The Nuggets continued their winning ways on Wednesday night, thumping the Blazers, 132-121 behind 55 points from Jamal Murray and another triple-double from Nikola Jokic. Denver enters the All-Star break as the hottest team in the league, having won eight straight to improve to 36-19 on the season.
Things are looking up for the team after a disappointing trade deadline stole the headlines. But the Nuggets have responded through their play on the court and even with several key players missing with injuries, they’ve launched themselves into third place in the Western Conference, sitting just half a game back of the Grizzlies for second.
Before Wednesday’s game, Michael Malone offered up some more positive news as he announced that Russell Westbrook is due to return to the lineup after the All-Star break. Westbrook has been a revelation this season in Denver, averaging 13 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 6.4 assists per game on solidly efficient shooting.
𝑵𝑬𝑾𝑺: Russell Westbrook (hamstring) should return to the Nuggets lineup following the All-Star Break, Michael Malone says pic.twitter.com/YtyUey22EN
— DNVR Nuggets (@DNVR_Nuggets) February 13, 2025
But what Russ has provided goes well beyond the box score; he’s been a very solid defender and a guy who shows up bringing energy, intensity, and competitiveness from the jump every single night. That was until he tweaked his hamstring in a January game against the 76ers.
Malone must revisit Russell Westbrook starting lineup decision
But with Russ set to return, that means the return of starting lineup controversy. Entering the season, the Nuggets had a very clear starting unit of Murray, Braun, MPJ, Gordon, and Jokic. That lineup proved to be very effective but was derailed by injuries for many games along the way.
Westbrook started many games while others were out and played very well, especially in tandem with Jokic. So well in fact, that once everyone was fully healthy, Malone controversially chose to keep the veteran Westbrook in the starting unit, relegating Braun back to his old bench role from seasons past.
Malone’s decision was ill-advised and short-sighted. Westbrook was signed to a veteran minimum deal to fortify the second unit and add depth. Christian Braun has been groomed to be the team’s starting shooting guard and the long-term replacement for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope.
Braun has filled that role masterfully, taking a major step forward on both ends and proving to be a great addition to the team’s best unit. Benching him never made sense and now that the team has won seven straight games since Westbrook’s injury, Malone should reconsider his previous choice.
In his last audition before Russ’ return, Braun had another outstanding game with 21 points, 10 rebounds, and 6 assists. He’s up to 15 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists per game on 37% shooting from three, with good defense, and he’s one of the top transition scorers in the entire league.
Demoting him to the bench yet again would send a terrible message to a young player who has done everything asked of him and more. The team is firing on all cylinders right now and clicking better than ever. Messing with any of this rhythm and further insulting Braun could be a massive error.