ESPN is more about sensationalism and personalities crashing on screen than honest sports journalism. To be fair, Russ was good off the bench for the Clippers last year. He's simply been an even better piece for Denver.
It’s not hard when you are in the nba espn are journalist they do not and many have not ever touched a basketball in their life it’s not hard to understand that
@@ivangoran4461 Well, it's gonna be funny being a Laker fan (or let's face it, a Bronsexual cause real Laker fans that have been there before the Bronsexualization of the team know Bron is full of shit) and seeing Russ playing in the NBA Finals as a starter and annihilating defenses along with Jokic... cause right now the two of them with their passing and cutting ability are literally making fun of every NBA defense out there...
Without Westbrook Denver would be a play in team. Chill with the Jokic glaze. They helped each other. Y'all just propagandized by the media. Westbrook was the top 2 player in the playoffs with the clippers. It had everything to do with politics.
@@geekymetalhead5112 If they win a chip then all the Westbrook slander will stop (thank the basketball gods) and Jokic just continues to move up the ranks as one of the best bigs ever, and that much closer to Top 10. If anything winning a 2nd would put him next to Hakeem.
If you think about it, this is not Joker's first time saving someone. AG was suffering with the Magic as their first option and when he went to Denver he drastically improved.
Bruce Brown, AG, KCP, Murray, Westbrook, and a few more.....their careers were either revitalized and or they got paid way more than would have any other teammate besides Joker. Joker is Beethoven, Musk and Einstein of the NBA
Yeah bruh nah. Y'all just keep calling people an afterthought without considering players being in the position to be their best self and instead of owning up to that for once, you'll give OTHERS credit for it. Westbrook or Gordon never were bad players. They needed the right system. Jokic is just the glue between this due to his IQ and full on team ball mentality. Hell Westbrook was literally about as good at the Clippers but everyone was straight silent. The Lakers was simply a bad fit.
Russell Westbrook isn’t being saved … he’s putting up triple doubles … just in a scheme that suits his game. Has nothing to do with Jokić making him “better” he was NEVER a bad player unlike the other guys
Lebron was also like 37. Players at that age generally don't have that kind of team boosting ability anymore. Russ with a prime Lebron would likely have looked impressive, too.
@@kingad8869 yr 1 in playoffs everybody got hurt and he averaged 24 7 7, yr2 the tried to make a spot up…nuggets r using his strengths, Russ is making joker better too, all his stats r up too
@@kingad8869 he was playing well in clippers. The clippers did him dirty in not singing him back tho. The lakers destroyed his reputation and lebron being who he is with that much power would have had westbrook back but he didnt. The lakers started everything.
Go nikola jokic and russell westbrook. I smell asecond ring this yr. Go nuggets nation. F..k lepoop lebalco queen blames. And f..k Adam silver and his nba shitshow experiment of foul putrid abominable explosive diaherehaness.
Lakers: $40million for Westbrook, essentially traded all their young talent. Nuggets, $3million, Westbrook took nothing away. Agree that Jokic is a much greater offensive threat in the paint than James, so he sucks in more defenders more closely than James, and Jokic's extreme height gives him passing angles that James will never have. Those passing angles completely revitalize Westbrook's career. Jokic is, imo, better than Lebron, question is durability, but I think Jokic peak is higher than Lebron peak.
@@jml235 🤦♂️🤪 Dur really you mean a 29 year old still in his prime is better than a 40 year old grandpa at the end of his career 🙄. Did you know when Jordan was playing in Washington there were lots of players better than him at that time?😱🤯
@@jml235 OK? This excuse is so dead in the water 😂 Lakers fans made it CRYSTAL CLEAR that it was Russ, not his contract. If MPJ was gone, or Murray like the entire first 3 months of this season, Russ still looked amazing with Jokic. He looked like shit with bron. Just admit Joker makes his team better and Bron doesn't 😂
Jokic making Westbrook a high impact starter at age 35 has convinced me he is the best teammate elevator in the NBA. Imagine what he could do if he played with a legit top 5 guard.
@zaytowven1 Id love it if certain players like BI or other players, start saying "Hey Denver, I'll take a pay cut and/or a bench role, but get me on the court with Joker"
@ man that would be crazy if he takes a Paycut next year to play with joker so they can keep MPJ i wish they could trade for him without giving up mpj but that’s hella unlikely
Jokic is definitive proof of how important a good attitude is. To quote Bob Costas on Michael Jordan “Lots of guys are strong and lots of guys have skill but only one man has this level of artistry”. Jokic empowers other players, he’s unselfish, and loves to win. He’s a dying breed that is keeping a competitive mentality alive.
Lebron picking Jokic last in the All-Star selection activated Joker’s “I took that personally” arc against LeBalco. Knowing they scapegoated Westbrook in LA he then asked for Denver to get Rus to flip the narrative against LeFlop, as if saying “Nope, Westbrook is not the problem, it’s YOU and has always been YOU, Mr. self-proclaimed goat.”
@@hfsutsu5sggd75e2 be real bro. When healthy if they keep playing like this, nuggets will sweep the Lakers AGAIN if they meet in the playoffs. Not even hating but lakers are ass bro. Yall barely an 8 seed team
Stats don’t do justice to what Russ has brought to Denver . He has simply reignited a team that was struggling to find its identity . He is a leader and a proper inspiration . Incredible to think some jerk would call him a locker room vampire !
That vampire quote was on point, he only made the mistake of saying the wrong name. He should of called out another drama queen superstar on that team and not Westbrook.
