When Russell Westbrook signed
with the Denver Nuggets this past offseason, the move raised
eyebrows. Known for his explosive athleticism, triple-double
prowess, and relentless energy, Westbrook was joining a team
already led by two-time MVP Nikola Jokić. The fit appeared
questionable at first, with concerns about how his style of play
would mesh with Denver’s pass-heavy, deliberate offensive system.
However, midway through the season, Westbrook has silenced the
skeptics, showing significant evolution in his game while making a
substantial impact on the Nuggets’ success.

After a rocky start to the
season, where Denver struggled to find the right lineup
combinations, Westbrook’s resurgence has coincided with the team’s
climb up the Western Conference standings. The Nuggets’ record
currently sits at 24-16, good for 4th in the West, and Westbrook’s
contributions have been instrumental in their
turnaround.

One of the most noticeable
changes in Westbrook’s game this season has been his willingness to
adapt. Historically, Westbrook has thrived in a high-usage,
ball-dominant role. In Denver, he has embraced a secondary
playmaker role, deferring to Jokić as the primary offensive hub.
Instead of consistently looking for his shot, Westbrook has focused
on setting up teammates, pushing the pace in transition, and
attacking opportunistically.

This shift is evident in his
assist numbers. Westbrook is averaging 6.6 assists per game,
ranking among the league leaders, but more importantly, his assists
often lead to high-percentage looks. Whether it’s a perfectly timed
pass to a cutting Nikola Jokic or a drive-and-kick to teammates for
a corner three, Westbrook’s passing has complemented Denver’s
offensive flow.

Additionally, Westbrook has
significantly improved his shot selection. Known for his sometimes
ill-advised pull-up jumpers in previous years, he has reduced the
volume of mid-range attempts and focused on attacking the rim or
taking spot-up threes. While his three-point shooting percentage
remains below league average at 32.9%, the improvement in his
decision-making has positively impacted the Nuggets’
efficiency.

Efficiency has been a
cornerstone of Westbrook’s resurgence. His field goal percentage
has climbed to 45.8%, a mark higher than his MVP season in 2016-17.
This improvement can be attributed to a combination of better shot
selection and the quality of opportunities created within Denver’s
system. Playing alongside elite passers like Jokić has allowed
Westbrook to thrive as a cutter, frequently finding himself in
advantageous scoring positions without needing to create off the
dribble.

Moreover, Westbrook’s turnover
rate has decreased. While he still occasionally forces plays, his
2.9 turnovers per game would mark the second lowest ever in his
career. This newfound control has helped stabilize the Nuggets’
offense, particularly in close games where his decision-making has
been a key factor.

Westbrook’s midseason averages
of 13.2 points, 6.6 assists, and 5.1 rebounds per game highlight
his well-rounded impact. Beyond the raw numbers, his presence has
elevated the performances of key teammates. The reigning MVP Jokic
continues to dominate, but Westbrook’s ability to take some
playmaking responsibilities off his shoulders has allowed Jokić to
conserve energy for critical moments. The duo’s pick-and-roll
chemistry has added a new dimension to Denver’s offense.

Westbrook’s ability to bring the
ball up, handle the PG duties, playmake, and create for others has
allowed Murray to thrive as a scorer. Murray is benefiting from the
spacing and tempo Westbrook provides and this has also given Denver
a new look on their offensive schemes. For Michael Porter Jr., he
has thrived as an off-ball scorer, both from catch and shoot
opportunities and cuts to the rim, with Westbrook’s penetration
creating easy scoring opportunities. 

Beyond the stats, Westbrook’s
leadership has been invaluable. Known for his fiery
competitiveness, he has brought an edge to the Nuggets’ locker
room, holding teammates accountable and setting the tone with his
relentless motor. This mentality has been crucial during stretches
whenever the team struggled with injuries or inconsistent
play.

While Westbrook’s evolution has
been a net positive, there are still challenges. His three-point
shooting remains a weakness, allowing opposing defenses to sag off
him in half-court sets. Additionally, while his turnovers are down,
he occasionally reverts to over-aggressiveness, leading to
avoidable mistakes.

Defensively, Westbrook’s effort
has been commendable. Both his on and off-ball defense have been
valuable for the Nuggets, as his energy rubs off to his teammates.
However, due to his age, there can also be challenges on the
defensive side of the floor and it remains an area to watch as the
season progresses.

As the Nuggets approach the
second half of the season, Westbrook’s continued progression with
the team’s playstyle will be critical to their championship
aspirations. His ability to sustain his efficiency, maintain his
leadership role, and complement Denver’s core pieces will determine
how far the team can go in a loaded Western Conference.

Ultimately, Russell Westbrook’s
resurgence in Denver is a testament to his adaptability and
determination. By embracing a new role and prioritizing team
success, he has revitalized his career while helping the Nuggets
emerge as title contenders once again. If this trend continues,
Westbrook may not only change the narrative surrounding his career
but also play a pivotal role in him winning his 1st
championship.