Denver Nuggets interim head coach David Adelman has strongly approved Russell Westbrook’s role in the team.
Michael Malone’s firing has brought many talks in the NBA community. Especially after the report uncovers one of the reasons behind the decision to be a former coach who gives Westbrook more minutes than some younger players.
However, the previous MVP continues to perform well for the Denver Nuggets as he dropped 14 points off the bench in a key game against the Memphis Grizzlies.
Westbrook was one of the players who closed the game and this proved instrumental when he performed some plays that showed some big defensive resilience to block a shot from rookie Zach Adey and to get the Nuggets’ victory.
Nicola Zhokic’s 26 points, 16 rebounds and 13 assists meant he would become the third player in NBA history and average a triple double for the season.
In the Nuggets’ key game, all players stepped up, but manager Adelman gave Westbrook his flowers and made a strong statement about his role in the team.
Westbrook was not in the closing lineup as he only had 10 points in his match against Sacramento.
But that changed in the game with the Grizzlies as he burned all his guns and became a game-changer leading the turnaround.
Speaking about Russ, Adelman said:
“I played five people I thought I could win the game. What do you know, Russ played pretty well tonight, so who’s finished tonight, Russ.
“You have to do what you have to do to win the game. This is not about trying to make a story about an individual person or this guy or that guy. That’s not about this. This is about trying to win the game.
Westbrook is one of the NBA’s most athletic point guards, and despite his age, he brings a lot of energy to the court.
He is often criticized and has received several hatred from his own fans.
But what makes Westbrook special is his ability to bounce back, and what they need the leadership he brings to the Nuggets.
Jokic is undoubtedly one of the best players in the league, but he’s not as vocal as Westbrook and it’s important that he has someone on a team that can communicate with.
Westbrook expressed how grateful he is to the Nuggets for providing him with the opportunity to play for the team.
He was on the biggest stage several times and played very well there. Putting him by his side in the playoffs will be key to their chances.
There are concerns about their morale, but that could prove to be a difference, as Westbrook’s presence previously praised his leadership.