Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault understands his group and followers’ allegiance to Denver Nuggets veteran Russell Westbrook. Many predict a detailed sequence between the Thunder and Nuggets, a sequence headlined by the NBA’s main MVP candidates, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic. Nevertheless, the depth of Oklahoma Metropolis and Denver’s supporting solid might swing the sequence both method. And whereas Westbrook’s homecoming undoubtedly provides a sentimental wrinkle, he additionally leads the Nuggets’ bench manufacturing as their sixth man.
Daigneault addressed Westbrook forward of Monday’s Sport 1.
“He is come again many instances through the years. So, we have performed towards him so much,” Daigneault mentioned. “We have performed towards him for 5 seasons. So, that is nothing new. However we perceive the connection he has to the group, the fanbase, all people right here. And the connection they’ve with him. He is an unbelievable philanthropist locally. It is a place that he actually resonates with and a spot that resonates with him. However when the ball goes up within the air, he’ll be able to compete for Denver. We’ll be able to compete for Oklahoma Metropolis.”
After scoring 21 factors on 8-of-15 makes an attempt in Sport 6, Westbrook led the Nuggets’ bench with 16 factors on 5-of-9 taking pictures in Sport 7 towards the Los Angeles Clippers.
“He shot it very well in that sequence. He actually made them pay for the best way they guarded. He was prepared to fireplace these photographs, and he shot it actually effectively,” Daigneault mentioned. “Credit score to him for that. He all the time brings nice power and competitiveness to the sport, particularly when he is off the bench. It’s important to account for the truth that he will come into the sport able to rock.”
Mark Daigneault on Russell Westbrook’s impression vs. Thunder
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After 5 seasons, Nuggets veteran Russell Westbrook nonetheless respects the Thunder to this present day. Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault discovered about Westbrook’s impression with the Nuggets the onerous method in a 124-122 loss on November 6.
“I believed the second time we performed them in Denver, he modified that sport towards us,” Daigneault mentioned. “He went within the sport, and he actually elevated their power. We had a lead early in that one, and I believed he was one of many the reason why they got here again in that sport.”
Westbrook completed one in every of his higher video games of the common season with 29 factors, six rebounds, and 6 assists in a two-point win towards his former workforce. The Thunder coughed up a 16-point lead.