The fact that SGA moved ahead of Jokic in the MVP race is criminal. If Jokic continues through the season as he’s been playing and doesn’t win another MVP, the award will lose it’s meaning
I'm so tired of the NBA MVP politics every year. Just dilute the "MVP" award and give it to the best player on the #1 seed for both the east and the west. The whole "winning matters" over the actual best player in the world narative just means that the best player on the #1 seed got carried to an MVP. That's not an MVP. Switch SGA and Jokic and let see if SGA can carry a team. I know Jokic would only play like 3 quarters of a game if he had OKC team in the west.
people don't learn fundamentals in the US I guess, or they don't care about them. They'd rather learn how to shoot 3s, before even learning how to make a pass.
in football or how you call it socker its named 1-2 pass or double pass you run give a ball to another guy amd keep running and the player gets that ball back to you GIVE AND GO DOUBLLE PASS OR 1-2 simplyest combo UNGARDABLE
It still is man, but implementing that against modern defenses (i know), and coaches gameplanning for it is more difficult than it looks. One thing that Jokic imo is the CLEAR goat at is tight window passes from the wing in. People have been able to do it at an elite level (Nash, Bird, Magic), but nobody has shown the variety and CONSISTENCY with it that Jokic has. All elite passers can drive n kicks, and angle passes out to shooters and the wing, as well as pnr and lobs, etc, but what Jokic can do multiple times, every game, from the elbow in isolation has never been replicated by anyone. Its SPECIAL to watch. Its what really separates him in passing ability imo
@ Name a single non aging player who did not have their career year playing with Jokic. That's my point. My point is NOT that Westbrook is just 'anybody'. You just see hate in anything. If someone comments on a song that the lyrics is beautiful. It does not mean he means the melody isn't. Clear?
@@Young-ep8ik ah, defending Westbrook was not hating on anyone. If it came off that way guess the miscommunication was mutual. Nuggets fan here as I’m sure are you.
Amazing what works when you remove the selfishness of his former situation and put this man with someone who doesn’t blame others for their failures…. Good for Russel!!
Westbrook fit with Jokic because Jokic won’t hesitate to pass the ball. In addition, Westbrook is a lot more active when he don’t have the ball in his hands compared to Murray.
When LeBron was out AD was playing like a dominate big man with Russ setting him up with the two man game get Westbrook a center and that center will average more points he did so wit gafford and Adam’s even Capella too before rockets traded him and Russ became their point center
The LeMedia tried to destroy this guy and blamed him for everything in Lakers, he's gone, the Lakers still suck while he is playing amazing alongside someone who actually makes his teammates better.
Russ in OKC=Playoffs Russ in HOU=Playoffs Russ on Wizards=Playoffs Russ on Lakers = No Playoffs! Russ on Clippers=Playoffs And these bums are trying to tell me Russ was the problem.
I love your channel. Been watching for 2 years now and never commented until now. Watching your upward trajectory unfold has been a joy as your pieces are written and backed with accurate historical context and knowledge of the game, the narratives, meta-narratives, and can distinguish what is true and what isnt about them - your commentary provides real value for me. I also enjoy that you have a sense of humility. Keep up the good work. I am looking forward to watching your future success.
I knew it before their first game. When I heard Nikola saying that Westbrook is great guy off the court, that's all I needed to know. I already knew that Russel Westbrook is an elite player with tons of energy regardless of age. I trusted Nikola's evaluation of Westbrook as a human being. And I'm waiting for the Universe to give this man his ring. I'm laughing all the time at guys surprised by Westbrook playing great basketball. What Jokic saw in Westbrook is himself being more athletic and older.
@@YeaBuDDy840 My favorite player ever is Wilt Chamberlain, his overall appearance and lifestyle. Kobe and Bird are right there also. Westbrook has the quality to be there but only needs a little luck, to get that ring that the universe owes him. Jokic has much more to play so we'll see how well he's gonna rate in years to come.
It’s pretty simple. Just look at Russ in interviews, the way he plays, his mannerisms - he’s having fun again. He’s enjoying playing again. Possibly the first time in a long time.
I think the most fascinating thing about Westbrook on this team is the fact that he is a 36 year old veteran point guard. He grew up and learned how to play basketball in a completely different era. This is the reason he is a phenomenal passer. Post entry passes, slip passes, the guy knows how to read the floor and play the game with the purest of fundamentals. None of the analytics garbage. He is a pure point guard who sets up his entire team for success. It’s like playing pick up with an old head at the Y who just knows ball.
Westbrook IQ is Jokic like, thats why they get along well. When, Westbrook is allowed to be himself, statistically it is proven to benefit his teammates. Russ was balling with the Clippers, until Harden arrived.
Playing hard can win you half your games. When they lost KCP they needed a lead guy to play hard every night since Gordon’s been out. Russ’ biggest strength is unlocking Braun, Watson & Strawther. They look up to him and he gives them confidence. Synergy all around.
@@crackedtv2195 Doesn’t matter, he fulfilled a role. Braun is still developing so he couldn’t fulfill it, but now it’s being fulfilled and they’re getting results, that’s all that matters.
@@crackedtv2195 tf you mean kcp "disappeared"? He was injured. That is not the same as "disappearing." He was a key player up until injuring his ankle in game 5.
Obviously Westbrook isn’t OKC Russ but it’s so nice to see Russ has barely ever lost a step. As a nuggets fan he’s such a breath of fresh air. Because to be completely honest Murray has been our “fire” for a long time, but he just doesn’t have what it takes to be a locker room motivator. Jokic is just jokic. Best player in the world but just isn’t vocal enough to be a leader in the locker room. Russ is Exactly what the team needed, on and off the court. I’ve loved watching Russ since I was a little kid, just so electrifying to watch and he just reminds me of somebody whose not making money playing basketball, what I mean by that is that no matter how much money he’s made on a team, no matter if the team was a true contender or not, no matter if he had help or not. Even in Washington he just leaves it out on the floor every night, not for the money but for the love of the game like somebody who’s playing basketball for fun. Even when he was getting all the hate in LA you could tell he was trying his absolute hardest to fit where he could and I was happy seeing him do well on the clippers and have a resurgence but I’m even happier that he’s now on my team. Go Russ, and go nuggets!
I've never thought it was complicated as to why jokic and westbrook mesh so well. Both are very willing passers, jokic will always see him cutting to the basket. Modern nba dont want to play off ball D during the regular season. Im interested to see how it goes in the playoffs. Side note: id love to see westbrook talk about his diet and training to be elite at 36 yo, hes looking healthy and great, murray needs to hop on his program.
