Inside The Nuggets

Michael Malone's Statement on Russell Westbrook Lineup Decision

The Denver Nuggets have a starting lineup decision to make.

Joey Linn

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.
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. / Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
In this story:

Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook started his 12th game of the NBA season on Friday night. Winning nine of his 11 starts entering Friday’s game against the San Antonio Spurs, Westbrook has been one of Denver’s most impactful players.

While Westbrook was signed by Denver to backup starting point guard Jamal Murray, he has received starts in Murray’s absence, and has been starting recently in the absence of Aaron Gordon. Westbrook entered Friday averaging 13.7 points, 8.6 assists, and 5.9 rebounds as a starter.

The Nuggets have been rolling with Westbrook in the starting lineup, leaving head coach Michael Malone with a decision to make when Gordon returns.

Russell Westbrook
Jan 3, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook (4) before the game against the San Antonio Spurs at Ball Arena. / Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

Speaking with reporters before Friday's game against San Antonio, Malone was asked if Westbrook will remain a starter when Gordon returns.

"I don't look forward,” Malone said, not giving up any potential plans. “I’m just trying to worry about San Antonio. We play them again tomorrow night. Hopefully we get healthy some point soon, get Aaron Gordon back, but we'll make those decisions when we are fully whole."

The starting lineup of Jamal Murray, Christian Braun, Michael Porter Jr., Aaron Gordon, and Nikola Jokic is what Denver entered the season with. Both Murray and Gordon have missed time due to injuries, which has given Westbrook an opportunity to start.

Thriving in his starting role, Westbrook has left Malone with a decision to make once Gordon returns.

Related Articles

Nikola Jokic Makes NBA History in Nuggets-Mavericks

Nikola Jokic Makes Strong Russell Westbrook Statement

Latest Update on Denver Nuggets Potentially Signing Ex-Lakers Player

Published
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.

Home/News