Westbrook’s Tenacity and Gordon’s Scoring Lead Nuggets to Victory Over Warriors
In the world of professional basketball, there are games that test the mettle of a team, and Monday night’s matchup between the Denver Nuggets and the Golden State Warriors was one such game. Denver Nuggets coach Michael Malone knew this was a game that would reveal a lot about the psyche of his players. The Nuggets were up against a formidable opponent in the Warriors, who entered the night with the NBA’s longest winning streak.
Adding to the challenge, the Nuggets were without three of their starters. Three-time MVP Nikola Jokic, co-star Jamal Murray, and Christian Braun were sidelined due to nagging injuries. Despite these setbacks, the Nuggets managed to pull off a stunning 114-105 win at Chase Center.
Coach Malone highlighted the mentality of players like Russell Westbrook and Aaron Gordon as key to the victory. “There’s some guys who would think, ‘Do I really feel like playing tonight?'” Malone said. “What you love about Russ, what you love about AG [is their mentality]: ‘All right, well, next man up. There’s more opportunity for me.'”
Aaron Gordon, who had missed three of the previous four games due to a sore calf, delivered an outstanding performance, scoring 38 points, his most in a Denver uniform. Meanwhile, Russell Westbrook contributed with 12 points, 11 rebounds, 16 assists, and 3 steals. Westbrook’s performance added to his NBA record with his 203rd career triple-double. “That ain’t nothing new,” Westbrook remarked. “You’ve seen that from me before.”
While Westbrook’s performance wasn’t flawless—he went 5-of-17 from the floor, including a few air balls, and committed seven turnovers—his relentless energy and intensity were crucial for the undermanned Denver squad. Malone humorously noted that Westbrook nearly had a quadruple-double due to his turnovers. However, Westbrook’s impact was undeniable. “First off, Russ is not just a dog. He’s a wolf,” Gordon said. “He’s different. Offensively and defensively, he’s always on 10, always on 12.”
The Nuggets capitalized on Westbrook’s playmaking, shooting 16-of-24 on passes from him, according to ESPN Research. It was his 44th career triple-double with at least 15 assists, putting him just one shy of tying Hall of Famer Oscar Robertson for the most in NBA history.
With Westbrook pushing the tempo, Denver dominated the game in transition. According to Second Spectrum tracking, Denver scored 37 transition points, the second most Golden State has allowed in a game this season. “I felt from the get-go Russ’ tenacity, his intensity, what he brings every single night,” Malone said. “Just being a leader in the huddles, getting on guys, uplifting guys, whatever is needed at the time. That’s why Russ has been such a great addition to us all season long.”
- Denver Nuggets sat three starters due to injuries.
- Russell Westbrook achieved his 203rd career triple-double.
- Aaron Gordon scored 38 points, his most in a Denver uniform.
- Denver scored 37 transition points against Golden State.
In conclusion, the Nuggets’ victory over the Warriors was a testament to the team’s resilience and the leadership of players like Westbrook and Gordon. Despite missing key players, Denver showcased their depth and determination, proving that they are a force to be reckoned with in the NBA.
Originally Written by: Tim MacMahon
