The Denver Nuggets faced a tough defeat in Game 5 against the Oklahoma City Thunder, falling 112-105. As the dust settled on the court, Aaron Gordon turned his focus away from the loss and instead addressed what he felt was a misrepresentation of his teammate, Russell Westbrook, in a recent ESPN article.
Gordon didn’t hold back when discussing the piece, which he labeled as both “arbitrary” and “pointless.” He made it clear that he believes Westbrook’s contributions to the team cannot be overstated. “Russ is one of the most talented basketball players that has ever played the game of basketball,” Gordon insisted during a post-game interview with Vic Lombardi of AltitudeTV. “Quite frankly, he’s been great for us all year long. We’re brothers. We spend more time with our team than we do with our own family.”
This article from ESPN generated tension by detailing a locker room confrontation between Gordon and Westbrook after Game 2 of Denver’s first-round series against the Los Angeles Clippers. Reportedly, Gordon had challenged Westbrook about his attitude, with one unnamed teammate commenting on Westbrook’s perceived immaturity. The article painted Westbrook in a dual light, highlighting times when he was a game-changer for the Nuggets while also suggesting he could be a liability. It quoted another unnamed player who indicated that Westbrook has, at times, “changed the entire vibe and spirit of our team.”
While Westbrook’s time in Denver has undoubtedly included its fair share of ups and downs, Gordon wants to clarify that these discussions are simply a part of any team’s dynamic. “Of course, there are going to be disagreements. But that conversation wasn’t for anybody other than our own group and the internal workings of our locker room,” he emphasized. “That article is just so arbitrary and so far from the truth. Russ has been amazing for us.”
As the Nuggets stare down the possibility of elimination with Game 6 looming in Denver, Gordon remains confident in Westbrook’s ability to elevate his game when it matters most. “He’s going to continue to be great for us and gonna make a huge impact,” Gordon asserted. “He’s gonna help us win these next two games.”
The Nuggets have a challenging road ahead, but with Gordon’s strong support for his teammate, it looks like they’re ready to tackle it head-on. The stakes are high, and every player knows the importance of coming together as a unified front on the path to advancing in the playoffs.
