“We’re both a little psycho”- Russell Westbrook pinpoints what sparked his special relationship with Michael Malone
For the fifth season in a row, Russell Westbrook finds himself on a new team and playing for a new head coach. In the early stages of his tenure with the Denver Nuggets, the former MVP appears to be getting along with one key member of the organization.
Following the Nuggets' upset win over the OKC Thunder Wednesday night, Westbrook was asked about how he's gotten along with head coach Michael Malone. He jokingly responded by saying they've gravitated towards one another because they're both a little crazy.
"Yeah we both a little psycho in the head a little bit," Westbrook said. "We've learned that from the get-go, which is why we get along."
When the Nuggets first signed Russell Westbrook, it was to help bolster their second unit. However, with Jamal Murray injured, he was inserted into the starting lineup against the Thunder on Wednesday. The former MVP provided a huge lift as the Nuggets handed OKC their first loss of the season.
Westbrook logged 32 minutes in the win and finished with a stat line of 29 points, six rebounds and six assists. What was most impressive is he knocked down three of his four attempts from beyond the arc.
Through the first two weeks of the season, Westbrook seems to be an impactful addition for the Nuggets as they attempt to contend.
Michael Malone has high praise for Russell Westbrook following win vs Thunder
The respect appears to be mutual between Russell Westbrook and Michael Malone, as the longtime coach praised him after Wednesday's win. He applauded the former All-Star for how committed he's been to the Nuggets since arriving this summer.
"He cares man," Malone said. "He is so invested in this team and what he's bringing to this team, and he's so hard on himself. I can coach a guy like Russell Westbrook any day because he's a competitor and he's a tough dude. I want him in my foxhole."
Primarily as a reserve, Westbrook is averaging 12.4 points, 4.0 rebounds and 4.9 assists for the Nuggets on the season. His performance against the OKC Thunder was by far his best in a Denver uniform.
Over the past few years, the narrative has changed around Westbrook and the impact he has on the team. This mainly stems from his time with the LA Lakers, a move many considered questionable from the start. That said, he seems to be exactly the kind of player the Nuggets needed.
Since winning the NBA title in 2023, Denver failed to display that effort in the 2023-24 season. Bringing in a fierce competitor like Westbrook could be the infuse of energy they needed to reignite this team.