Apr 11, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook (4) during the second half against the Memphis Grizzlies at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Nuggets Coach Explains Russell Westbrook Decision After Grizzlies Game

Originally posted on Denver Nuggets on SI
By Logan Struck | Last updated Apr 12, 2025 1:11 AM ET

Earlier in the week, the Denver Nuggets shockingly decided to part ways with head coach Michael Malone, resulting in David Adelman getting promoted to interim head coach as they look to make a playoff push.

The Nuggets faced the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday for Adelman's first test as interim head coach, and a main talking point after the game was the lack of Russell Westbrook. The 36-year-old point guard played just 17 minutes in Wednesday's win, his lowest mark since December 5, but things changed on Friday night.

The Nuggets took down the Grizzlies on Friday, and Westbrook had a great game. In 27 minutes of action, Westbrook dropped 14 points, 4 assists, and 2 steals off the bench.

Russell Westbrook with the CLUTCH block on Zach Edey ❌ pic.twitter.com/bg0PCsFiHZ
— TrendingSportsPodcast (@TrendingSportsP) April 12, 2025

After Friday's game, Nuggets interim coach David Adelman cleared the air on not playing Westbrook as much on Wednesday, but giving him the opportunity to make an impact in their win over the Grizzlies.

"Mistakingly, people said I didn't play Russ in Sacramento. That wasn't the case," Adelman said. "I played the five people I thought could win the game. Russ played pretty well tonight, so who finished the game? Russ. You've got to do what you've got to do to win games."

David Adelman:

"Mistakingly, people said I didn't play Russ in Sacramento. That wasn't the case. I played the five people I thought could win the game."

"Russ played pretty well tonight, so who finished the game? Russ." pic.twitter.com/sdRrKDfxyK
— DNVR Nuggets (@DNVR_Nuggets) April 12, 2025

In Wednesday's win, Westbrook had just five points and three turnovers on 2-11 shooting from the field and 0-4 from deep. Many NBA coaches will not bench a proven player like Westbrook, even amid a poor performance, but Adelman admitted he did what he had to, and it resulted in a win.

Amid rumors of Westbrook playing a part in Malone's departure, the veteran point guard certainly needed a game to get back on track, and he did just that on Friday night.

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

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