Russell Westbrook has found a place for himself in the Denver Nuggets roster in the 2024-25 NBA season. As the team’s sparkplug off the bench, he’s brought energy to the team. He’s also formed a special connection with some of his teammates.
In his first season playing alongside three-time MVP Nikola Jokic, Westbrook has developed top-notch chemistry with the big man. On the court, both players are smart and frequently involve their teammates by doing nearly everything.
The media questioned Westbrook about his relationship with Jokic during Monday’s Nuggets practice.
“I’m understanding the game, he’s not loud spoken by any means but internally we talk a lot throughout the game,” Westbrook said about his chemistry with Jokic. “A lot of time we communicate without having to say nothing. He could see something, I could see something in our point, we’d be thinking the same thing and it’s a great dynamic.”
Russell Westbrook on playing with Nikola Jokic: “A lot of time we communicate without having to say nothing.”
“We be thinking the same thing.” pic.twitter.com/SJUnKxcRaA
— DNVR Nuggets (@DNVR_Nuggets) January 6, 2025
Westbrook has played 34 games this season, averaging 12.0 points, 4.7 rebounds and 6.6 assists. Even in a minimal role, the nine-time All-Star does everything for the Denver franchise, recording triple-doubles.
On Dec. 30, Westbrook and Jokic led the Nuggets to a 132-121 win over the Utah Jazz. In the same game, both players recorded triple-doubles in the victory. The veteran point guard had 16 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists. His triple-double was unique as he didn’t miss a shot from the field (7-for-7) and the free throw line (2-for-2). He also didn’t commit a turnover against the Jazz, an almost impossible feat to accomplish.
Jokic, on the other hand, was his usual self as he had 36 points, 22 rebounds and 11 assists. The six-time All-Star also had four steals in the game.
Russell Westbrook spoke about his effort to help the Nuggets in every way he can
On the floor, Russell Westbrook is renowned for giving it his best no matter what. While his role has changed over the previous years, his mentality of bringing energy and effort still exists.
“Just appreciating a valuing the game of basketball,” Westbrook said. “It’s something I try to teach to my AAU kids, my own kids. Not taking a game for granted… My mentality every night is to leave it on the floor. The next game is not promised to you by any means.”
“That’s the mark I want to leave on the game. Missing, making shots are all part of the game. Turnovers, missed shots, bad shots, mistakes. That’s all gonna happen. But my energy and my effort has to always be there and I pride myself on doing that, for now, 17 years.”
Russell Westbrook on playing with Nikola Jokic: “A lot of time we communicate without having to say nothing.”
“We be thinking the same thing.” pic.twitter.com/SJUnKxcRaA
— DNVR Nuggets (@DNVR_Nuggets) January 6, 2025
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Reign also writes NBA and WNBA news updates on Sportskeeda. He started as a feature writer for AirAlamo, an NBA website that covers the San Antonio Spurs. Some of his work can also be seen with Valley of the Suns, a Phoenix Suns-centric website, where he served as a contributing writer.
