Denver Nuggets fans have been treated to the full Russell Westbrook experience during the NBA playoffs, and it sounds like there have been some mixed feelings about the star point guard in his own locker room as well.
ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne published a story on Tuesday that provides a behind-the-scenes look at what has been a predictably unpredictable season for Westbrook in Denver. Westbrook was both a liability and an asset during the Nuggets’ win over the Los Angeles Clippers in an opening-round series that went seven games. After one of those games, he was confronted by a teammate.
According to Shelburne, Westbrook had a “heated discussion” with fellow veteran Aaron Gordon after Gordon called out Westbrook about the nine-time All-Star’s attitude. When asked what sparked the altercation, another Nuggets player said Westbrook is “so immature.”
It may have been a coincidence, but things got better for both Westbrook and the Nuggets after that. Though he sat out Game 4 with a foot injury, Westbrook played a significant role in the final three games of the series — two of which were Nuggets wins.
Westbrook averaged 17.0 points per game over the final three games against the Clippers. He had 16 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists and 5 steals in Game 7.
One anonymous Nuggets player spoke with Shelburne about the argument between Westbrook and Gordon and viewed it as a positive.
“The great thing about this team is we’re not afraid to talk honestly with each other and hold each other accountable,” the player said.
Westbrook’s attitude may rub even his own teammates the wrong way at times, but he wants to win. We saw a reminder of that with the technical foul he received at the end of Game 7 against L.A.
Many people thought the Nuggets were crazy for even bringing Westbrook in, but he has shown during the playoffs that he is still capable of making a significant impact. You just have to take the bad with the good.
