The Denver Nuggets' first-round playoff series means a little more for Russell Westbrook. He signed a two-year deal with the Nuggets last summer after spending the previous two seasons with the Clippers.
Westbrook helped Denver seal its Game 1 112-110 overtime with big shots down the stretch and defensive stops. He finished with 15 points, eight rebounds, three assists, and two steals in 34 minutes off the bench. The game showcased the true Russell Westbrook experience.
The Nuggets were criticized for signing Westbrook over the summer, especially after losing Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. Believe it or not, but Westbrook has made more of an impact in Denver than KCP did in his first season in Orlando. Yes, Westbrook has had his fair share of questionable plays, but his energy off the bench is instrumental for the Nuggets.
Look at what he did in Game 5. Westbrook didn't play most of Game 3 and missed Game 4 altogether with left foot inflammation. He returned in Game 5 on Tuesday, finishing with 21 points (8-of-15 from the field, 3-of-6 from three) in 25 minutes. He outscored Kawhi Leonard (20 points) and James Harden (11 points).
Russell Westbrook comes up big for Nuggets in Game 5 win
After the game, Westbrook said that energy is "contagious" and "can will your team to victory." He added that playing that way is something he takes pride in.
Ever since leaving Oklahoma City in 2019, Westbrook has played for five teams, including Denver. It took four previous stops for Westbrook to find the best fit for him. A large part of the reason for his success with the Nuggets is that they allow Russ to be himself. He can play freely without worrying about expectations weighing him down, something he couldn't do with either of the LA teams he played for.
Westbrook is vital to what seems like an impossible task for Denver: winning a second title in three years. He is the Nuggets' bench. Denver is prepared to ride the Westbrook wave throughout the postseason, where anything is possible on any play. Sometimes good comes out of it, sometimes bad. Game 5 showed it pays off to let Westbrook be who he is, rather than trying to force him into a box.