Inside The Nuggets

Jamal Murray Makes Honest Statement on Russell Westbrook

The Denver Nuggets moved Russell Westbrook to the bench with Jamal Murray returning from injury.

Joey Linn

Nov 19, 2024; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) talks with guard Russell Westbrook (4) during a time out during the second half against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum.
Nov 19, 2024; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) talks with guard Russell Westbrook (4) during a time out during the second half against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. / Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
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The Denver Nuggets defeated the LA Clippers on Friday night, picking up their first win in the season series that will conclude on January 8. Welcoming starting point guard Jamal Murray back from a two-game injury absence, the Nuggets moved nine-time NBA All-Star Russell Westbrook back to the bench.

Westbrook has appeared in all 23 games this season, starting five of them. Denver has gone 4-1 in Westbrook’s five starts, all of which have come in Murray’s absence. Averaging 14.2 points, 8.4 assists, and 5.2 rebounds on 52.1 percent shooting as a starter this season, Westbrook has done well in that role.

Following Friday’s game, Murray was asked about Westbrook’s ability to fill in for him as a starter.

“Playing with pace,” Murray said of Westbrook. “He’s super fast still. Super aggressive getting to the rim, it’s something you have to honor and respect in that regard. He’s finding guys. Not just [Nikola Jokic], he’s finding everybody. His pace is great, it’s amazing. He’s been doing it for years.”

Murray played well in his return to the lineup, tallying 20 points, five rebounds, and three assists in 32 minutes of action. While it has been an up and down season for Murray, the Nuggets know they need him at his best if they want to be a true contender in the Western Conference.

Denver's next game is Monday night against the Sacramento Kings.

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Joey Linn
JOEY LINN

Title: Credentialed writer covering the NBA for Sports Illustrated's FanNation Email: joeylinn52@gmail.com Education: Communication Studies degree from Biola University Location: Los Angeles, California Expertise: NBA analysis and reporting Experience: Joey Linn is a credentialed writer covering the NBA for Sports Illustrated's FanNation. Covering the LA Clippers independently in 2018, then for Fansided and 213Hoops from 2019-2021, Joey joined Sports Illustrated's FanNation to cover the Clippers after the 2020-21 season. Graduating from Biola University in 2022 with a Communication Studies degree, Joey served as Biola's play-by-play announcer for their basketball, baseball, softball, and soccer teams during his time in school. Joey's work on Biola's broadcasts, combined with his excellence in the classroom, earned him the Outstanding Communication Studies Student of the year award in 2022. Joey covers the NBA full-time across multiple platforms, primarily serving as a credentialed Clippers beat writer.

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