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"An MVP from the West and an Eastern 'laughingstock,' what sparks could these two ignite?" When the Nuggets signed Westbrook, almost everyone had doubts and questions. Some fans even jokingly questioned whether the Nuggets' management had a short-circuited brain, how could they think of pairing the "nearly scrapped" Westbrook with the already busy Jokic? But reality is often more exciting than fiction, and this seemingly mismatched pair used their chemistry and strength to lead the Nuggets to a triumphant march. From on-court statistics to off-court interviews, they not only silenced doubters but also became the biggest contributors to the Nuggets' strong record this season.
The Nuggets' performance this season fully deserves the words "steady and solid." In the first 20 games of the season, they won 14 games, ranking fourth in the West. This achievement is not explosive, but considering that the team experienced an injury wave at the beginning of the season, with Murray and Gordon missing some games, it is quite surprising to achieve such a win rate. More importantly, the team's playing style and chemistry are becoming increasingly mature, especially when Westbrook and Jokic play together, the fluidity of the game is visibly apparent.
In fact, saying that Westbrook joining the Nuggets was "highly controversial" is no exaggeration. At the beginning of the season, the outside world generally did not favor this move, after all, Westbrook's performance last season with the Lakers could be described as a "disaster." Whether it was on-court decision-making or public perception, Westbrook became the target of public opinion. Yet the Nuggets actually signed this former MVP, for a mere 3 million dollars, which seems like a gamble.
However, after 20 games, this "big bet" turned into a "stroke of genius." Westbrook not only integrated into the Nuggets' system but also became an indispensable part next to Jokic. In the games where the two started together, the Nuggets had a win rate of 76.92%, directly propelling them to the top of the Western Conference standings. Behind these numbers are the highlights that the two have achieved through actual performance.
The on-court chemistry is difficult to describe in words, but if you've watched the Nuggets' games, you'll surely be amazed by Westbrook and Jokic's cooperation. Sometimes, just as Jokic crosses half court with the ball, Westbrook has already cut sharply into the basket, and the two can complete a fast break with just an exchange of glances; other times, Westbrook draws a double-team and then returns the ball, with Jokic's three-pointer falling accurately into the net. This kind of telepathic cooperation makes people exclaim "amazing." Even Westbrook himself admitted in an interview: "My cooperation with Jokic really doesn't need too many words, it's like a telepathic connection."
Data also proves that this "chemical reaction" is not accidental. This season, Jokic averaged 36.5 points, 16.5 rebounds, and 11.3 assists, directly earning him the title of Player of the Week for both the East and West in Week 11. While Westbrook contributed the second-most assists on the offensive end and created more space for Jokic with his aggressive penetration.
This chemistry makes the Nuggets' games simple and efficient. Jokic is responsible for "patching up holes" on the court, using his versatile skills to connect the team; while Westbrook is like a "perpetual motion machine," using speed and power to tear through the opponent's defense. The complementarity of the two allows the Nuggets to have more tactical options and a more lethal playing style.
Speaking of the biggest contributor to Westbrook joining the Nuggets, besides Jokic, we must mention the Nuggets' management. They overcame objections during the offseason and brought in Westbrook at the lowest cost for high value. In fact, this move was initially proposed by Jokic. He recommended Westbrook to the management at an internal meeting, arguing that "the team needs a player who can bring passion to the whole team." The management trusted the vision of this MVP and ultimately signed Westbrook, and this choice proved to be correct.
Westbrook's arrival not only filled the voids in the Nuggets' organization and defense but also alleviated the team's injury pressure to a certain extent. Especially during Murray's injury period, Westbrook helped stabilize the situation with consecutive efficient performances. Many fans jokingly say that this signing is like "buying a supercar at cabbage price," offering great value for money.
The greatest significance of Westbrook joining the Nuggets may not be the Nuggets saving him, but his own redemption. As a former MVP, Westbrook's career has been full of ups and downs, especially in the past two seasons, he became known as a "system poison." However, in the Nuggets, he rediscovered his worth.
Statistics show that in the 13 games Westbrook started for the Nuggets, he led the team to 10 wins. His offensive performance is more efficient than when he was with the Lakers, and his focus on defense has significantly improved. He frankly stated in an interview: "Coming to the Nuggets is the most correct decision of my career." From being a player doubted by the entire league to becoming an important piece in the Nuggets' system, Westbrook has shut up all the doubters with his performance.
Of course, behind all this, the unsung hero is Jokic. As the core of the Nuggets, Jokic's role goes far beyond the data level. He not only dominates the game with an average triple-double of 36+, but also inspires the whole team with his actions.
For example, when Murray and Gordon were injured one after another, Jokic took on more responsibility and created opportunities for his teammates. Especially in the first few games after Westbrook joined, Jokic always patiently communicated with Westbrook, helping him gradually integrate into the Nuggets' tactical system. This low-key and pragmatic leadership style made him the spiritual pillar of the team.
The Nuggets' head coach also mentioned in an interview: "Jokic is not only a great player but also a great team leader. He makes his teammates feel trusted and unites the whole team."
At the beginning of the season, American media generally held a pessimistic attitude towards the Nuggets signing Westbrook, even predicting that they might drop out of the playoff spots. But now, the Nuggets' performance undoubtedly proves their potential. From the fourth place in the West to the默契 combination of Jokic and Westbrook, this team is gradually becoming one of the hottest contenders for the championship.
Westbrook confidently expressed in an interview: "We will make our opponents stare in amazement." And the Nuggets' fans are increasingly looking forward to this team shining brightly in the playoffs.
The collaboration between Jokic and Westbrook may be an unexpected chemical reaction, but it is precisely this "unconventional" combination that has given the Nuggets new vitality this season. In the future, the story of this team will certainly become even more exciting.