NBA basketball is perhaps the most competitive level of basketball in the entire world. So, when things go wrong, teammates are bound to get frustrated with each other. That is exactly what happened during the Denver Nuggets–Milwaukee Bucks game. Russell Westbrook took an ill-advised three-point shot despite there being plenty of time on the clock. When he missed, Jamal Murray threw his hands up in frustration.
Murray is sick of Westbrick.
Same bro. Same. pic.twitter.com/VqPga8Ueoy
— Jokicism🃏 (@jokicgoatic15) February 28, 2025
Nikola Jokic also looked a little confused as to why Westbrook would make such an ill-advised play, especially when the Nuggets were down by five points in the third quarter. Unfortunately for the Nuggets, they would end up losing this game 112-121, in what proved to be a massive loss for their playoff future.
During the game, Russell Westbrook had 10 points (4-13 FG), six rebounds, five assists, and one steal. It was not a good shooting night for Russ, who is coming off the bench again as he looks to regain his form after a lengthy spell out injured. Westbrook had been playing very well before his injury, even earning a regular spot on the team as a starter.
For the season, Westbrook has averaged 12.8 points, 6.3 assists, 5.0 rebounds, 1.4 steals, and 0.5 blocks per game while shooting 46.4% from the field, 32.6% from beyond the arc, and 64.0% from the free-throw line. These numbers might look average, but it is clear that Westbrook had better numbers as a starter.
In the 27 games that Russ started, he averaged 14.2 points, 7.0 assists, 6.2 rebounds, 1.6 steals, and 0.4 blocks per game while shooting 53.4% from the field, 32.6% from deep, and 62.8% from the free-throw line. Clearly, right now, Westbrook is in a disadvantaged position, as he plays better as a starter, but has to earn his spot back, which he can’t do coming off the bench and playing worse.
Overall, Westbrook has been a massive plus for the Nuggets. Since earning a buy-out from the Jazz and signing a one-year, $3.3 million contract with the Denver Nuggets, he has been quite a strong player for them. While he is no longer the MVP-level athlete he once was, he has shown that he can be a valuable presence on a championship team.
He and Nikola Jokic have formed quite the partnership, with the plays between the two always making highlight reels. Jokic has also grown fond of Westbrook, defending him recently and saying the Lakers and Clippers never really gave him a chance to be himself.
Westbrook shared similar sentiments when he thanked the Denver Nuggets players and coaching staff for allowing him to play with freedom and enjoy the sport of basketball once again. While things may be bad now, Russ and the Nuggets should remember how well they have done together.
If Westbrook helps the Nuggets make a deep playoff run, he is sure to get a mid-level contract in eight figures next season. However, the Nuggets might have to make some moves to make that deal happen, as they are one of the teams that are struggling for maneuverability within the salary cap rules.
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