The Nuggets’ rise can be largely attributed to the chemistry between Nikola Jokic and Russell Westbrook.
The Denver Nuggets brought out the best in Rose, a Rose we haven’t seen in years.
The Nuggets had a record of 17 wins and 5 losses when Westbrook started, leading the team in winning percentage.
After defeating the 76ers, Jokic recorded his fourth consecutive triple-double with 27 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists.
The big man spoke highly of his relationship with Westbrook, and you can tell there’s a real connection between the two.
“I just love that connection because I just have to look at him and he knows what I’m thinking,” Jokic said. “He just waits for me to get to my destination and always comes by at the right time.”
He also has some ideas for teams like the Lakers and Clippers, teams that Russ has also taken an interest in.
“I mean, he’s a great player,” Jokic said. “I think he’s been surpassed by people and teams [around by] Misunderstood him and didn’t give him a chance to be himself.
As Jokic said, the Nuggets just let Russ be Russ and made some great plays.
“I told him I wanted him to challenge himself to be the best version of himself,” Nuggets coach Michael Malone said earlier this month. “No offense to any of his past coaches, but if you put Russell Westbrook in the corner, you’re not going to get it all. We’ve done our best to put the ball in his hands this season.
The NBA world is abuzz with how far the Nuggets can go with the combination of Rose and Jokic firing on all cylinders.
“Russ is playing basketball right now,” former Nuggets forward Carmelo Anthony said on a recent episode of his podcast.
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