Russell Westbrook gave his game-worn jersey to a fan who traveled all the way from South Korea to watch him play after the Nuggets' win vs. the Kings.
Westbrook went for 25 points, two steals, two blocks and a corner three with 1:28 to go that doubled Denver’s lead. Sacramento did not go quietly — Zach LaVine answered 20 seconds later to creep back within one score — but the Nuggets made the stops and free throws necessary to escape.
Russell Westbrook has had a rocky relationship with fans throughout his 17-year NBA career. Westbrook spent the first 11 years of his career with the Oklahoma
The frustration comes after the Kings put together one of their best defensive efforts in recent memory. They created a unique game plan to slow three-time MVP Nikola Jokic, using forwards Keegan Murray and Jake LaRavia to guard the 6-foot-11 center, while Jonas Valanciunas clogged the lane to prevent drivers to the basket.
The Kings jumped out to a 13-point lead after the first quarter and took a 10-point lead into halftime. Denver shot just 40.9% in the first half. But the Nuggets rallied back, cutting to lead to lead to 4 late in the third quarter.
Russell Westbrook scored 25 points, Nikola Jokic added 22 points and 15 rebounds and the host Denver Nuggets rallied to beat the Sacramento Kings 116-110 on Wednesday.
The Nuggets’ coach and his generational star, who spent much of Wednesday’s win over Sacramento frustrated with the officiating, said a lot by hardly saying anything at all.
The Sacramento Kings had big nights from DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine, but fall in a battle to the Denver Nuggets 110-116.