Russell Westbrook

Russell Westbrook: A Thunder's Loss Means Nuggets are Just Better!

Russell Westbrook believes the Nuggets are ahead of the Thunder despite OKC's hot start. Let's dive into his bold claims post-game!

Russell Westbrook, a name synonymous with explosive performances and bold statements, recently stirred the pot of the NBA by suggesting that the Denver Nuggets are a better team than his former squad, the Oklahoma City Thunder. After the Thunder's impressive 7-1 start to the 2024-25 NBA season, it was an unexpected twist to hear Westbrook’s candid admiration for the Nuggets following Oklahoma City's first loss of the season. The Nuggets defeated the Thunder 124-122 and Westbrook's comments may have raised eyebrows, especially considering his deep roots in OKC.

The post-game atmosphere was electrifying, with Westbrook stepping up as a leader for the Nuggets, particularly in the absence of Jamal Murray due to concussion-related issues. He lit up the scoreboard with 29 points, along with solid contributions in assists and rebounds. Westbrook seemed to find himself back into the groove, turning back the clock with play reminiscent of his MVP years. As Denver's head coach, Michael Malone, lauded him as a ‘rockstar’ on defense, it’s clear that Westbrook is not just back—he’s on a mission.

In a league where players often suppress their feelings about former teams, Westbrook's frankness is refreshingly bold. He pointedly acknowledged that, although SGA had a great game, the Thunder's turnovers and struggle against Denver’s defense significantly influenced the outcome. The Nuggets, known for their defensive efficiency, exposed the vulnerabilities that teams encounter when facing such a well-rounded squad, making Westbrook's claim about their superiority even more poignant.

As Thunder fans reflect on this loss, it might be a bittersweet takeaway that their team, while performing admirably, still has gaps to bridge if they wish to contend with the best. After all, Westbrook knows a title contender when he sees one, having been part of several throughout his illustrious career. One interesting tidbit to note is that Westbrook has averaged a remarkable 18.3 points, along with 6.3 assists and 5.0 rebounds per game in this early season, indicating he’s still a force to reckon with. Furthermore, this victory over the Thunder allows the Nuggets to showcase their championship-caliber depth, proving that even in the Twilight of his career, Westbrook's impact on the game remains significant as he continues to inspire both his teammates and fans alike.