Nuggets announcer seemingly annoyed by Russell Westbrook's reckless play against Nets - "Oh my gosh"
Denver Nuggets veteran point guard Russell Westbrook shook off his slow start to the season during Tuesday's 144-139 overtime road victory over the Brooklyn Nets. However, he made one unforced second-half error that appeared to irk one of Denver's commentators.
Entering Tuesday, Westbrook's Nuggets tenure was off to a rough start, as he struggled to make a positive offensive impact. Over his first three contests, the 2017 MVP averaged 5.7 points, 3.3 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.3 steals per game, shooting only 20.0%. Meanwhile, Denver started 1-2.
However, Westbrook got back on track against Brooklyn, scoring in double figures for the first time this season. He tallied 22 points, five assists and two 3-pointers, shooting 41.7% in just 21 minutes. He was one of four Nuggets to score 22-plus points as the team gutted out a much-needed win to return to .500 (2-2).
Nevertheless, Westbrook went viral for blowing a three-on-two fastbreak opportunity, to the apparent displeasure of one of Denver's announcers.
Following a steal, Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr. pushed the ball up the court and found Westbrook on the wing. The nine-time All-Star drove to the basket and threw the ball well over wing Peyton Watson's head, straight out of bounds.
"Westbrook, oh my gosh," Denver's announcer said frustratedly.
Nonetheless, Nuggets fans would surely take Westbrook's latest performance, warts and all, over his production in his previous three outings.
Russell Westbrook bounces back amid skepticism about his fit with Nuggets
Russell Westbrook's season-high 22-point performance against Brooklyn came after speculation about whether Denver should waive him.
An anonymous scout who spoke with Hoops Wire on Monday highlighted the declining two-time NBA scoring champion's poor offensive fit with the Nuggets. He added that the franchise should cut its losses by moving on from Westbrook, noting that the veteran should consider retirement.
"They need to cut Russ," the scout said. "He can't shoot. They have no spacing when he's on the court. Teams are literally daring him to shoot and just crowding [Nikola] Jokic in the paint. And when he drives to the rim, he gets so deep and out of position that he can't hit layups. Russ needs to retire. He's not a good player anymore."
Russell Westbrook signed a two-year, $6.8 million contract with Denver over the offseason. He was expected to provide the organization with energy, scoring and playmaking off the bench. However, he will likely need to continue shooting more efficiently to earn consistent playing time for the 2023 NBA champions.
Westbrook and the Nuggets (2-2) will look to maintain their momentum on Friday on the road against the Minnesota Timberwolves (2-2).
Photos: Russell Westbrook's wife, Nina Westbrook, parties it up as Rosie the Riveter at lavish Halloween bash