Apr 19, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook (4) reacts to his three point basket in the fourth quarter against the LA Clippers at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Ex-Nuggets Coach Proves Doubters Wrong About Russell Westbrook

Originally posted on Denver Nuggets on SI
By Logan Struck | Last updated May 4, 2025 1:35 PM ET

After going down 2-1 in their first-round playoff series against the LA Clippers, many people counted out the Denver Nuggets. Led by three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic and his supporting cast, the Nuggets stormed back to take the series with a dominant Game 7 win on Saturday.

The biggest surprise for the Nuggets in their series win was Russell Westbrook, as he proved to be a true difference-maker off the bench.

In their Game 7 win, Westbrook dropped 16 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and 5 steals on 5-9 shooting from the field and 2-4 from three-point range in just 27 minutes of action.

RUSSELL WESTBROOK HAS WORDS. ️

pic.twitter.com/gCede5wLuI
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) May 4, 2025

The Nuggets took a chance on Westbrook in free agency last offseason, and the veteran point guard was just a huge contributor to help get Denver past the first round of the playoffs, and did it against his former team.

Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Former Nuggets head coach George Karl took to social media to talk about Westbrook's importance in Denver and how he proved all the doubters wrong.

Via George Karl: "Nuggets needed a tougher dude after the game 7 loss a year ago.

They got Russ.

This is the game he was brought to Denver to play."

Nuggets needed a tougher dude after the game 7 loss a year ago.

They got Russ.

This is the game he was brought to Denver to play.
— George Karl (@CoachKarl22) May 4, 2025

Westbrook and the Nuggets will now go against the first-place Oklahoma City Thunder in the second round of the playoffs, as the 36-year-old guard will face another former team of his. The Nuggets will certainly need Westbrook to be playing at his highest level to have a chance against the powerhouse Thunder.

This article first appeared on Denver Nuggets on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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