How the Nuggets Unlocked Russell Westbrook

[@PoppaBear777]

I love how Russ is having a career resurgence thanks to the undeniable chemistry between him and Joker. This proves that Russ was being used wrongly for the past couple of years and that Jokic is a player that actually makes his teammates better.

[@ImTheGibby]

Jokic is the ultimate mesh player, he really fits in any system whether it’s back to basket or hand offs actions or using him as a off ball spot up shooter when Jamal iso’s. LeBron for instance creates more open 3pt jumpers for his teammates which Russ isn’t a 3pt shooter which is why he didn’t fit and same with the Clippers, Kawhi and PG took alot of middy pull ups and used their guards as more off ball shooters and with Zubac not being even a mid range shooter it was bad spacing for Russ as well. The Nuggets have players who can truly space the floor allowing Russ to play to the rim as an attacker, which he thrives at. LeBron makes his spot up shooter’s better, Jokic straight up makes his teammates better

[@QuaiChandler-nn5du]

Imagine the frustration Russ must feel knowing that we wasted 4 years of his prime in the wrong system. Imagine if he went from OKC strait to Denver...

[@Herosennin]

⁠@@QuaiChandler-nn5duYeah bro he was literally as good for the Clippers, was great at the Wizards and Rockets and the team that actually didnt fit his playstyle were the Thunder after KD left and the Lakers. It was just very trendy to hate on Westbrook or act like his 'game' doesnt belong in the NBA and nobody wants to admit they were just wrong all the time. Have been defending the dude for years that he has a specific playstyle he needs the right pieces for.

[@patsysadowski1546]

He’s having fun.

[@bobbyhillthe3rd]

I only wish we could have got westbrook and jokic sooner, i hope westbrook gets a ring and plays another 3 years

[@Ginger2882.]

As someone who didn't really like Russ for a majority of his career due to his fans and unwillingness to change his game, he has genuinely been one of my favorite players to watch this season. I hope the Nuggets can finally get him a chip.

[@acrobatmapping]

he definitely brings fans to the nuggets. there is a certain type of fan that is die hard Westbrook fan, and they think he's best point guard ever.

[@chief8268]

this is a good fit. Jamal Murray is really 2 guard not a point guard, with Westbrook on point he can focus more on scoring than setting up plays.

[@headzonsight7009]

With that in mind, hopefully Murray can go back to bubble Murray 😊

[@marcochen9117]

He has also really cut on the "stupid" turn overs and shots. Rarely do you see him taking that infamous bank midrange shot, he takes them once in a blue moon now. A lot of his points are from the fast break, give and go's and cutting off of jokic. The turnovers he commits are usually risky passes, but they do pay off at times and aren't complete "what are you doing" moments

[@eddiehoskins7482]

When are you joining the team, TO help Russ get better

[@BLVCKSTVR_YT]

😂😂😂 people like you. Russ gets a turn over and it's "Bad turnovers". Same people have LeBron as the goat🤣🤣

[@guybartlett9587]

6 turnovers in the first 6 mins against the rockets, but I love him, go nuggets!

[@Law-of-EnTropy]

Jokic literally was ahead of every single person who watches basketball because the moment he requested the front office to sign Russ, he already knew their chemistry is gonna be perfect

[@kevinzki21]

Joker didn't look into the future. He looked into the past. Hom and Westbrook played in college

[@Shapoopka]

Stop the cap lil bro 😂

[@radu_nedelcut]

Loving Russ în Denver and also really liked your video analysis.

[@AlexHoops]

Thank you so much!

[@justingallant648]

Crazy good breakdowns man! I'm not even finished of the video but I love how well you see what's happening on the court

[@AlexHoops]

Really appreciate that man! Thank you!!

[@bourbonlegend4071]

Jokic is a selfless player and sets the culture in Denver. This is where Denver succeeded where other teams failed for Brodie. I don't see big personas and ego when watching Denver play.

[@user-nw9zm1eo6r]

It's so nice in Denver having the humble superstar

[@willn8664]

Is it just me or does it seem more exciting when people drive into the paint as oppose to people who just keeps predictably shooting from outside the perimeter?

