When Russell Westbrook signed with the Denver Nuggets this past offseason, the move raised eyebrows. Known for his explosive athleticism, triple-double prowess, and relentless energy, Westbrook was joining a team already led by two-time MVP Nikola Jokić. The fit appeared questionable at first, with concerns about how his style of play would mesh with Denver’s pass-heavy, deliberate offensive system. However, midway through the season, Westbrook has silenced the skeptics, showing significant evolution in his game while making a substantial impact on the Nuggets’ success.
After a rocky start to the season, where Denver struggled to find the right lineup combinations, Westbrook’s resurgence has coincided with the team’s climb up the Western Conference standings. The Nuggets’ record currently sits at 24-16, good for 4th in the West, and Westbrook’s contributions have been instrumental in their turnaround.
One of the most noticeable changes in Westbrook’s game this season has been his willingness to adapt. Historically, Westbrook has thrived in a high-usage, ball-dominant role. In Denver, he has embraced a secondary playmaker role, deferring to Jokić as the primary offensive hub. Instead of consistently looking for his shot, Westbrook has focused on setting up teammates, pushing the pace in transition, and attacking opportunistically.
This shift is evident in his assist numbers. Westbrook is averaging 6.6 assists per game, ranking among the league leaders, but more importantly, his assists often lead to high-percentage looks. Whether it’s a perfectly timed pass to a cutting Nikola Jokic or a drive-and-kick to teammates for a corner three, Westbrook’s passing has complemented Denver’s offensive flow.
Additionally, Westbrook has significantly improved his shot selection. Known for his sometimes ill-advised pull-up jumpers in previous years, he has reduced the volume of mid-range attempts and focused on attacking the rim or taking spot-up threes. While his three-point shooting percentage remains below league average at 32.9%, the improvement in his decision-making has positively impacted the Nuggets’ efficiency.
Efficiency has been a cornerstone of Westbrook’s resurgence. His field goal percentage has climbed to 45.8%, a mark higher than his MVP season in 2016-17. This improvement can be attributed to a combination of better shot selection and the quality of opportunities created within Denver’s system. Playing alongside elite passers like Jokić has allowed Westbrook to thrive as a cutter, frequently finding himself in advantageous scoring positions without needing to create off the dribble.
Moreover, Westbrook’s turnover rate has decreased. While he still occasionally forces plays, his 2.9 turnovers per game would mark the second lowest ever in his career. This newfound control has helped stabilize the Nuggets’ offense, particularly in close games where his decision-making has been a key factor.
Westbrook’s midseason averages of 13.2 points, 6.6 assists, and 5.1 rebounds per game highlight his well-rounded impact. Beyond the raw numbers, his presence has elevated the performances of key teammates. The reigning MVP Jokic continues to dominate, but Westbrook’s ability to take some playmaking responsibilities off his shoulders has allowed Jokić to conserve energy for critical moments. The duo’s pick-and-roll chemistry has added a new dimension to Denver’s offense.
Westbrook’s ability to bring the ball up, handle the PG duties, playmake, and create for others has allowed Murray to thrive as a scorer. Murray is benefiting from the spacing and tempo Westbrook provides and this has also given Denver a new look on their offensive schemes. For Michael Porter Jr., he has thrived as an off-ball scorer, both from catch and shoot opportunities and cuts to the rim, with Westbrook’s penetration creating easy scoring opportunities.
Beyond the stats, Westbrook’s leadership has been invaluable. Known for his fiery competitiveness, he has brought an edge to the Nuggets’ locker room, holding teammates accountable and setting the tone with his relentless motor. This mentality has been crucial during stretches whenever the team struggled with injuries or inconsistent play.
While Westbrook’s evolution has been a net positive, there are still challenges. His three-point shooting remains a weakness, allowing opposing defenses to sag off him in half-court sets. Additionally, while his turnovers are down, he occasionally reverts to over-aggressiveness, leading to avoidable mistakes.
Defensively, Westbrook’s effort has been commendable. Both his on and off-ball defense have been valuable for the Nuggets, as his energy rubs off to his teammates. However, due to his age, there can also be challenges on the defensive side of the floor and it remains an area to watch as the season progresses.
As the Nuggets approach the second half of the season, Westbrook’s continued progression with the team’s playstyle will be critical to their championship aspirations. His ability to sustain his efficiency, maintain his leadership role, and complement Denver’s core pieces will determine how far the team can go in a loaded Western Conference.
Ultimately, Russell Westbrook’s resurgence in Denver is a testament to his adaptability and determination. By embracing a new role and prioritizing team success, he has revitalized his career while helping the Nuggets emerge as title contenders once again. If this trend continues, Westbrook may not only change the narrative surrounding his career but also play a pivotal role in him winning his 1st championship.