Nuggets’ Playoff Approach with Westbrook is Clear, Regardless of Stats
A Familiar Pattern with a New Team…
Russell Westbrook has had an impressive first season with the Denver Nuggets. While not an ideal pairing, it was a mutually beneficial arrangement—Westbrook needed a team that offered playing time, a competitive environment, and a chance to prove his impact, while the Nuggets sought depth, experience, ballhandling, playmaking, defense, and energy despite financial constraints. Given his past abilities, Westbrook fit the bill and signed a veteran minimum contract to join Nikola Jokic and the reigning champions.
Westbrook has exceeded expectations, averaging 12.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 6.1 assists in over 27 minutes per game. Due to injuries and his strong performances, he has started in 30 of 58 games. Perhaps the most impressive aspect of his time in Denver has been his chemistry with Jokic. Their on-court connection has been one of the league’s best, even leading head coach Michael Malone to start Westbrook over Christian Braun before a hamstring injury sidelined him.
Malone Must Manage Westbrook Carefully
Despite his contributions, it’s crucial to recognize Westbrook’s limitations. He is no longer a player who can consistently orchestrate a successful playoff offense. The Nuggets must acknowledge this before it becomes costly.
Malone has already adjusted, reinstating Braun into the starting lineup and leaning on him heavily. Denver’s strength lies in its primary five-man unit—Jamal Murray, Braun, Michael Porter Jr., Aaron Gordon, and Jokic—who will need to shoulder significant minutes in the playoffs.
Westbrook’s role should be that of a bench scorer, but his playing time must be closely monitored. On some nights, he’ll provide a boost—like his efficient 16-point, 5-rebound, 7-assist performance against Oklahoma City. However, there will also be games where he struggles with inefficiency, as seen in his 4-point outing on 1-of-9 shooting in a blowout loss.
Westbrook Cannot Dictate Playoff Outcomes
When Westbrook’s play starts to hurt the team, Malone must act swiftly, either by giving minutes to other bench players like Jalen Pickett, Julian Strawther, Peyton Watson, or Zeke Nnaji, or by extending the starters’ playing time.
Denver has the potential to contend but also faces a razor-thin margin for error. To defeat top-tier teams, they must avoid costly lapses—something that could happen if Westbrook derails the offense. If Malone manages his role wisely, Westbrook’s energy could be an asset. If not, the gamble could prove costly.
