Incredible Russell Westbrook led the Nuggets to a decisive 139-120 victory over the Hawks at home. With a current record of 19 wins and 13 losses, it's clear that they're on track. Coach Malone continued to start Westbrook alongside Murray in the backcourt. The frontcourt featured Braun, Porter at the four, and Jokic at the five. Once Gordon returns, Porter will likely move back to the three, with Gordon at the four partnering with Jokic, and Braun probably coming off the bench. Westbrook is sure to keep his starting spot.
Notably, when Westbrook starts this season, the Nuggets have a 9-2 record, compared to a 10-11 record when he comes off the bench. There's a stark difference between his performance as a starter versus a substitute, with the latter being less impressive and less efficient offensively. However, since moving into the starting lineup, Westbrook has transformed into a superstar, averaging 16+7+7 over the last nine games with a 57% shooting rate. This level of play is truly that of a superstar, and the Nuggets have developed great chemistry with Westbrook in the starting lineup.
From the outset, the Nuggets took control, with Jokic drawing in the Hawks' defense and Westbrook focusing on defense and steals. Porter and Braun spread the floor, while Murray attacked one-on-one. The Nuggets' offense flowed smoothly, leading 40-33 after the first quarter. In the second quarter, the Hawks started to fight back, with Klayich, Hunter, and Okongwu contributing, and Trae Young igniting their offense to close the gap. But Jokic dominated both ends of the court, leading his team to respond in kind, maintaining a 74-71 halftime lead over the Hawks.
At halftime, Jokic was just one rebound shy of a triple-double, having shot 5-for-11 in 17 minutes, made all three free throws, and recorded 13 points, 9 rebounds, and 10 assists with a +14 plus-minus. In the second half, the Nuggets surged ahead as Westbrook and Jokic combined their efforts. Westbrook broke through to create space, and Jokic finished with a layup after receiving the pass, all in one fluid motion. Porter then scored 11 points in a single quarter, and not only did the Nuggets attack fiercely, but they also stifled the Hawks defensively, outscoring them 41-24 in a terrifying run that extended the lead to 20 points. Despite Trae Young's best efforts, it wasn't enough.
In the final quarter, the Hawks gave up, and both teams' benches played out the remainder of the game. The Hawks were unable to make up any ground and ultimately surrendered. In the game, Jokic had 23 points, 17 rebounds, and 15 assists; Murray scored 21 points; and Westbrook, in 23 minutes, went 5-for-6 from the field (1-for-2 from three), scoring 16 points, grabbing 2 rebounds, dishing out 11 assists, and committing just 1 turnover, with a +24 plus-minus. It can be said that Westbrook not only filled up the stat sheet on defense but also controlled his offensive desires more, looking to set up his teammates. The "reasonable turtle" has arrived. Additionally, Porter scored 21 points, and Braun had 15.
For the Hawks, Trae Young scored an empty 30 points, Hunter had 20, Capela had 4 points and 7 rebounds, No. 1 pick Lissach had 13 points, and Daniels had 9. There's not much to say about the Hawks; they were simply outmatched. Even though the Hawks are quite strong this year, they were no match for the Nuggets, who have built momentum and cohesion. We must commend Malone for finally recognizing reality and abandoning his stubbornness; starting Westbrook is currently the best strategy for the Nuggets.
Murray attacks, Westbrook organizes and defends, Jokic handles the ball as the primary option, and then Porter and Brower spread the floor; the Nuggets are balanced on both offense and defense. Now the entire league should be afraid. If Westbrook continues to play like this, who can stop this Nuggets team? The current Westbrook is a "reasonable turtle" every game, and when he plays with confidence, his shooting improves and his defense is even better. But when Westbrook lacks confidence, he becomes a liability. Westbrook has always needed confidence, and it seems the Nuggets have provided him with that reassurance. With their roster, the Nuggets are the only team capable of contending with the Celtics, especially considering that the Nuggets' championship in 2023 was even more dominant than the Celtics'.