clutch Contributions Against the Kings

In the recent win over the Kings, Westbrook’s performance was crucial. The Nuggets started the game with a 24-6 run and built a 20-point lead by the end of the first quarter. However, Sacramento stormed back, taking a seven-point lead into the final quarter. With four minutes remaining, the Nuggets trailed by 10 points, seemingly on the verge of defeat.

Westbrook’s leadership shone in those critical moments. He set up Jamal Murray for a clutch three-pointer, scored a layup off a pass from Jokic, and assisted Jokic on a floater. His contributions were instrumental in the Nuggets’ 21-10 run to close out the game, sealing the narrow victory.

A Tale of Two Paths: Westbrook and Harden

Westbrook’s resurgence in Denver comes as his former teammate James Harden continues to shine as the primary option for the LA Clippers. Harden’s recent explosion—41 points and 6 assists in a dominant win over the Utah Jazz—has fueled discussions about his potential return to All-Star status and a lucrative new contract.

This season, Harden is averaging 22.1 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 8.3 assists per game, leading the Clippers to a 15-12 record. In contrast, Westbrook has embraced a more subdued role in Denver, prioritizing team success over individual accolades.

While Harden aims to secure another max contract, Westbrook appears content with his current role, focusing on contributing to a championship-contending team. The Nuggets, after a somewhat inconsistent start to the season, have regained their form with a 14-10 record, good for fifth place in the Western Conference.

A Key Piece in Denver’s Title Defense

As the reigning NBA champions, the Nuggets entered the season with high expectations. While Jokic remains the team’s centerpiece, the supporting cast’s contributions are crucial to their success.

Westbrook’s ability to complement Jokic, particularly as a playmaker, has been a revelation. He leads the team in assists to Jokic, having already set up the two-time MVP for 53 baskets this season. If he maintains this pace, Westbrook could break the team record for most assists to Jokic in a single season.

Defensively, Westbrook has also stepped up. He averages 7.1 contested shots per game, with opponents shooting 2.6% worse when guarded by him. His defensive box plus-minus (DBPM) of +0.8 ranks second on the team, trailing only Jokic (+2.9).

A Bargain Signing Paying Dividends

Securing Westbrook for a veteran minimum contract stands out as one of the best moves of the offseason. His willingness to adapt his game, reduce his shot volume, and focus on defense and playmaking has made him an ideal fit in Denver’s system.

As the Nuggets aim to defend their title, Westbrook’s presence could be a game-changer. His championship aspirations align perfectly with the team’s goals, and his contributions could help Denver remain a formidable force in the Western Conference.

Whether he’s starting or coming off the bench, Westbrook has proven he can still make a significant impact. For the Nuggets, this signing is already looking like a masterstroke, and as the season progresses, it could become even more valuable.