Inside The Nuggets

Russell Westbrook's Honest Statement After Hawks-Nuggets

Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook spoke after defeating the Atlanta Hawks.

Joey Linn

Dec 7, 2024; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook (4) gestures after being called for a foul against the Washington Wizards in the fourth quarter at Capital One Arena.
Dec 7, 2024; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook (4) gestures after being called for a foul against the Washington Wizards in the fourth quarter at Capital One Arena. / Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
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The Denver Nuggets defeated the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday night, making it three-straight victories to improve to 19-13 on the season. Three-time MVP Nikola Jokic led the way again for Denver, finishing with 23 points, 17 rebounds, and 15 assists without playing a single minute in the fourth quarter.

Denver had seven players in double figures on Wednesday night, including veteran point guard Russell Westbrook who was starting his 11th game of the season. Finishing with 16 points, 11 assists, and two rebounds on 5/6 from the field in just 26 minutes, Westbrook improved to 9-2 when in the starting lineup.

Russell Westbrook
Jan 1, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook (4) during the second quarter against the Atlanta Hawks at Ball Arena. / Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Speaking on the broadcast after the game, Westbrook got honest about what his team needs to do in order to maintain defensive intensity for a full game.

“We just gotta hold each other accountable,” Westbrook said. “Starting with myself. Just defend from the first tip-off to the end of the buzzer. Tonight we did a good job of turning it up in the third quarter, and it helped us out with the win.”

Now 9-2 as a starter, Westbrook was asked about his chemistry with Jokic.

“He’s the best player in the world,” Westbrook said. “My job is to make the game easier for him, and he does it for everybody else. It’s a pleasure to be able to share the floor with him.”

The Nuggets will look to make it four-straight wins when they host the San Antonio Spurs on Friday.

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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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