[@shorewall]

100%. I want to see players take it inside. I'm fine with drive and kick, but at least try to work it inside. I loathe pull up and step back jumpers from 3. It just feels like chucking, no matter the percentage.

[@nobrainer5117]

Way more exciting

[@lamvuhoang1998]

Because it shows more physicality, more displays of athletism, in general a better spectacle than just seeing a one/two motion shooting.

[@rob.parsnips]

Definitely not just you

[@aVanGeLz07]

Beast-brook is back! I hope he wins a ring with Nuggets.

[@paulbunyan9436]

Happy for Russ man. Top 50 all-time great.

[@ifailatblackops1]

Top 35 all time

[@Findingtherightheroofdemancia]

Top 1

[@ryanzz1357]

People glaze LBJ to play the game the right way so he could have a tiny case to be over Jordan. But the only guy truly plays the game the right way and makes everyone better is jokic And the fact that one is the fastest player and the other is the almost slowest player in some way and the two play so well together is just genius

[@elastic3016]

Prolly my favorite non sixer ever, gives it his all every play no matter what, so happy to see him shining in Denver! Your videos are great man you got crazy bball IQ honestly you make me look at the game in such a different way. Always look forward to your vids 🫡

[@massacretv4988]

The moment Russ accepted that Bench role I knew he would have a career resurgence prior to him signing with the Nuggets.

[@CarJaco]

Bron was too low IQ of a player to be able to fit with Russ!!

[@Tubizzy4chatta]

"BRON" doesn't deserve his name even utter, his new name is LeGameSoSloppy, LeNoLoyalty, LeNoAccountabilty, LeBackstabber, LePointYoFinger, LeSelfishFEveryoneElse, LeShittyTeammate, LeUnliveLakersLegacy, LeOmittedFromLakersDynastyExpedisously, LeCheatOnMyWife with PDrizzy or LeFraudKing. You pick, or you will be banished to the LeGlazzers Territory with the rest of the LeBounceOnHisMeat and LeMeatGobbler. Got it, Good 'Nough of that right now 😂.

[@ComedyBros5]

Lmao. Blasphemy. Westbrick was straight dumpster fire on the Lakers and it was only Russ' fault.

[@sportschool3537]

@@ComedyBros5 Is it Russ' fault that Lebron can't do anything else other than drive and kick out for 3s? Is it Russ' fault that Lebron expects everyone to play like a role player standing around and not being used other than waiting for the ball? Is it Russ' fault that Lebron can't play off ball because his basketball fundamentals are DOGSHIT for a Hall of Famer? Lebron is the most overrated player in the history of basketball... Wade was worse with him, Bosh was worse with him, Kyrie was only playing good when he didn't give a shit about Lebron and played his own game and then left when Lebron forced him to play his bullshit "Lebron system", Love was DOGSHIT with him compared to what he did before he joined him... every player has their worst seasons alongside Lebron... everyone... especially star players... Sorry but the biggest "Comedy" is how little basketball you understand... Lebron is ALWAYS the cancer on the team... cause he always only cares about his stats and makes everyone around him worse and then he always "needs more help" somehow...

[@BKNPhenom]

@@sportschool3537 Anthony Davis

[@sportschool3537]

@ Davis is not playing better alongside Lebron than without him... watch him in New Orleans where he was playing 1v5 against the Warriors in the playoffs... he was absolutely ABSURD... Davis is such a huge talent that even alongside the cancer that is Lebron he looks good... Anyway, you're missing the point because don't wanna see the truth... Lebron is a cancer for every teammate he ever had...

[@dimelo58]

Great video, this goes to show how good at basketball Jokic is, no ego no nothing just big brain stuff he should be the face of the league.

[@lpy1102]

The most interesting part of the corner three is he actually shoot over 45% as well right there during his Lakers seasons, which lead Vogel can''t stop to put him there

[@devontefigures2289]

Russ is using Jokic like he was using KD except Jokic isn’t arrogant and thinks “hey it’s my team give me the ball so I can ISO into this contested mid range shot”

[@bpv.24]

this was a great video bro

[@maximillianschauer1439]

Who hears the kitty cat at 4:06 ?

