On December 31, Beijing time, the Denver Nuggets defeated the Utah Jazz 132-121 to secure their second consecutive victory. Jokic's performance remained at an MVP level, but the rationality of the young master was admirable, shooting 5 for 5 in the first three quarters, and finishing the game with 7 for 7, scoring 16+10+10, achieving his 201st career triple-double. Westbrook has a record of 7 wins and 2 losses when starting this season, making his $3.3 million minimum salary an excellent value.
Westbrook played freely in this game, taking big steps in his Eurostep shot and posing for the camera after making it. Murray on the bench even imitated Westbrook's move. In the first quarter, the young master played for 9 minutes, shooting 2 for 2 and scoring 4 points, 3 rebounds, and 4 assists. Jokic scored 9 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists in the first quarter, and the cooperation between Westbrook and Jokic is becoming increasingly默契.
The young master rested for 6 and a half minutes before entering the court in the second quarter, by which time the Nuggets were already trailing by 7 points. Upon entering the court, the young master broke through and scored, Westbrook assisted Jokic with a hook shot, and the young master countered with another layup, shooting 2 for 2 in the quarter. In the first half, he shot 4 for 4 without missing, scoring 8 points, 7 assists, 4 rebounds, and 1 steal with a 100% shooting percentage. It must be said that Westbrook's performance was outstanding.
Westbrook also made his first breakthrough in the second half, achieving 5 consecutive hits. All five starters for the Nuggets had already scored double digits, and after three quarters, Westbrook had played for 24 minutes, shooting 5 for 5 and scoring 10 points, 7 rebounds, 7 assists, 2 steals, 3 fouls, and 0 turnovers, with a 100% shooting percentage. Jokic had already scored a terrifying 33 points, 19 rebounds, and 8 assists in three quarters, allowing the Nuggets to take the lead.
With 6 minutes left in the final quarter, the young master was finally substituted in. Jokic assisted Westbrook with a one-handed dunk to extend the lead to 11 points. Westbrook made his first turnover of the game, but immediately stole the ball and finished with another dunk. After protecting the rebound, Westbrook had completed his triple-double, as did Jokic, and the game was nearing its end.
In the entire game, Westbrook played for 33 minutes, shooting 7 for 7 and scoring 16 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists, and 4 steals, with a 100% shooting percentage. Jokic scored 36 points, 23 rebounds, 10 assists, and 3 steals, and both achieved triple-doubles.
Written by Yan Xiaobai: A tribute to Westbrook