The Denver Nuggets didn’t have the most ideal end to the regular season, battling injuries to both Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic. The team also made a surprising move by firing head coach Michael Malone before the season concluded, a decision that could have negatively impacted their momentum. However, Denver didn’t let adversity define them, as they defeated the Los Angeles Clippers in a decisive Game 7 on Saturday night.
The Nuggets’ defense was key, holding James Harden to just seven points. Denver controlled the must-win game and showed no signs of struggle against the Clippers. With the series win, the Nuggets now advance to face the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday.
This upcoming series carries added significance—it marks the second time Russell Westbrook will face his former team in the playoffs, having previously met them in the 2020 NBA bubble. Westbrook was traded to the Houston Rockets in the summer of 2019, officially ending his long run with Oklahoma City.
Since joining Denver, Westbrook has become a vital contributor. After Game 7 against the Clippers, he reflected on his performance and mindset:
“I think a lot. As much as people may not think — I’m very smart,” Westbrook told reporters. “And I understand the game, I understand what’s going on. So I am thinking. And … I think it’s my ability to be a force of nature on the floor, is what I pride myself on.”
He also spoke warmly about Oklahoma City during his postgame press conference, expressing continued affection for the city and its fans.
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“That’s like home for me. I always got love for everybody there,” Westbrook told the media.
The upcoming series promises to be a thrilling matchup between two teams with championship aspirations. Westbrook will aim to play the role of spoiler against the franchise he once led to the NBA Finals—but no matter the outcome, his connection to Oklahoma City remains strong.
