Inside The Nuggets

NBA Fans React to Russell Westbrook, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Exchange

The Denver Nuggets and Oklahoma City Thunder played an NBA preseason game.

Joey Linn

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) during the first quarter against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena.
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) during the first quarter against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. / Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
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The Denver Nuggets fell to the Oklahoma City Thunder in an NBA preseason game on Tuesday night. The loss dropped Denver to 0-4 on the preseason.

Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, and Russell Westbrook all missed the game for the Nuggets. Oklahoma City played their usual starters, and were led by All-NBA guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander who finished with a game-high 19 points.

Gilgeous-Alexander has emerged into the next great Thunder star. The franchise has had some all-time great players, most notably the duo of Westbrook and Kevin Durant.

Westbrook is the greatest player in Thunder history, and has been supportive of Gilgeous-Alexander as he attempts to lead the franchise. The two guards shared a moment after Wednesday’s game.

Via Bally Sports Oklahoma: “Always good to see an old friend 🩵”

NBA fans have been reacting to this exchange between Westbrook and Gilgeous-Alexander.

Via @TalkinBallOKC: "Torch passed"

Via @lukemolet97: "The amount of FEELS man…"

Via @chase_mcquade: "Brb gonna cry"

Via @RamblingTeller: "Come back to OKC, Russ."

Via @Tayler_P15: "🥹🥹🥹"

Gilgeous-Alexander spoke highly of Westbrook when asked about him last season.

“He’s one of the best competitors to ever play the game," Gilgeous-Alexander said. "... A really good guy off the court. That’s a guy I’m cool with, we’re friends, he’s just a really good guy.”

This meant a lot to Thunder fans who have love for these two point guards.

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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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