Nikola Jokic Reacts to Russell Westbrook's Return to Denver
Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic expressed genuine appreciation for his former teammate Russell Westbrook during Westbrook's first visit to Denver as a Sacramento Kings player. Jokic warmly acknowledged Westbrook's presence in his postgame remarks, emphasizing the strong chemistry they developed despite sharing only one season on the court.
“Russell is a great player and a Hall of Famer,” Jokic said, highlighting their effective playmaking partnership.
During Westbrook’s season with the Nuggets, he delivered solid statistics and played a vital role in their playoff success, contributing significantly to the first-round win over the Clippers. Jokic’s comments show the respect he continues to hold for Westbrook’s talents and competitive energy even after their separation.
Westbrook’s Impactful Return and Honest Comments
Westbrook made a strong impact in his Denver return, scoring 26 points, securing 12 rebounds, and providing six assists, all with efficient shooting. Although the Kings lost, his performance reminded fans of the value the Nuggets lost when they parted ways.
“The Nuggets front office didn’t want me back, and that influenced my decision on the player option,” Westbrook admitted after the game.
Despite this, Westbrook expressed gratitude for his time in Denver and for the warm support from fans, which included a tribute video shown at Ball Arena.
Summary
Nikola Jokic’s respect for Russell Westbrook highlights their strong yet brief partnership, while Westbrook’s candid reflections reveal complexities behind his departure from the Nuggets.