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Russell Westbrook Called Out By NBA Fans as Nikola Jokić, Nuggets Lose vs. Thunder

Paul KasabianFeatured Columnist IIOctober 25, 2024

DENVER, CO - OCTOBER 24: Russell Westbrook #4 of the Denver Nuggets plays defense during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on October 24, 2024 at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Bart Young/NBAE via Getty Images)

Bart Young/NBAE via Getty Images

Russell Westbrook’s Denver Nuggets’ debut did not go well Thursday as the nine-time All-Star guard shot just 2-of-10 (1-of-6 from three) for six points en route to a 102-87 home loss against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

OKC outscored Denver by 24 points during Westbrook’s 21 minutes. He did stuff the statsheet in other categories, amassing five assists, five rebounds, two blocks and a steal.

But this was a brutal night for the Denver reserves, which was no match for the Thunder’s strong second unit. Of note, Thunder guard Alex Caruso finished a plus-19 despite scoring zero points, and Aaron Wiggins scored 15 points on 7-of-9 shooting.

Denver’s loss goes far further than Westbrook’s struggles, of course. OKC guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is supplanting himself in the MVP race, amassing 28 points, eight assists, seven rebounds, three blocks and three steals. And Thunder center Chet Holmgren is making a leap to stardom with 25 points, 14 rebounds, five assists, four blocks and two steals.

The Thunder defense also played great, holding Denver to 35.4 percent shooting and 7-of-39 from three.

In addition, all five Nugget starters scored in double digits, but none more than 16 points. Reigning NBA MVP Nikola Jokic earned another triple-double (16 points, 13 assists, 12 rebounds). But the offense just wasn’t productive.

Westbrook joined Denver on a two-year, $6.8 million deal last offseason, and he’s expected to be a major part of the second unit. The reserves needed a boost after starter Kentavious Caldwell-Pope left in free agency for the Orlando Magic and Christian Braun got the call-up to the starting five.

So Westbrook is expected to play a key role on this team. The first night did not go well, but it’s a long season, and he and the Nuggets have time to turn this around.

Until then, fans on social media provided their thoughts on Westbrook’s performance against his old team.

Dave Giovanazzi @SF_DavidGio

Thunder finished the 1Q on 21-6 run after Russell Westbrook checked in for his first 6 minutes as a Nugget.

You can’t make it up lol

GOWIE @DaKidGowie

Once Russell Westbrook hate-watching appears on the timeline, you know the NBA season has officially begun. For once, let that man play in peace. 🙄

Jake Anderson @jake_anderson44

Russell Westbrook is -16 and 1-5 shooting with 2 turnovers

Water is wet

They never learn

It is truly hilarious

Swipa @SwipaCam

Russ is playing out of control

Lion (Mr. Unlimited) @Champ_Lion

I’m seeing people on the TL that had actual expectations for Westbrook. pic.twitter.com/5QVlv9lyZy

Jmoney @jamille_johnson

I really hate that my nuggets picked up Westbrook ngl so hard to watch him play…

Yayo 🤷🏽‍♂️ @_yayeezy

Westbrook is a -18 in 11 minutes man….. pic.twitter.com/8kxFfNdi0B

Rob Perez @WorldWideWob

Nuggets better bubble wrap their starters after every game this season. My god.

Umberto 🏔️⚒️ @milehighumbi

that westbrook 3 pic.twitter.com/SJia0VUP0j

Frank @_franklinD_

Nuggets’ reign of terror is finally over, THANK YOU Russell Westbrook

The Lakers Chip @Lakerschipp

The nuggets look terrible

-No bench
-No rim protection
-old
-slow
-no shooters besides MPJ

And the sign Russell Westbrook wtf are they doing

Dom @domfullyy

Russell Westbrook has been comically bad tonight. This isn’t like a “oh he missed a few shots and got beat once defensively” this is like… he’s actively helping the Thunder on almost every possession and both sides of the ball. This is absurd.

Denver will look to bounce back when it hosts the Los Angeles Clippers on Saturday at 5 p.m. ET.

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