In the aftermath of the Denver Nuggets’ dramatic 121-119 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals, Russell Westbrook shared his thoughts on the game’s key moments and his team’s collective effort.
Westbrook, who contributed 18 points off the bench, praised teammate Aaron Gordon for his clutch performance. Gordon, who hit a key shot late in the game, received special acknowledgment from Westbrook, who noted, “Aaron was ready to shoot it and making big shots all year long, and I knew it was going to be solid, to be honest.”
Gordon’s game-winning shot wasn’t the only notable moment for the Nuggets. Westbrook also spoke about the team’s resilience and veteran experience, particularly in the game’s final minutes. He emphasized the importance of staying together despite the pressure. “We kept saying the whole time, stay with it, stay with it… and we just stuck with it and executed down the stretch,” said Westbrook.
The Nuggets found themselves trailing by 10 at halftime but stormed back in the second half, outscoring the Thunder 71-59. Westbrook credited the team’s communication and trust in one another as key factors in their successful comeback. “When you really got each other’s back, regardless of what’s going on… it’s very helpful,” he added.
A big part of Denver’s comeback was the play of Nikola Jokic, who posted a dominant 42-point, 22-rebound performance. Westbrook, who has played alongside some of the NBA’s best, had high praise for Jokic, calling him “the best player in the world.” He also marveled at Jokic’s ability to maintain his composure even in the game’s tense moments. “He’s always talking… he even feels like he can play better, which is, you know, just crazy,” Westbrook remarked.
Looking back at his time in Oklahoma City, Westbrook also reflected on his return to Paycom Arena. Despite being on the opposing team, Westbrook expressed his gratitude toward the fans who supported him during his earlier years. “I’m always grateful… they gave me a chance, they believed in me when I was a little young teenager,” he said, adding that the reception he received was special.
Westbrook further emphasized the importance of experience, noting that for a veteran team like the Nuggets, “Experience is a big part of this time of the year.”