Very happy for Russ. He shut my mouth about his awful play in L.A. Looks like he just needed the right situation, and boy it looks like he found it! Go get 'em Russ!
Bro. Russ literally had Steven Adams looking like a top 30-40 player in the league when Russ was in his prime. He’s been a great pairing with any dominant center. Nicola is basically Steven Adams with actual IQ shooting ability and better hands like wtf😂😂😂 of course they work great together
Why is it so surprising Brodie got so good at cutting when he is playing with Jokic? One of most energetic players ever combined with one of the best passers ever... Westbrook just needed some time to realise playing with Jokic is whole different game.
The facts are Westbrook never lost it.. all those funny reels of him in ESPN and first take were just them following an agenda. He’s always been a dawg and triple double king he’s just appreciated now and a Smart player like Jokic clocked that. Credit to both
The Nuggets are now 14-4 when Russ is in the starting lineup (10-11 when he’s not). It is basically beyond argument that he makes the Nuggets better when he starts.
Russ is just happy playing man! And Joker is the same way. They both have the same kind of motor in two completely different types of bodies and personalities but it’s the motors that people not understanding…
As a long time westbrook fan who is wearing an okc westbrook jersey at this very moment, I am SOOO happy to see him succeeding again. I always hated the lakers fans who called him washed and that he was bad. His defense, passing, and ball handling are all still VERY servicable. He just needed to be on a team that complimented his skillset.
It took ‘em about 15 games to sort out how to play Russ, not too bad. And now, with the injuries nearly gone, they can gain some serious momentum. Second half of the season promises to be interesting.
The reason IMO Russ is so unique and effective is that he is a Slasher first and a PG second. Too many guys just stand around waiting to shoot. This is why he gets so many triple doubles.
@@ElviejonIvan well Bos/Clev would mean they made it to the finals....OKC is a tough draw, but Den I think will pick up JClarkson and someone else for the stretch run, I still think RW gets certified in June. Cleve wont be there. Backcourt is too small and DM ALWAYS pulls his hammy down the stretch.
@@ElviejonIvan thats what certified means....I think Den will pick up JClarkson and or some other vet for stretch run....and RW gets certified this Summer I hope it will be another slap to LeDiddy James!
As usual another terrific analysis of the game. It is just beautiful to watch the game played in its purest form by these 2 brilliant players. Westbrooks movement without the ball is simply mesmerising. Now how do we get the other 29 teams to play like this so as I can watch it again?
They work perfectly because Joker is big and slow and Russ is lean and fast and it compliments each other. When Joker needs speed he ditches it out to Russ. When Russ needs star status he ditches out instead of forcing up bad shots like Steph Curry does.
Two things: 1. A lot of Westbrook fans are acting like his current success proves that all of his haters were wrong. Most of Westbrook's critics just wanted him to do exactly what he's doing now: operate within the team, primarily as a complimentary scorer and playmaker. 2. Westbrook gets credit for making the transition. A lot of ball-dominant "franchise players" refuse to adapt or evolve and accept that secondary role, and it usually costs them their career. Credit Jokic, too; his unselfish play gives even the most stubborn "number one" guys permission to sublimate to the team.
@@SutekhDaSteemroller No, he’s better than both. He can pass out of doubles from anywhere on the court and make full court passes with just his wrist. Those you listed aren’t on that level
Looks like what Bird used to do...attract the double/triple and find the guy cutting to the basket. I love seeing this type of ball again...even the quick passes back and forth to each other as the defense tries to readjust.
The difference between him and Iverson is that Iverson was not a team player. He did not want to come off the bench and refused to adapt. Now Westbrook on the other hand has taken it in stride, and it started with the Lakers just before he got traded
Closest thing to compare to this is Rodman going to Chicago and looking greater than he did all his other post-Detroit years. Not even The Last Dance claims Jordan gets all the credit, but Rodman was given a chance to succeed and Phil and Jordan knew how to bring out his best and let him play HIS role.
The fact that basketball has become so awful that when someone cuts to the basket with actual intent, and then ACTUALLY GETS THE BALL it's like no one has ever seen it before😂😂
Jamal doesn't need to come off the bench. Last night he was.on fire. I like them in the backcourt together you have 3 great playmaker in the starting lineup
Game knows game. Jokic is a genius, he sees an MVP from 7 years ago, and even if he's only 60% as good now, that'll work. Lebron had Westbrook but he wants all the glory, no care about winning. AD should be screaming for a trade.
I really like watching those two guys play (Joker and Westbrook). It reminds me how easy basketball can be when a team has a passer and energetic player (cutter) like Westbrook.
It's also probably the first time in Joker's career that he's playing with a true, capable PG. Murray simple isn't PG but a SG and never will be. He can't lead the team, he can't call the actions. Russ has his own flaws (as everyone) but he knows how to run a point and can take the pressure off Jokić. It's not a coincidence he has career high numbers this year.
This is the answer to those that say Lebron can play team ball, but is forced to play iso-ball. He is a slow down, central ball handler driving and pitching out to a shooter kind of guy. Jokic will show you what team ball really is. No central player, minimal dribbling, continual movement including cutting, until that ball moves itself into the hoop.
No Jamal is not on the bench. One thing that’s been working is Russ is taking a lot of ball handling pressure off Jamal to be fresh down the stretch of games. And it’s working. The two man game of Russ and joker is dominating so much that it’s opening up shots for Jamal. And then Jamal goes and has a game like last night. Chefs kiss 🤌🏼
Jokic deserves MVP because he makes other players better, if needed he can do 50pts 5 games in a row, if needed some player to get more engaged or it have good game, he can accommodate and take 5 shoots whole night. That's unique and I've never saw that ever. Engaging Russ is only another fact in that direction.
