Inside The Nuggets

Nikola Jokic Makes Strong Russell Westbrook Statement

Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic spoke on Russell Westbrook.

Joey Linn

Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) during Denver Nuggets Media Day.
Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) during Denver Nuggets Media Day. / Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
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The Denver Nuggets have been without starting point guard Jamal Murray for the last three games, as the 2023 NBA champion has been in the league’s concussion protocol. Despite Murray’s absence, Denver has won three-straight games to improve their overall record to 5-3.

Nine-time NBA All-Star Russell Westbrook has been starting in Murray absence, and has been playing very well. Averaging 18.3 points, 6.3 assists, 5.0 rebounds in his three starts, Westbrook has also been defending at a very high level.

Since being inserted into the starting lineup, Westbrook has recorded 2.3 steals per game. This high-level play on both ends is a big reason the Nuggets have won three-straight games.

Speaking on his veteran teammate, Nikola Jokic made a strong statement about the impact Westbrook has had.

“I just love his energy,” Jokic said. “When you’re down, you know he’s going to push back, push the pace, he’s always going to bring the energy… He’s playing good for us.”

Murray is listed as questionable for Friday’s game against the Miami Heat, which means Westbrook could be headed back to the bench if Denver’s starting point guard is able to return.

Westbrook has found a rhythm in the starting lineup, so Denver should find ways to get him more minutes alongside Jokic and the rest of their top rotation players even if Murray returns.

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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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