NBA fans react to Russell Westbrook's huge contribution in Nuggets' win: "Don't be fooled he's still terrible", "LeBron held him back"
Russell Westbrook turned back the clock with a classic performance in the Denver Nuggets' win over the OKC Thunder on Wednesday. NBA fans reacted to Westbrook's vintage night to help the Nuggets give the Thunder their first loss of the season. It was also revenge for their opening game defeat on Oct. 24.
Westbrook finished the game with a game-high 29 points plus six rebounds and six assists. He shot 10-for-15, including 3-for-4 from beyond the arc. It was his highest point total since April 22, 2023, when he was still part of the LA Clippers. He dropped 37 points in Game 4 of their first-round series against the Phoenix Suns.
However, Westbrook was not the only player responsible for Denver's 124-122 win. Nikola Jokic had 23 points, 20 rebounds, 16 assists, two steals and two blocks. The Nuggets were without Aaron Gordon and Jamal Murray due to injuries.
The Denver Nuggets had a rocky third quarter before an amazing run following a technical foul on coach Michael Malone. Russell Westbrook kept the team afloat in the first half when he scored 20 of his 29 points.
However, fans are still divided given how underwhelming the past few years have been for the former MVP. Some are positive and hoping that he'll continue thriving in Denver, unlike his time with the LA Lakers.
"LeBron held him back," a fan tweeted.
"Handed OKC their first L of the season. Still the OKC GOAT," one fan wrote.
"Russell Westbrook was on fire! When he's in the zone, he brings such intensity and skill—always exciting to watch a performance like that. Pure masterclass!" another fan remarked.
On the other hand, there are fans who are not buying the hype and expect Westbrook to fail the Nuggets.
"Don't be fooled he's still terrible," a fan claimed.
"Even bums hit lucky shots," one fan commented.
"Westbrick will suck again if I bet on him," another fan responded.
Westbrook is averaging 12.4 points, 4.0 rebounds, 4.9 assists and 1.8 steals for the Nuggets this season. It jumps to 18.3 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 6.3 apg and 2.7 spg when he's a starter. Denver is also 3-0 in the games he started.
Russell Westbrook praises Nuggets fans, takes a shot at the Thunder
In his postgame interview, Russell Westbrook credited fans at the Ball Arena for helping them get back in the game. He also took a subtle shot at the OKC Thunder and believes the Nuggets have a better team despite their current records in the West.
"The fans, you guys are great," Westbrook said. "Stuck with us, the energy, we need it every night. We're young, we got to play with high energy. ... Right now they got the best record, but I feel like we got the better team. Tonight, we showed that."
The Nuggets are back in action on Friday when they welcome the Miami Heat in a rematch of the 2023 NBA Finals.