That's the problem when any star player's weakness is exposed and then his teammate, instead of having his back, stabs him in the back instead. Westbrook was asked to do things on the Lakers that didn't play up to his strengths, and typical with the LeMedia, he was the first in line to be blamed for any problems. It didn't help that he took the criticism poorly at first, and his emotional outbursts played into tarnishing his image further. He's still the same player, but playing with Jokic, who genuinely looks out for his teammates, and with a coaching staff that has realistic expectations, he has improved the way he is approaching the game. I think both Murray and Westbrook should start, but Murray will be moved to shooting guard, and it will depend whether both of them or one of the other guys will finish the game.
Russ himself said it best (paraphrasibg) "Jokic is the best player in the world. He makes the game easy for the whole team. Im just trying to make the game a little easier for him."
This video was clearly made before second game in Dallas. The slap on Murray woke him up, scoring 45 points, 32 in first half. If Murray is truly back, along with Gordon back from injury and joining Russ and Joker, it won’t be long before Nuggets are knocking the door down for 2nd seed in the West.
Joker knows more ball than ESPN who knew
ESPN is more about sensationalism and personalities crashing on screen than honest sports journalism.
To be fair, Russ was good off the bench for the Clippers last year. He's simply been an even better piece for Denver.
@@J-Hue Russ was great for the Clippers until they brought in Harden and took his spot.
My dog knows more ball than ESPN
Who will think ESPN knows ball...
It’s not hard when you are in the nba espn are journalist they do not and many have not ever touched a basketball in their life it’s not hard to understand that
Jokic said "you dont know ball, get me Russ" and its been a season saver
Jokic knows the Universe is owing a ring to Russ.
Thank you Joker for helping Russ shut the dumb Laker fans up
@@ivangoran4461 Well, it's gonna be funny being a Laker fan (or let's face it, a Bronsexual cause real Laker fans that have been there before the Bronsexualization of the team know Bron is full of shit) and seeing Russ playing in the NBA Finals as a starter and annihilating defenses along with Jokic... cause right now the two of them with their passing and cutting ability are literally making fun of every NBA defense out there...
@@ivangoran4461hopefully when shit hits the fan, russ dont get scape goated. Kinda exhausting to see this narrative
Jokic is a real life 2k14 (last good game) mycareer on all-star difficulty.
Rescue Westbrook's career should add like 1000 points to Jokic's MVP narrative
Hypothetical take: If Joker gets russ a ring, it's gonna add more to both of their all time greatness status.
Without Westbrook Denver would be a play in team.
Chill with the Jokic glaze. They helped each other.
Y'all just propagandized by the media.
Westbrook was the top 2 player in the playoffs with the clippers.
It had everything to do with politics.
@@geekymetalhead5112 If they win a chip then all the Westbrook slander will stop (thank the basketball gods) and Jokic just continues to move up the ranks as one of the best bigs ever, and that much closer to Top 10. If anything winning a 2nd would put him next to Hakeem.
@@geekymetalhead5112 Bro, Jokic knows the Universe is owing a ring to Russel Westbrook. He is just capitalizing on it. Russ is gonna get Joker a ring.
cavs and thunder looking kinda strong tho its gonna be very hard to win vs those.
Joker has exposed ESPN for years lol he owns those clowns
Facts 💯
It’s easy when there are puppets on ESPN using a script to talk basketball.
It s easy when you stat padding !
If you think about it, this is not Joker's first time saving someone. AG was suffering with the Magic as their first option and when he went to Denver he drastically improved.
Bruce Brown, AG, KCP, Murray, Westbrook, and a few more.....their careers were either revitalized and or they got paid way more than would have any other teammate besides Joker. Joker is Beethoven, Musk and Einstein of the NBA
Yeah bruh nah. Y'all just keep calling people an afterthought without considering players being in the position to be their best self and instead of owning up to that for once, you'll give OTHERS credit for it.
Westbrook or Gordon never were bad players. They needed the right system. Jokic is just the glue between this due to his IQ and full on team ball mentality.
Hell Westbrook was literally about as good at the Clippers but everyone was straight silent. The Lakers was simply a bad fit.
@@mja4wp 🗣🗣🗣F-F-F-F-F-FAAAAAACTSSSS 🔥🔥🔥💯💯💯
Yes. Jokic and Coach Malone. They know how put people in position to win.
Russell Westbrook isn’t being saved … he’s putting up triple doubles … just in a scheme that suits his game. Has nothing to do with Jokić making him “better” he was NEVER a bad player unlike the other guys
In many ways Russ' success with Denver is an indictment against the notion that LeBron makes his teammates better.
The biggest lie ever told was that LeBron makes his teammates better
Damn right. I never understand how turning super star like Bosh or Love into glorified role player is “make his teammates better”
Lebron was also like 37. Players at that age generally don't have that kind of team boosting ability anymore. Russ with a prime Lebron would likely have looked impressive, too.
exactly. The vampire is still in the Lakers locker room, and his name is James.
Lebron makes you play Bron ball, Westbrook says cut and I’ll pass you the ball, big difference.
Lebron almost destroyed westbrook career bro.
So the Clippers didn't happen?
No the clippers didn't revive his career. Nikola jokic of the nuggets did . Capice!!!!!!.
@@kingad8869 yr 1 in playoffs everybody got hurt and he averaged 24 7 7, yr2 the tried to make a spot up…nuggets r using his strengths, Russ is making joker better too, all his stats r up too
@@kingad8869 he was playing well in clippers. The clippers did him dirty in not singing him back tho. The lakers destroyed his reputation and lebron being who he is with that much power would have had westbrook back but he didnt. The lakers started everything.
Go nikola jokic and russell westbrook. I smell asecond ring this yr. Go nuggets nation. F..k lepoop lebalco queen blames. And f..k Adam silver and his nba shitshow experiment of foul putrid abominable explosive diaherehaness.
this is what you call “making your teammates better”
🎯 BINGO
Jokic is MOTBP = “Making own teammates better” player
LeBlame James: Hold my beer
😆
but ESPN told me for decades LeBron makes all his teammates better!!!
@@Gurenn83*drops it* Dude! You didn't hold my beer!
