Russell Westbrook Gets Criticism From NBA Fans For Performance In Cavs-Nuggets Game

Russell Westbrook played 30 minutes against the Cavaliers.

Dec 25, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook (4) looks on against the Phoenix Suns during the second half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images / Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

On Friday night, the Denver Nuggets hosted the Clevleand Cavaliers in Colorado.

The Nuggets lost by a score of 149-135 to fall to 16-12 in their first 28 games.

Final pic.twitter.com/pYl6GN4Dil

— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) December 28, 2024

Russell Westbrook finished the loss with 11 points, four rebounds, seven assists, one steal and four turnovers while shooting 5/13 from the field in 30 minutes of playing time.

Many fans reacted to his performance on social media.

@watch_hoop: "Nuggets went into this season relying on DeAndre Jordan & Westbrook to play significant minutes in 2025 there’s no way they thought this was championship material"

Nuggets went into this season relying on DeAndre Jordan & Westbrook to play significant minutes in 2025 there’s no way they thought this was championship material

— w*h (@watch_hoop) December 28, 2024

@EvSynWilliams: "Westbrook just kills the nuggets spacing"

Westbrook just kills the nuggets spacing

— E-Dub (Anchor Being) (@EvSynWilliams) December 28, 2024

@Not_BookerT: "Westbrook just out here doing cardio 🤦🏾‍♂️ "

Westbrook just out here doing cardio 🤦🏾‍♂️

— Book (@Not_BookerT) December 28, 2024

@Lahisotuff: "Take Russ off for a little … he looks frustrated and it’s showing in his play"

Take Russ off for a little … he looks frustrated and it’s showing in his play

— RUSSELL WESTBROOK (@Lahisotuff) December 28, 2024

@Okhwangg: "Westbrook killing us"

Westbrook killing us

— Turtle (@Okhwangg) December 28, 2024

@FeelLikeGhetti: "Westbrook just running around"

Westbrook just running around

— FeelLikeGhetti (@FeelLikeGhetti) December 28, 2024

@saabnation23: "The Denver nuggets are so trash. 12-0 run for the cavs and Westbrook is horrendous."

The Denver nuggets are so trash. 12-0 run for the cavs and Westbrook is horrendous.

— saabnation23 (@saabnation23) December 28, 2024

@TheWestbrookEra: "I have no idea what Russ is doing out there. None."

I have no idea what Russ is doing out there. None.

— 08-17 Russ fan (@TheWestbrookEra) December 28, 2024

Westbrook is in his first season playing for Denver.

The future Hall of Famer is now averaging 12.1 points, 4.2 rebounds, 6.3 assists and 1.7 steals per contest while shooting 43.0% from the field and 31.8% from the three-point range in 29 games.

Dec 25, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook (4) shoots against the Phoenix Suns during the second half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images / Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

The Nuggets will play their next game on Saturday evening when they remain in Denver to host the Detroit Pistons.

In addition to Denver, the nine-time NBA All-Star has also played for the OKC Thunder, Washington Wizards, Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers and LA Clippers.