Aside from Nikola Jokić, few could have anticipated the crucial role Russell Westbrook would play for Denver this season. The Nuggets have maximized his strengths, and Westbrook has embraced his role as a key contributor on both ends. His willingness to adapt, in addition to the amazing synergy with the Serbian, has helped mitigate some of his weaknesses.
Westbrook has decreased his turnovers, especially when he shares the floor with the three-time MVP. In those cases, he does not have to force the ball through several defenders to gift his big an easy layup, since Jokic is just as lethal with his floater from outside the restricted area. Westbrook’s well-known shooting problems also have been mitigated thanks to him being a threat as a cutter off double teams or his effectiveness in inverse pick and roll situations, punishing every slight miscommunication by finding the greatest passing big man ever.
Westbrook is the X Factor for the Nuggets’ Title Hopes
Will He Struggle in the Playoffs?
However, as the postseason approaches, individual flaws become magnified. In Westbrook’s case, there is ample evidence that intelligent defensive schemes have exploited his shortcomings, leading to inefficient playoff performances. It also raises the question of whether he could replicate his effectiveness in the postseason. Despite this, the Nuggets cannot afford to abandon the energy and playmaking he provides, making Michael Malone’s utilization of Westbrook crucial to their championship aspirations. With a full season to evaluate his role, key questions remain: Should Westbrook start or come off the bench? How effective can he be on defense? What lineup combinations maximize his effectiveness?
The answer across the board is pretty evident: Westbrook should share the court with Jokić as much as possible. While this principle applies to most players, the mutual benefits of their partnership make it especially important. Though the two-man game between Jokić and Jamal Murray is nearing perfection, ensuring Westbrook plays alongside Jokić can help stabilize the second unit and prevent the dreaded bench drop-off. To optimize spacing, lineups featuring both Westbrook and Peyton Watson should be avoided, since these two non-shooting threats allow defenses to swarm the paint with several defenders, making it a nightmare for the stars to create efficient offense.
Ideally, Westbrook would come off the bench in a unit featuring Jokić, Aaron Gordon, Christian Braun, and Julian Strawther. This combination offers strong cutting threats in Braun and Gordon, additional ball handling from Strawther, and two elite passers in Jokić and Westbrook, maximizing offensive efficiency. Defensively, Westbrook’s versatility could complement this lineup well, allowing them to switch 1 through 4.
Playoff Scenarios Where Westbrook Could Be a Difference Maker
Westbrook could make his mark in a potential playoff series against the Thunder. Throughout his career, he has been an inconsistent defender, often relying on athleticism while suffering from mental lapses. However, one area where he has consistently excelled is defending bigger players. His physicality and tenacity make him an effective disruptor against taller and leaner centers—something that became evident when Malone assigned him to guard Victor Wembanyama in the January 3rd matchup against the Spurs. The Nuggets deployed a switching defense and late double-teams, forcing numerous turnovers and stifling San Antonio’s offense. A similar approach could be used against Oklahoma City’s Chet Holmgren, whose slight frame makes him uncomfortable facing physical defenders.
This defensive strategy could also be effective against the Golden State Warriors, with Westbrook being the primary defender against Draymond Green, it would allow him to switch onto Stephen Curry in dribble handoff situations. Since Westbrook is strong enough to be able to defend Green, the Warriors would not be able to punish that strategy under the basket.
If utilized correctly, Westbrook has the potential to be a game-changer for the Nuggets on both ends during the playoffs. His postseason performance could define his legacy, potentially culminating in the championship that has long eluded him.
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