LeBron: scapegoat and blame Russ
Joker: utilize his strengths and make everyone better
Lakers: $40million for Westbrook, essentially traded all their young talent. Nuggets, $3million, Westbrook took nothing away.
Agree that Jokic is a much greater offensive threat in the paint than James, so he sucks in more defenders more closely than James, and Jokic's extreme height gives him passing angles that James will never have. Those passing angles completely revitalize Westbrook's career.
Jokic is, imo, better than Lebron, question is durability, but I think Jokic peak is higher than Lebron peak.
@@jml235 🤦♂️🤪 Dur really you mean a 29 year old still in his prime is better than a 40 year old grandpa at the end of his career 🙄.
Did you know when Jordan was playing in Washington there were lots of players better than him at that time?😱🤯
@@jml235 OK? This excuse is so dead in the water 😂 Lakers fans made it CRYSTAL CLEAR that it was Russ, not his contract. If MPJ was gone, or Murray like the entire first 3 months of this season, Russ still looked amazing with Jokic. He looked like shit with bron. Just admit Joker makes his team better and Bron doesn't 😂
Lebum never had a year that he was the best player in the league. He only has 2 MVP awards and those both shoulda been kobes MVP @@imsljr420
@@ELGUAPOIV
Lebron said nothing bad about Westbrook. Y'all want to blame him for what the media said.
Jokic making Westbrook a high impact starter at age 35 has convinced me he is the best teammate elevator in the NBA.
Imagine what he could do if he played with a legit top 5 guard.
Imagine Denver Trades for BI
Murray is paid like a top 5 but he’s not even top 10
@zaytowven1 Id love it if certain players like BI or other players, start saying "Hey Denver, I'll take a pay cut and/or a bench role, but get me on the court with Joker"
@ man that would be crazy if he takes a Paycut next year to play with joker so they can keep MPJ i wish they could trade for him without giving up mpj but that’s hella unlikely
@@kman9884I don't think Jamal is in the top 50.
Jokic is definitive proof of how important a good attitude is. To quote Bob Costas on Michael Jordan “Lots of guys are strong and lots of guys have skill but only one man has this level of artistry”.
Jokic empowers other players, he’s unselfish, and loves to win. He’s a dying breed that is keeping a competitive mentality alive.
Let's not forget, his horses are just as high a priority.
@fobinc dunno.... I think he loves his horses more.
As a Jokic fan I am simply sad that Russ did not join the Nuggets earlier.
Prime Russ + Prime Jokic is something I would really like to see
That would be an easy 3 rings
I think Russ’s experience with lakers humbled him a bit. This is the right time for Him to join
Lebron picking Jokic last in the All-Star selection activated Joker’s “I took that personally” arc against LeBalco. Knowing they scapegoated Westbrook in LA he then asked for Denver to get Rus to flip the narrative against LeFlop, as if saying “Nope, Westbrook is not the problem, it’s YOU and has always been YOU, Mr. self-proclaimed goat.”
We’ll see when they’re out in the first round😂
I always love people that know what a person thinks and driver. @ericb31 really knows Jokic. He can read his mind.
🎯
@@hfsutsu5sggd75e2 be real bro. When healthy if they keep playing like this, nuggets will sweep the Lakers AGAIN if they meet in the playoffs. Not even hating but lakers are ass bro. Yall barely an 8 seed team
@@hfsutsu5sggd75e2You just laughed at your own dumb comment. Wow that was soo funny
Stats don’t do justice to what Russ has brought to Denver . He has simply reignited a team that was struggling to find its identity . He is a leader and a proper inspiration . Incredible to think some jerk would call him a locker room vampire !
That vampire quote was on point, he only made the mistake of saying the wrong name. He should of called out another drama queen superstar on that team and not Westbrook.
All denver needed was someone other than jokic to be a pro level player.
So yeah, you're just looking at numbers on a piece of paper. Russ did good no doubt, but that's because Denver works as a team.
On LePetty could've invented such a horrible quote to scapegoat Brodie, glad he's doing so much better with Denver!
The fact that SGA moved ahead of Jokic in the MVP race is criminal. If Jokic continues through the season as he’s been playing and doesn’t win another MVP, the award will lose it’s meaning
Some will argue it lost it's meaning when crybaby Joel stole it from him.
@@LiveLongAndProsperHonestlyfacts
And also tbh I’m not mad if sga gets mvp
SGA is OK, mate.. he not begging like joel...
I'm so tired of the NBA MVP politics every year. Just dilute the "MVP" award and give it to the best player on the #1 seed for both the east and the west. The whole "winning matters" over the actual best player in the world narative just means that the best player on the #1 seed got carried to an MVP. That's not an MVP. Switch SGA and Jokic and let see if SGA can carry a team. I know Jokic would only play like 3 quarters of a game if he had OKC team in the west.
Joker being one of the all time greats. When you can bring a player back alive and rebirth their career, your a special type of generational player.
Joker IQ > LeQuitness
Lol "we are all quitnesses"
The give and go ...something was taught in elementary school in the 80"s
Yes it's pretty sad that the fundamentals are being lost nowadays in favor or 50 dribble iso's into a step back three
people don't learn fundamentals in the US I guess, or they don't care about them.
They'd rather learn how to shoot 3s, before even learning how to make a pass.
in football or how you call it socker its named 1-2 pass
or double pass
you run give a ball to another guy amd keep running and the player gets that ball back to you
GIVE AND GO
DOUBLLE PASS OR 1-2
simplyest combo UNGARDABLE
fundamentals are a lost thing in sports nowadays. players simply outplay opponents with pure athleticism.
It still is man, but implementing that against modern defenses (i know), and coaches gameplanning for it is more difficult than it looks. One thing that Jokic imo is the CLEAR goat at is tight window passes from the wing in. People have been able to do it at an elite level (Nash, Bird, Magic), but nobody has shown the variety and CONSISTENCY with it that Jokic has. All elite passers can drive n kicks, and angle passes out to shooters and the wing, as well as pnr and lobs, etc, but what Jokic can do multiple times, every game, from the elbow in isolation has never been replicated by anyone. Its SPECIAL to watch. Its what really separates him in passing ability imo
So far Jokic & Westbrook is match made in heaven. Glad to see it.