[@BLVCKSTVR_YT]

In the middle of smoking and thought "was that a cat or an I bugging" 😂😂

[@DaTruthHurtzzzz]

I thought that was my cat who I see sleeping im like wtf ??

[@marceloasensiofilho3833]

As a Jokic fan I can only be sad that Russ did not join the Nuggets earlier

[@AndrewLawton16]

Yeah, imagine the timeline where this is year three of them together.

[@y2jt585]

Thank you for this, I was hoping for a video about these two. As a Rockets fan I am interested to see if Sengun and Amen can work in a similar fashion. Sengun won't be as good as Jokic, but I think Amen will be very similar to Russ offensively.

[@rayevans281]

Great post and plenty of truth spoken. There’s been plenty of input regarding Russ’ impact on Jokic and vice-versa, but I think it’s also worth noting the impact that his presence has on Murray as well. Murray has been revitalized, especially over the course of the past few games and it’s hard to deny that is a result of Westbrook handling the primary ball handler/facilitator duties. Now Murray can focus on scoring and function more as a SG than a traditional PG.

[@japoncik11]

MR GM Jokic knew it all great to see Russ flourishing again what a player what a set up hopefully they get RB a ring

[@senpai_sake3276]

You know Russ worked hard to get chemistry going with the squad. We were the best fit for him and I’m glad Jokic didn’t let him go to another team. Without his request for Westbrook we might not have got him.. Now it’s time for Brodie to give the last of what he has to get the ring! I believe in it but our competition is steep! From OKC to the CAVS, we’re facing some crazy odds for the chip.

[@rutoojinn]

There is no expectations with Russell. He is on the tail end of his career. He has a good team so he just needs to do well and that is enough for him to exceed expectations. Completely opposite of when he was at LAL and LAC. He did well when he was with both teams but man he was critiqued on everything...

[@akirosakuragi9279]

Anyone who plays with LeDiddy gets lescapegoated. He's truly the goat when it comes to that and those notories parties)

[@alexescutia4805]

@@akirosakuragi9279get LeMental help

[@andrewcook1246]

Everyone has been recommending this style of play for WB. Off-ball cutter/hustle guy.

[@ille.b.8508]

JOKIC&WESTBROOK!

[@sloanNYC]

It's smart basketball and why moving off the ball makes defending so much tougher. It drives me nuts how many teams just don't move.

[@cdj17e]

Great video. Imo the biggest factor is that Russ has improved his shot selection. Last year with the Clips, I was pretty excited by the possibility of a Russ Harden backcourt, because the Harden Russ duo in the bubble was incredible with Russ cutting and attacking the rim and being a great secondary playmaker while Harden could take on more of a pure PG role with PG and Kawhi being great shooters (there are some caveats with this: Russ was not as good as he was in 2020 and Harden lost a step and was older). However Russ seemed to take a lot of bank mid range shots, which would cost the Clippers a lot of games. He also turns the ball over less because of better decision making. He does have some risky passes, but now he seems to have a lot fewer errant passes. Don't get me wrong though, teams having to deal a stretch playmaking big in Jokic has played a huge factor here as well (I think both of them uniquely benefit from each other), though Russ also seems to fit in well with Murray, letting him be more of a scorer while assuming more playmaking duties from him. I also think Russ has bought more into his role this year versus last year, which also helps.

[@thonyarrieche]

Another reason why Jokics current season is another MVP seapn

[@TheTEN24]

It’s a shame Russ didn’t get to Denver sooner him and Jokic are a pairing that works really well together and fun to watch

[@giovanihanson836]

Yo watching the game i was not aware of this but now that you explain it and point it out this offense is mf deadly

[@Mauroreq]

6:30' jokic already telling the play to Russel as son as he touched the ball.

[@claytonabernathy4310]

picture russ as a more dynamic bruce brown and it makes perfect sense

[@BalkanGeopolitics2]

Most videos on KZbin point out how it's necessary that players shoot three points more. In context it's usually something that makes sense, but still i think preferable approach should be tactics on how to make points and not focus on shooting more three points. My reference of point is Euroleague, hopefully people understand my viewpoint 👍🙂

[@maestroandoy481]

Your analysis of the basketball game is excellent. If given the opportunity, you might be a better coach than 50% of what NBA has now.

