At the age of 36, Russell Westbrook has been able to reinvent himself despite several claims before the season about him being harmful to the Denver Nuggets. In particular, his partnership with Nikola Jokić has been thriving since they both began sharing the floor as starters. Tonight was no different. They dismantled the Sacramento Kings to claim their fourth straight win. And the Brodie is loving his time besides the Joker.

To Westbrook, he has an amazing opportunity. He gets to play with the “best player in the world”. Grateful was what he revealed feeling with the Nuggets, providing him an opportunity at arguably the lowest point in his career. But more importantly, the triple-double king also appreciated them for understanding his natural game. And rather than force him to change, they have unleashed Russell Westbrook.

“One, I am grateful for them wanting me to come here. Second, getting me and allowing me to be who I have been my entire career. So I’m grateful for that. Nikola has been a huge advocate for that, for the betterment of the team,” he said about the Nuggets.

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A huge influence in doing so was the three-time MVP. Despite there being a sense of discomfort with his preference, the tandem has squashed all the doubts about their inability to play together. Now, Russell Westbrook wants to help the Joker in repeating the Nuggets’ 2023 triumph. That starts with him gaining a thorough understanding of everything concerning Jokic’s game.

“I mean a lot. I watch, I pay attention as the season goes on. Understanding his positioning, and his disposition. Understanding what he likes, and what he doesn’t like. That’s a part of leadership. That’s a part of my job to know that and to watch and learn. And I learn a lot just from watching as well… Different things that I see that would allow me to be more efficient as I continue to play this game,” said Brodie.

That has become a huge part of the Nuggets’ two-man play. Unsurprisingly, Westbrook has assisted Jokic the most. There is a series of plays every game where he utilizes his electric burst and dumps the ball to the Joker in the post. Blending their strengths has become revolutionary for Denver.

And with such joy, so has Russell Westbrook.

Russell Westbrook is a difference-maker for the Denver Nuggets

Coming from rather lackluster stints with the two LA sides, not many analysts counted on Russell Westbrook. But Nikola Jokić had a vision. No matter the struggles, two things always accompany the Brodie. He shows up every night and will play until exhaustion hits, which is rare in Westbrook’s case.

Those high energy levels have benefitted the Nuggets immensely. On the defensive end, Russell Westbrook holds guards to shoot just 45% from the floor. Moreover, his tenacity doesn’t wane in mismatches either. It has never been a natural part of his game. However, a major reason the partnership has worked out is Westbrook’s grounded approach.

“He cares, man. He is so invested in this team and what he’s bringing to this team, and he’s so hard on himself. I can coach a guy like Russell Westbrook any day,” said Michael Malone.

Likewise, the Nuggets have reciprocated the trust too. Westbrook is allowed to operate the offense at times. Having no barriers between him, his efficiency is currently the second-best mark for his entire career. As for his weakness, the three-point line, Brodie was also shooting a career-high.

Feeling welcomed and handed the freedom to be himself has rejuvenated the former MVP. He may not be producing triple-doubles every night like the NBA community has become used to. But as far as effort and perseverance go, Russell Westbrook has brought that influence over to the Nuggets.