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,…
On December 31, 2024, the last day of the year, the Nuggets defeated the Jazz 132-121 on the road, with Westbrook and Jokic delivering explosive performances, both achieving triple-doubles. One is the most versatile guard in history, the other is the most versatile center in history, making their combination truly unique! Jokic: 36 points, 22 rebounds, 11 assists, 4 steals; 14 out of 33 shots, 3 out of 9 three-pointers, 5 out of 6 free throws. Westbrook: 16 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists, 4 steals; 7 out of 7 shots, 2 out of 2 free throws. Together, they scored 52 points, grabbed 32 rebounds, made 21 assists, and had 8 steals, with Westbrook achieving a perfect shooting percentage, which is quite rare. Jokic has a total of 143 triple-doubles, ranking third in history; this season he has 13 triple-doubles, leading the league. Westbrook has a total of 201 triple-doubles, ranking first in history; this season he has 2 triple-doubles, ranking ninth in the league. Combined, they have achieved 343 triple-doubles. This season, Jokic averages 30.8 points, 12.9 rebounds, 9.5 assists, 1.8 steals, and 0.6 blocks per game, ranking third in scoring, fourth in rebounding, third in assists, sixth in steals, and first in three-point shooting percentage in the league. This season, Westbrook averages 12.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, 6.5 assists, 1.7 steals, and 0.5 blocks per game, ranking 14th in assists and eighth in steals in the league. Compared to his time with the Clippers, Westbrook seems to be playing much happier and in better form with the Nuggets. In addition…