Nikola Jokic reveals mantra to unlocking Russell Westbrook at Denver Nuggets
After a home victory against the Kings, Nikola Jokic praised his teammate Russell Westbrook for his impactful contributions to the team.
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Nikola Jokic discloses his mantra of unsealing Westbrook
Russell Westbrook, despite being a veteran of 17 seasons, is still searching for his first championship ring, jumping from team to team and city to city. The all-time leader in triple-doubles, also known as “Beastbrook,” could, however, be the linchpin for the Denver Nuggets’ next championship title since 2023.
According to Nikola Jokic’s understanding of his colleague and comrade’s psyche, the key to unlocking the former- MVP’s potential is to “just let him be him.” After the Nuggets’ 132-123 triumph over the Sacramento Kings, Jokic took the mic to laud his teammate—whom he dubbed a “triple-double monster”—for his invaluable contributions to the team’s continued success.
On the half-court, just make him go downhill. He’s gonna find an open guy, he’s gonna go aggressively, he’s gonna score or make an open look. Defensively…throughout his career, he played really good defense—like deflections, great hands, steals, blocks. He defends multiple positions, multiple guys. I think just let him be.
Nikola Jokic on how he pegs Russell Westbrook
Nikola Jokic breaks down how he and the Nuggets understand Russell Westbrook and why Westbrook has been so effective in Denver:
— DNVR Nuggets (@DNVR_Nuggets) January 24, 2025
“Just let him be him.” pic.twitter.com/IEy67zOmiH
In Thursday’s conquest, Westbrook shot 70% from the FG and 50% from beyond the arc, adding 18 points in total to the scoreboard. Besides shooting, he was also efficient on the board, grabbing 5 rebounds and setting up 3 assists, including one interception.
With Russell Westbrook in the starting line-up, Denver Nuggets boast a winning percentage of 77%. Former MVP couldn’t hide his delight when a reporter relayed the Nuggets’ winning percentage when he starts; however, when he learned about Joker’s winning percentage, he blurted out, “Damn it, Jok”.
Nikola Jokic on Russell Westbrook’s influence on the Nuggets’ young prospects
After securing a victory at Ball Arena, the team’s leader, Nikola Jokic, was met with an endless stream of questions by the inquisitive local reporters during the post-game conference. The Serbian popped out, donning a dark pinstripe blazer over a white shirt, looking like a true professional baller he is. When he was pressed about his bromance with Westbrook, he had a few things to say.
Me personally, I think he’s a great veteran. A great leader. Great influence on the young guys. Off the court, I think he’s a really good guy to have around.
Nikola Jokic praised his teammate
Nikola Jokic on Russell Westbrook: “He’s a great veteran. A great leader.”
— DNVR Nuggets (@DNVR_Nuggets) January 24, 2025
“Great influence on the young guys.” pic.twitter.com/UB7SoA8eAr
Conscious of the veteran’s efforts in the Nuggets‘ resurgence this year—especially after a disheartening defeat in Game 7 of the Western Conference Semifinals to the young Minnesota Timberwolves last season—Jokic expressed his gratitude. For now, Denver has managed to maintain their fourth seed in the West, winning 28 of their 44 matchups as the NBA regular season crosses its halfway mark.
On the other hand, the hybrid Serbian is now officially averaging a triple-double every game—a feat previously achieved by only a select few offensive legends in NBA history, such as Russell Westbrook and Oscar Robertson. With Jokić’s 30.2 points, 13.4 rebounds, and 10.1 assists per game, combined with the all-time leader in triple-doubles on the same team, the Nuggets have become one of the most fascinating teams to watch in 2025.
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Prateek Athanur
(2958 Articles Published)