Nuggets Veteran Makes Major Russell Westbrook Statement After Denver's Coaching Decision
The Denver Nuggets are in the middle of a tough first-round playoff series.
They hosted the LA Clippers in the first two games of the series as the No. 4 and No. 5 seeds, respectively, in the Western Conference.
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Both games decided by just one bucket, the Nuggets split the first two games of the series 1-1 with the Clippers.
This comes as a surprise, given the Nuggets fired their head coach and general manager in the final week of the regular season.
Interim head coach David Adelman is essentially lobbying for his job in the playoffs. How the club handles a two-game trip to Los Angeles will be pivotal for Adelman and his interim tag.
Many blamed Russell Westbrook for Malone's firing, claiming he was playing too much.
Apr 9, 2025; Sacramento, California, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook (4) directs his team against the Sacramento Kings during the first quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images
After Adelman has been leading the squad for some time, Westbrook remains in the lineup, and has even played some pivotal minutes in key moments -- such as coming up clutch in Denver's Game 1 victory.
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One Nuggets veteran spoke up in Westbrook's support, making a statement regarding the legendary guard and Malone's firing.
DeAndre Jordan makes massive Westbrook statement
DeAndre Jordan -- NBA veteran and Nuggets backup big man -- took to the "Run it Back" show to open up on the matter.
"It's easy to blame Russ...but it's a little unfair for him to get the blame for that. It's his first year in Denver," Jordan said.
As Jordan puts it, the narrative that Malone was fired because of Westbrook, simply put, isn't true.
That's why Adelman has utilized Westbrook in the clutch.
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The legendary guard makes winning plays, and he's rewarded when he's playing good because he can make that big of an impact.
That narrative can be laid to rest, and everyone can quit spinning up rumors and using Westbrook as a scapegoat.
Instead, the focus for the Nuggets is on what is next.
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