The Denver duo of Nikola Jokic and Murray had 37 and 34 points respectively, but the latter would speak about how it was Westbrook's intensity in the game that fueled the team to victory. He would express the difference between himself who is quiet while Westbrook is a “talker” according to ClutchPoints' Rachel Strand.

Nuggets head coach Michael Malone opted for Russell Westbrook in the starting lineup, rather than Peyton Watson who had been starting in Gordon’s absence earlier this season. Denver was 6-1 in Westbrook’s starts prior to Friday’s loss,

Westbrook finished with 18 points, 10 assists, nine rebounds, and three steals in the win. He logged 35 minutes of work on the night. With Westbrook in the starting lineup replacing the injured Christian Braun, Denver’s opening unit finished with a +17.7 net-rating.

The Denver Nuggets may have struck gold in Russell Westbrook. The former All-Star point guard has been impressive for the Nuggets this season, emerging as one of their most important players.

Russell Westbrook finished with eight points, seven rebounds, eight assists and two steals while shooting 4/6 from the field in 28 minutes of playing time. Many fans reacted to his performance on social media.

What to make of the NBA ratings discourse? How good has the connection been between Russell Westbrook and Nikola Jokic? Denver Post beat writer Bennett Durando answers those questions and more in

Kevin Durant got brutally honest about Russell Westbrook after the Phoenix Suns beat the Denver Nuggets on Christmas Day.

Dec 13, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook (4) reacts after a play in the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Clippers at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images / Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

Veteran guard Russell Westbrook got under the Detroit Pistons' skin and spurred a pivotal third-quarter run in the Denver Nuggets' win Saturday at Ball Arena.