Watching them play together has been so much fun
Jokic and anyone look like match made in heaven tbf.
@@Young-ep8ikWestbrook is a phenomenal player he’s not just “anybody.”
@ Name a single non aging player who did not have their career year playing with Jokic. That's my point. My point is NOT that Westbrook is just 'anybody'.
You just see hate in anything. If someone comments on a song that the lyrics is beautiful. It does not mean he means the melody isn't. Clear?
@@Young-ep8ik ah, defending Westbrook was not hating on anyone. If it came off that way guess the miscommunication was mutual. Nuggets fan here as I’m sure are you.
This just showing Jokic brilliance and his vision,biggest basketball IQ easily
1:00 The vampire that needs to be removed is LeFraud not Westbrook
Imagine calling westbrook a vampire when literally every person who has ever played with him says he the best teamate in and out of the lockeroom.
@@TheBloves13Durant, George, Harden, and Beasely's game did not suffer whilst playing with Westbrook.
Great point. If Westbrook is a vampire, what does that make Bron?
A victim, he is always the victim. Liked him years ago, after how he treated Westbrook made me see thru the BS @@williamscobey6073
Man come on Lebrown is not a fraud he is the best ever, it's just people need to understand that Joker is even behind that 😅
A superstar that makes his teammates better ?
LeBron James would never understand that concept lol. He's the reason Westbrook's career got derailed.
Amazing what works when you remove the selfishness of his former situation and put this man with someone who doesn’t blame others for their failures…. Good for Russel!!
Russ is also making a lot less money and didn’t cost big pieces to trade for
Westbrook fit with Jokic because Jokic won’t hesitate to pass the ball. In addition, Westbrook is a lot more active when he don’t have the ball in his hands compared to Murray.
Jokic has forgotten more about basketball (to make room for key horse knowledge) than ESPN collectively has ever known.
That vampire is still in LA.
Who
The only vampire that ages through time, that even the Balco cannot reverse.
James. Two of them.
@@retrictumrectus1010 hater
The issue with Russ & other guards in LA is LBJ. By making LBJ play pg you’re forcing the true pg out of his game & position. LBJ is a SF.
he is point forward, he nevers a PG
The problem isn't even russ tbh. It's the lack of spacing that hum and lbj on the same floor with created.
@@pp-vf8ls Point Forward is a description, not a position. Lots of great passers played SF, but they didn’t have to take the PG’s position to do it.
+ every guard is relegated to a catch and shoot shooter and Russ is terrible at that
When LeBron was out AD was playing like a dominate big man with Russ setting him up with the two man game get Westbrook a center and that center will average more points he did so wit gafford and Adam’s even Capella too before rockets traded him and Russ became their point center
The LeMedia tried to destroy this guy and blamed him for everything in Lakers, he's gone, the Lakers still suck while he is playing amazing alongside someone who actually makes his teammates better.
Russ in OKC=Playoffs
Russ in HOU=Playoffs
Russ on Wizards=Playoffs
Russ on Lakers = No Playoffs!
Russ on Clippers=Playoffs
And these bums are trying to tell me Russ was the problem.
screen it: Russ on Denver=Champion!!!
He’s so versatile and can impact winning so many different ways. Great signing, now let’s get Brodie a ring 💪 💍
I love your channel. Been watching for 2 years now and never commented until now. Watching your upward trajectory unfold has been a joy as your pieces are written and backed with accurate historical context and knowledge of the game, the narratives, meta-narratives, and can distinguish what is true and what isnt about them - your commentary provides real value for me. I also enjoy that you have a sense of humility. Keep up the good work. I am looking forward to watching your future success.
I knew it before their first game. When I heard Nikola saying that Westbrook is great guy off the court, that's all I needed to know. I already knew that Russel Westbrook is an elite player with tons of energy regardless of age. I trusted Nikola's evaluation of Westbrook as a human being. And I'm waiting for the Universe to give this man his ring. I'm laughing all the time at guys surprised by Westbrook playing great basketball. What Jokic saw in Westbrook is himself being more athletic and older.
Westbrook is always my #3 behind Kobe and Bird. His energy and love for the game matches there's.
@@YeaBuDDy840 My favorite player ever is Wilt Chamberlain, his overall appearance and lifestyle. Kobe and Bird are right there also. Westbrook has the quality to be there but only needs a little luck, to get that ring that the universe owes him. Jokic has much more to play so we'll see how well he's gonna rate in years to come.
It’s pretty simple. Just look at Russ in interviews, the way he plays, his mannerisms - he’s having fun again. He’s enjoying playing again. Possibly the first time in a long time.
This duo is thr most interesting thing in the NBA right now
Two experienced MVP's who play team ball and know how to complement each other. The chemistry is not surprising. Wish them well.
I think the most fascinating thing about Westbrook on this team is the fact that he is a 36 year old veteran point guard. He grew up and learned how to play basketball in a completely different era. This is the reason he is a phenomenal passer. Post entry passes, slip passes, the guy knows how to read the floor and play the game with the purest of fundamentals. None of the analytics garbage. He is a pure point guard who sets up his entire team for success. It’s like playing pick up with an old head at the Y who just knows ball.
Westbrook IQ is Jokic like, thats why they get along well. When, Westbrook is allowed to be himself, statistically it is proven to benefit his teammates. Russ was balling with the Clippers, until Harden arrived.
Playing hard can win you half your games. When they lost KCP they needed a lead guy to play hard every night since Gordon’s been out. Russ’ biggest strength is unlocking Braun, Watson & Strawther. They look up to him and he gives them confidence. Synergy all around.
I love watching him play with the younger players. Especially him and Watson.
kcp wasn’t good last year
@@crackedtv2195 Doesn’t matter, he fulfilled a role. Braun is still developing so he couldn’t fulfill it, but now it’s being fulfilled and they’re getting results, that’s all that matters.