[@marufjaved6551]

Only joking believed in this duo including me. Jokic is special

[@SHOOTAROUND]

elite video

[@AlexHoops]

I know you from somewhere

[@DaTruthHurtzzzz]

Never understood why coaches in LA didn't make the bigs hit russ on cuts the moment the bug started to guard him. But then again jokic is the best passer in the nba so he's the only big that can probably do that

[@ntnnot]

I just looked at Russ' stats today: He's actually 34.0% from three right now. His third best of his 17 year career.

[@AlexHoops]

He shot 3/4 from three against the Heat yesterday, must’ve bumped him up. Nice to see for sure

[@ThreeEyedJuan]

Really curious how they figure out the offense when Gordon and Russ are regularly on the court together. I'm certain the defense and athleticism will be really elite.

[@JasonSmith-pe5py]

And dont look now but Jamal probably just had his best 3 game stretch (in about 95 hrs)-in well over a year. OKC is clearly the West favorite & if healthy Dallas is still the defending conference champs. And the West is ridiculously deep overall-there is no easy out.But Nugs ceiling is as high as anybody in the West. And for all the potential of OKC,Memphis,SA,Sacramento,& Houston. And decent playoff success of Minnesota,& especially Dallas-ONLY the Nuggets core has actually won a title in the West. Lebron,& AD have & Steph/Wiggins-but lions share of those rosters havent really done squat yet. (Lakers did get to WCF vs us in '23) But I dont consider those teams (or Phx,LAC)-legit threats to actually make the Finals-or even WCF. Nuggets have the best playoff resume last 6 yrs of any team in the West. Playoffs-not play in-every season-even when Jamal,& MPJ missed the entire season/playoffs.Jokic carried a terrible supporting cast to 49 wins,& basically made the playoffs BY HIMSELF in 2022. Before that in 2021-Jamal missed the end of the reg season,& playoffs-but we still won a 1st round over Portland. A couple other key contributers beyond Murray,& MPJ also missed those short playoff runs-as people forget. Other 4 times when our guys were largely healthy-we won a title, & made another WCF in the bubble. Worst they did was TWICE getting to game 7 of 2nd round-losing 20pt,2nd half lead to Minny last yr,& missed WCF by seconds vs Portland in '19. Nugs are about 5 or 6 pts away in 2 game 7s from playing in 4 straight WCFs-when Murray,& MPJ were available to play-if that makes sense.I get it wasnt the exact same team,& we have lost pieces but Jokic,Murray,MPJ,AG,& Braun to lesser degree-were here for all or most of that. And for all his playoff failures-Rus has played in an NBA Finals. And when you have the best player on the planet still-you ALWAYS have a shot!

[@blankeon6613]

Jokic is the best on-ball playmaker in the league and Westbrook one of the best off-ball players, especially at cutting and correct movement. They are a deadlier duo than Jokic and Murray, cause Jokic is always looking for a cutting player to pass to.

[@slimfingas904]

Stooping at 10:54: Russ once is in the position he has to be in, before he was the heroball 1.st option and he didn t fit. Now he is in a Position where he s with one on the same page. Imagine a Jokic / Westbrook pair with both in their prime..... I think Russ is for once in the place where he should b, with another helping teammate. So he doesn t have the load. Now look at the other "pass first" teammate he had on the Lakers. Didn t work out that well

[@chaoslord6957]

The problem with Westbrook's other teams is that they're expecting him to still takeover games like he did during his prime

[@Tigerz16]

Hey Alex was that a blocking foul or a charge on that Isiah joe and Russ clip

[@arisplugis5197]

Westbrook is a happy smiling like a saved pappy.

[@pedestrianne]

it'll change come playoff time. russ needs the undisputed 9th greatest of all time king james! we praise his name and we pray to him every night. he is my king and yours too.

