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Russell Westbrook referred to as Nikola Jokić by NBA fans, Nuggets lose to Thunder | News, results, highlights, statistics and rumors
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Russell Westbrook referred to as Nikola Jokić by NBA fans, Nuggets lose to Thunder | News, results, highlights, statistics and rumors

DENVER, CO - OCTOBER 24: Russell Westbrook #4 of the Denver Nuggets plays defense during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on October 24, 2024 at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is agreeing to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Bart Young/NBAE via Getty Images)

Bart Young/NBAE via Getty Images

Russell Westbrook's debut for the Denver Nuggets didn't go well on Thursday, as the nine-time All-Star guard shot just 2 of 10 (1 of 6 from three) and scored six points in a 102-87 loss to the Denver Nuggets The Oklahoma City Thunder suffered a home defeat.

OKC outscored Denver by 24 points in Westbrook's 21 minutes. He also stuffed the stat sheet in other categories, collecting five assists, five rebounds, two blocks and one steal.

But this was a brutal night for the Denver reserves, who were no match for the Thunder's potent second unit. Of note, Thunder guard Alex Caruso scored a plus-19 despite zero points and Aaron Wiggins scored 15 points on 7 of 9 shooting.

Of course, Denver's loss goes far beyond Westbrook's problems. OKC guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander edged out of the MVP race with 28 points, eight assists, seven rebounds, three blocks and three steals. And Thunder center Chet Holmgren is making the leap to stardom with 25 points, 14 rebounds, five assists, four blocks and two steals.

The Thunder defense also played great, holding Denver to 35.4 percent shooting and 7 of 39 from three.

Additionally, all five Nugget starters scored in double figures, but none scored more than 16 points. Reigning NBA MVP Nikola Jokic achieved another triple-double (16 points, 13 assists, 12 rebounds). But the offense just wasn't productive.

Westbrook joined Denver last offseason on a two-year, $6.8 million contract and is expected to be a key part of the second unit. The reserves needed a boost after starter Kentavious Caldwell-Pope left for the Orlando Magic in free agency and Christian Braun was elevated to the starting lineup.

Therefore, Westbrook is expected to play a key role on this team. The first night didn't go well, but it's a long season and he and the Nuggets have time to turn things around.

Until then, fans took to social media to express their opinions on Westbrook's performance against his old team.

Dave Giovanazzi @SF_DavidGio

Thunder ended the 1st quarter on a 21-6 run after Russell Westbrook checked in his first 6 minutes as a Nugget.
You can't make it up lol

Denver will look to bounce back when it hosts the Los Angeles Clippers on Saturday at 5:00 p.m. ET.

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