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Nikola Jokic Makes Russell Westbrook Statement After Nuggets-Clippers

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | Last updated Apr 19, 2025 10:33 PM ET

Russell Westbrook was brilliant on Saturday afternoon.

Like normal, it was chaos late when the all-time guard was closing out the Denver Nuggets' win over the LA Clippers in Game 1 of the first round.

To set the tone for a seven-game series, the Clippers forced overtime in Denver as the two sides had high effort and energy for the 53 minutes played on the hardwood.

The difference for the Nuggets? Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray's supporting cast. The trio of Russell Westbrook, Aaron Gordon and Christian Braun were big in helping the squad close out the game.

Nuggets interim head coach David Adelman addressed such after the game, too.

"We won this game defensively, with timely shots from guys who are not named Jamal or Nikola," Adelman said.

Westbrook, in particular, nailed a pivotal 3-pointer late in regulation to give the Nuggets a late lead. James Harden, of course, would force overtime by finishing a runner.

Late in overtime, the legendary guard recognized the Clippers' inbounds play, intercepting a pass and forcing a turnover.

The former MVP was pivotal in the club's Game 1 win, needless to say.

Jokic makes Westbrook statement

Was the game big for Westbrook's confidence? Jokic answers that question simply: the all-time guard needs no help in that department.

“His confidence? I think he has the biggest confidence in this matchup," Jokic said.

Nikola Jokić asked if G1 can help boost Westbrook’s confidence:

“His confidence? I think he has the biggest confidence in this matchup.”
— Brendan Vogt (@BrendanVogt) April 19, 2025

This is how Westbrook approaches any appearance on the hardwood, and that's heightened considering the noise around him at all times, combined with facing his former squad.

If the Nuggets can get sustained winning plays from Westbrook, they can afford Michael Porter Jr.'s struggles, assuming Jokic and Murray are as brilliant as they typically are in the playoffs.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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