[@racimegacar]

Imagine if Denver have 2 more shooters...it would be brutal dominance! Jokic would have 15 as per game...

[@RamoncitoMatias]

westbrook should continue offball and cutting more utilize his speed he's more dangeroes when he's moving without the ball not a spot up shooter they make him in lakers.

[@Ram-b1f2v]

Westbrook cutting more efficiently

[@jackjackthompson5771]

Jokic can even make russ playable 😂 what a G!

[@TYforKY]

Well, you said it yourself, he's been relatively invisible for the past 4 years... You think he didn't do any healing during all that time off? He's probably in the best healthy shape that he has been in since just before coming into the NBA...

[@galaxyvita2045]

They should trade Murray and get 2 quality pieces for him, that would make them a lock in for the western conference finals.

[@joshuagarcia3499]

We do this every year where russ plays bad in the post season, everyone shits on him and calls him washed, he plays well in regular season and turns into mr triple double again, everyone says how wrong people were about russ, then he plays bad in the post season and it starts again. The only time this didnt happen was when he was on the lakers because the roster was built by LeBron just picking players he thinks are good without any regard for roster construction needs like spacing, availability, money, or synergy.

[@vulkanac47]

i think (hope) that not being close to number 1 option will help in post too. i personally never liked him cause i always thought he plays selfishly, stat paddler as fat Perkins would say, now he seems over it, even saying when u play with best player bla bla. now i have a feeling i said a lot without saying anything dunno. love joker, don't like russ, but still would like if russ gets ring

[@S3verusMyG]

LeBadGM

[@andrewgacutan7335]

Jokic is the Alpine Goat

[@alvin081988]

Did Denver really unlocked him or they just let him play his Basketball since they don't really have an Athletic Player that can attack the rim via off the ball and at the same time Denver doesn't have that Ball dominant Player

[@hightide7662]

Jokic allows everyone to play to their strengths no matter what they are. He truly makes them better unlike LeBron who will turn you into Tony snell no matter who or what your game is

[@charlestutorialtv7746]

Its cracy i dont hear about aaron gordon just now hahaha

[@ivangoran4461]

I liked this video, just there is no easy high arch shot.

[@rob.parsnips]

Man he better not go back to the bench, he and Jokic need as many minutes together as possible. Put Braun on the bench.

[@cheap272]

basketmball

[@AlexHoops]

basketmball

[@artos607]

Basketmball

[@vin8754]

basketmball

[@cheap272]

@ basketmball

[@MidKick54]

you mean "JOKIC unlocked RUSSELL WESTBROOK".

[@randomdDeaths14]

Westbrook has always been a really good off the ball player, he just never had the right teammate for it outside of the big three 3 OKC

[@guybartlett9587]

2nd best player on the team

[@Shkivilee]

Растко Вестић Брукић

[@Balunliinfi]

I hope RW will not TAKE A JUMP SHOT SPECIALLY when the game is on the line😅

[@maximillianschauer1439]

Now if only he can adjust to his declining athleticism on those short, missed or rimmed out layups. You know the ones.

[@fresnoniiji]

Its simple they paired him with a big who can shoot the rest is automatic

[@artworthi]

Glazers unlock KZbin Engagement Farm a la Westbrook

[@AlexHoops]

I’m a Thunder fan, you’re smoking the finest crack if you don’t think I’ve been glazing Westbrook for a long time

[@Joeman_Joeman]

I hope Russ gets that ring

[@lawbinson]

Could he have played like this with Lebron?

[@shorewall]

If Lebron played like Joker, sure. They wanted Russ to be a spot up shooter, just like Bosh and Love before him.

[@lymphomasurvive]

LBJ makes players worse.

[@Ram-b1f2v]

Bottom-line Lebron James is the toxic teammates you don't wanna play with

[@Tunechi_ball]

He's not doing anything he hasn't done before ecsept win the chip....

[@rb9888]

they can't win the title with jamal murray as their 2nd best paid player. booth has killed the nuggets

[@dragroch5536]

This "career resurgence" is a delusional thought. The only difference has been that Russ has a legitimate lethal playmaker to support him while he is still prone to turnovers with subpar efficiency.