It was an impressive game for both Jamal Murray and Russell Westbrook. Murray’s return clearly made an immediate impact with his 28 points, six assists, and four rebounds, showing he’s back in form after missing a few games due to concussion protocol. Meanwhile, Westbrook’s adaptability was on full display.
Though he returned to the bench, he maintained his influence on the game, recording 10 assists and continuing his defensive intensity. His milestone of 18 career games with 10+ assists off the bench—surpassing Earl
Watson—is a testament to his playmaking longevity, especially remarkable considering he’s played far fewer games off the bench than Watson did.
Westbrook’s ability to adjust to different roles as needed—whether as a scorer, playmaker, or defender—is something we don’t often see in a 17-year veteran. His averages as a starter this season show he can still fill up the stat sheet at a high level, which adds to his overall versatility.
The Nuggets securing a win against the Heat with such strong performances definitely highlights their depth and adaptability this season.
