The Denver Nuggets continued their strong run of form on Wednesday night, securing a 110-116 victory over the Sacramento Kings in a tightly contested NBA battle. Denver’s well-balanced offensive effort was key to the win, with three players scoring 20+ points and three more reaching double figures. Among them was Jamal Murray, who had another strong outing, and Russell Westbrook, whose impact didn’t go unnoticed by his teammates.
Westbrook, enjoying a career resurgence this season with Denver, received praise from Murray after the game for the leadership and presence he brings to the team.
“I don’t know how much Russ notices, but he’s got a lot of guys on the team that watch him, study him, and appreciate everything he’s done in this league,” Murray said, per DNVR Nuggets on X (formerly Twitter).
Westbrook was instrumental in the Nuggets’ win, delivering 25 points, five rebounds, and three assists. Murray followed with 24 points, four rebounds, and eight assists, while Nikola Jokic continued his MVP-caliber season with 22 points, 15 rebounds, and six assists.
Westbrook’s journey before Denver
Russell Westbrook’s path to the Denver Nuggets has been defined by relentless energy, record-breaking performances, and an evolving role across multiple franchises. Drafted fourth overall in the 2008 NBA Draft by the Seattle SuperSonics—who relocated to become the Oklahoma City Thunder—Westbrook quickly established himself as one of the league’s most explosive guards.
Playing alongside Kevin Durant and James Harden, he helped turn the Thunder into a perennial contender, reaching the NBA Finals in 2012. After Durant’s departure in 2016, Westbrook took his game to historic heights, becoming the first player since Oscar Robertson to average a triple-double for an entire season and winning the 2017 NBA MVP award.
Life after OKC: a journey of adaptation
In 2019, Westbrook’s 11-year run in Oklahoma City ended with a trade to the Houston Rockets, where he reunited with Harden. His stint in Houston lasted just one season, leading to a move to the Washington Wizards in 2020, where he continued his triple-double dominance, surpassing Oscar Robertson as the NBA’s all-time leader in that category.
In 2021, he joined the Los Angeles Lakers, forming a much-hyped trio with LeBron James and Anthony Davis. However, chemistry issues and team struggles led to his 2023 trade to the Utah Jazz, where he was bought out and soon signed with the Los Angeles Clippers.
Embracing a new role with the Clippers, Westbrook thrived as a veteran leader and high-energy playmaker, adapting to a supporting role while still making an impact in the NBA.
Now with the Denver Nuggets, the former MVP brings experience, toughness, and leadership to the reigning champions, looking to be a key contributor alongside Jokic and Murray as they chase another title.