@ what happened in the wovles series? kcp disappeared that’s why they didn’t resign him
@@crackedtv2195 tf you mean kcp "disappeared"? He was injured. That is not the same as "disappearing." He was a key player up until injuring his ankle in game 5.
Russ plays with Lebron "he's washed" , Russ plays with Jokic "tiple double magician"
Joker is proving that Russ was NEVER the problem in LA.....
he's NOT washed and still plays above the rim...Russ wasn't the problem in LA 🫣
Obviously Westbrook isn’t OKC Russ but it’s so nice to see Russ has barely ever lost a step. As a nuggets fan he’s such a breath of fresh air. Because to be completely honest Murray has been our “fire” for a long time, but he just doesn’t have what it takes to be a locker room motivator. Jokic is just jokic. Best player in the world but just isn’t vocal enough to be a leader in the locker room. Russ is Exactly what the team needed, on and off the court. I’ve loved watching Russ since I was a little kid, just so electrifying to watch and he just reminds me of somebody whose not making money playing basketball, what I mean by that is that no matter how much money he’s made on a team, no matter if the team was a true contender or not, no matter if he had help or not. Even in Washington he just leaves it out on the floor every night, not for the money but for the love of the game like somebody who’s playing basketball for fun. Even when he was getting all the hate in LA you could tell he was trying his absolute hardest to fit where he could and I was happy seeing him do well on the clippers and have a resurgence but I’m even happier that he’s now on my team. Go Russ, and go nuggets!
Russ looks happy!!! In all his years, he's never appeared this happy to be playing.
Gotta love that.
I've never thought it was complicated as to why jokic and westbrook mesh so well. Both are very willing passers, jokic will always see him cutting to the basket. Modern nba dont want to play off ball D during the regular season. Im interested to see how it goes in the playoffs. Side note: id love to see westbrook talk about his diet and training to be elite at 36 yo, hes looking healthy and great, murray needs to hop on his program.
Very happy for Russ. He shut my mouth about his awful play in L.A.
Looks like he just needed the right situation, and boy it looks like he found it!
Go get 'em Russ!
Bro. Russ literally had Steven Adams looking like a top 30-40 player in the league when Russ was in his prime. He’s been a great pairing with any dominant center. Nicola is basically Steven Adams with actual IQ shooting ability and better hands like wtf😂😂😂 of course they work great together
I could watch these assist highlights for days... absolutely mezmerizing
Calling Brodie a vampire is goofy, LBJ is the vampire in LA
Why is it so surprising Brodie got so good at cutting when he is playing with Jokic? One of most energetic players ever combined with one of the best passers ever... Westbrook just needed some time to realise playing with Jokic is whole different game.
The facts are Westbrook never lost it.. all those funny reels of him in ESPN and first take were just them following an agenda. He’s always been a dawg and triple double king he’s just appreciated now and a Smart player like Jokic clocked that. Credit to both
The Nuggets are now 14-4 when Russ is in the starting lineup (10-11 when he’s not). It is basically beyond argument that he makes the Nuggets better when he starts.
I've always been a Russel Westbrook fan, but this is Jokic being Jokic. That guy would make a player out of almost anyone
Jamal dropping a 45 bomb was insane, hopefully he can keep up the high play
Russ is just happy playing man! And Joker is the same way. They both have the same kind of motor in two completely different types of bodies and personalities but it’s the motors that people not understanding…
Triple double motors!
Russell is a NUGGET. He was born to play there with Nikola. 💪
It’s amazing to see Westbrook happy. From baby face to heel to baby face
I'm truly happy that Westbrook is happy playing basketball again.
You know what would make this epic? If Jokic and Russ take the Nuggets to the Finals to win a championship. If anyone deserves a ring, it's Westbrook.
I like the fact that RW still plays the same in this era
4:40 this picture here is gold! Look at russ the way he looks at Jokic. Jokic has this aura to him that reminds me of MJ low key.
As a long time westbrook fan who is wearing an okc westbrook jersey at this very moment, I am SOOO happy to see him succeeding again. I always hated the lakers fans who called him washed and that he was bad. His defense, passing, and ball handling are all still VERY servicable. He just needed to be on a team that complimented his skillset.
It took ‘em about 15 games to sort out how to play Russ, not too bad. And now, with the injuries nearly gone, they can gain some serious momentum. Second half of the season promises to be interesting.
Denver is fortunate to have TWO guys who are triple double machines!
The reason IMO Russ is so unique and effective is that he is a Slasher first and a PG second. Too many guys just stand around waiting to shoot. This is why he gets so many triple doubles.
I saw last night on TNT Jokic is leading the NBA in All Star fan votes. Good to see him get fan respect finally.
Excellent video. Westbrook plays to win. He has heart and works.
RW is going to get certified this June.
They can’t beat Celtics or cavs. And that’s IF they can get past okc in the west
@@ElviejonIvan well Bos/Clev would mean they made it to the finals....OKC is a tough draw, but Den I think will pick up JClarkson and someone else for the stretch run, I still think RW gets certified in June.
Cleve wont be there. Backcourt is too small and DM ALWAYS pulls his hammy down the stretch.
@@eddiejones8540 gotta win the ring to be certified. He’s been to the finals before
@@ElviejonIvan thats what certified means....I think Den will pick up JClarkson and or some other vet for stretch run....and RW gets certified this Summer I hope it will be another slap to LeDiddy James!
You’ve obviously been working on this for some time but funny jamal puts up 45 the day you posted this 😂 great video man !
As usual another terrific analysis of the game. It is just beautiful to watch the game played in its purest form by these 2 brilliant players. Westbrooks movement without the ball is simply mesmerising. Now how do we get the other 29 teams to play like this so as I can watch it again?
Jokic humbling and making Russ hyper efficient and team focused is so fun.😊
Westbrook is very explosive on the court. Jokers and Westbrook have excellent chemistry.
so glad to see Russ doing well. It's a shame he hasn't been appreciated or utilized properly.
