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Michael Malone’s Statement on Russell Westbrook Decision Before Nuggets-Pistons
The Denver Nuggets are looking to get back in the win column on Saturday night after falling to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday. That loss to Cleveland came without starting power forward Aaron Gordon who is currently sidelined with a right calf strain.
Nuggets head coach Michael Malone opted for Russell Westbrook in the starting lineup, rather than Peyton Watson who had been starting in Gordon’s absence earlier this season. Denver was 6-1 in Westbrook’s starts prior to Friday’s loss, and the 17-year veteran produced at a very high level in those games, which helped explain Malone’s decision to give him the nod.
Westbrook finished with 11 points, seven assists, four rebounds, and one steal in Friday’s loss to Cleveland.
Malone was asked before Saturday’s game against Detroit about the decision to start Westbrook over Watson, and told reporters, “We’ll see. It’s not written in stone… Russ has been great for us as a starter.”
Michael Malone on starting Russell Westbrook last night and if that’s a permanent move without Aaron Gordon:
“We’ll see. It’s not written in stone…Russ has been great for us as a starter.”
The Nuggets started Peyton Watson in Gordon’s place previously.
— Ryan Blackburn (@NBABlackburn) December 29, 2024
Making his final decision for Saturday night, Malone is sticking with Westbrook in the starting lineup alongside Jamal Murray, Christian Braun, Michael Porter Jr., and Nikola Jokic.
Westbrook has averaged 13.9 points, 8.3 assists, and 5.5 rebounds, and 2.4 steals in his eight starts. The 2017 MVP has also converted on 50% of his field goal attempts as a starter. Denver is now 6-2 in those games entering Saturday.
Starting pic.twitter.com/PzGTwyqST2
— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) December 29, 2024
The Pistons enter Saturday winners of three-straight, and will present a real challenge for the Nuggets.
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Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone recently spoke out about Russell Westbrook’s decision to join the Detroit Pistons, just hours before the two teams were set to face off in a highly anticipated matchup.
In his statement, Malone expressed respect for Westbrook’s decision to join a new team and emphasized the impact that the former MVP can have on any organization. He praised Westbrook’s tenacity and competitiveness, noting that he is a fierce competitor who always gives his all on the court.
Despite Westbrook’s departure from the Washington Wizards, Malone remains focused on his own team and the challenge of facing the Pistons without the star point guard. He expressed confidence in his players and their ability to step up to the challenge, emphasizing the importance of staying focused and executing their game plan.
As the Nuggets prepare to take on the Pistons, Malone’s statement serves as a reminder of the respect and admiration that Westbrook commands in the NBA, and the impact he has on the league as a whole.
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