Gotta love the clip from 'Predator' the greatest action movie ever. RIP to the great Carl Weathers who would've been 77 yesterday.
Jamal Murray's Sideshow Bob hair has entered the chat.
He is more of a side show Mel...
They work perfectly because Joker is big and slow and Russ is lean and fast and it compliments each other. When Joker needs speed he ditches it out to Russ. When Russ needs star status he ditches out instead of forcing up bad shots like Steph Curry does.
Two things:
1. A lot of Westbrook fans are acting like his current success proves that all of his haters were wrong. Most of Westbrook's critics just wanted him to do exactly what he's doing now: operate within the team, primarily as a complimentary scorer and playmaker.
2. Westbrook gets credit for making the transition. A lot of ball-dominant "franchise players" refuse to adapt or evolve and accept that secondary role, and it usually costs them their career. Credit Jokic, too; his unselfish play gives even the most stubborn "number one" guys permission to sublimate to the team.
One of the best channels about NBA on steady incline, watching every video. Great job, mate!
It’s time to have that Jokić is a better playmaker than bron conversation
... obviously
There is no conversation. It's Jokic and Magic
Jokic the best passer ever, sorry not sorry.
@@BrightNights645 Magic was better so was Kidd and Stockton but Jokic is the best passing big man ever
@@SutekhDaSteemroller No, he’s better than both. He can pass out of doubles from anywhere on the court and make full court passes with just his wrist. Those you listed aren’t on that level
Looks like what Bird used to do...attract the double/triple and find the guy cutting to the basket. I love seeing this type of ball again...even the quick passes back and forth to each other as the defense tries to readjust.
I always knew that you have to trust on Joker’s knowledge of the game.
Playing as a slasher, and excelling as a ball handler and playmaker. I love Russ, man.
The difference between him and Iverson is that Iverson was not a team player. He did not want to come off the bench and refused to adapt. Now Westbrook on the other hand has taken it in stride, and it started with the Lakers just before he got traded
Closest thing to compare to this is Rodman going to Chicago and looking greater than he did all his other post-Detroit years. Not even The Last Dance claims Jordan gets all the credit, but Rodman was given a chance to succeed and Phil and Jordan knew how to bring out his best and let him play HIS role.
How Did Joker Know They Would Fit So Well? The Man Is A Genius.
The fact that basketball has become so awful that when someone cuts to the basket with actual intent, and then ACTUALLY GETS THE BALL it's like no one has ever seen it before😂😂
Jamal doesn't need to come off the bench. Last night he was.on fire. I like them in the backcourt together you have 3 great playmaker in the starting lineup
Love the amount of plays in the paint here.
Finally someone who makes Jokic better....or at least makes his job easier 😅
Jokic takes me back to Stockton & Malone and Chris Webber's Sacramento Kings. Give Him the right compliments and you're guaranteed another RING!
Game knows game. Jokic is a genius, he sees an MVP from 7 years ago, and even if he's only 60% as good now, that'll work. Lebron had Westbrook but he wants all the glory, no care about winning. AD should be screaming for a trade.
I legitimately feel bad for AD having to carry the Lakers while getting none of the glory or credit. LeBron should have retired years ago!
@@katiemilkey9324 AD should force the issue.
I really like watching those two guys play (Joker and Westbrook). It reminds me how easy basketball can be when a team has a passer and energetic player (cutter) like Westbrook.
I am a lifetime Lakers fan, but I hope Russ wins a ring this year with Denver
It's also probably the first time in Joker's career that he's playing with a true, capable PG. Murray simple isn't PG but a SG and never will be. He can't lead the team, he can't call the actions. Russ has his own flaws (as everyone) but he knows how to run a point and can take the pressure off Jokić. It's not a coincidence he has career high numbers this year.
This is the answer to those that say Lebron can play team ball, but is forced to play iso-ball. He is a slow down, central ball handler driving and pitching out to a shooter kind of guy.
Jokic will show you what team ball really is. No central player, minimal dribbling, continual movement including cutting, until that ball moves itself into the hoop.
Warms my heart to see an elder statesman get back in the game. I say this as an elder.
No Jamal is not on the bench. One thing that’s been working is Russ is taking a lot of ball handling pressure off Jamal to be fresh down the stretch of games. And it’s working. The two man game of Russ and joker is dominating so much that it’s opening up shots for Jamal. And then Jamal goes and has a game like last night. Chefs kiss 🤌🏼
Having Westbrook and Jokic together is making the entire team better-especially Murray!
Jokic deserves MVP because he makes other players better, if needed he can do 50pts 5 games in a row, if needed some player to get more engaged or it have good game, he can accommodate and take 5 shoots whole night. That's unique and I've never saw that ever. Engaging Russ is only another fact in that direction.
That's the problem when any star player's weakness is exposed and then his teammate, instead of having his back, stabs him in the back instead. Westbrook was asked to do things on the Lakers that didn't play up to his strengths, and typical with the LeMedia, he was the first in line to be blamed for any problems. It didn't help that he took the criticism poorly at first, and his emotional outbursts played into tarnishing his image further. He's still the same player, but playing with Jokic, who genuinely looks out for his teammates, and with a coaching staff that has realistic expectations, he has improved the way he is approaching the game.
I think both Murray and Westbrook should start, but Murray will be moved to shooting guard, and it will depend whether both of them or one of the other guys will finish the game.
Russ himself said it best (paraphrasibg) "Jokic is the best player in the world. He makes the game easy for the whole team. Im just trying to make the game a little easier for him."
This video was clearly made before second game in Dallas. The slap on Murray woke him up, scoring 45 points, 32 in first half. If Murray is truly back, along with Gordon back from injury and joining Russ and Joker, it won’t be long before Nuggets are knocking the door down for 2nd seed in the West.
He had a great night, but Mavs played 0 defense and Kidd did 0 adjustments to stop him. Mavs without Luka are a joke!
Media tried saying the same thing about Kyrie.