Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook has become one of Michael Malone’s trusted starters. Initially expected to play backup point guard behind Jamal Murray, Westbrook has now started 21 of his 42 games for Denver, including 14-straight games. With an impressive 16-5 record as a starter this season, Westbrook had been filling in for the injured Aaron Gordon. Due to his record and stats (14.7 points, 6.3 rebounds and 7.5 assists) as a starter, Westbrook has remained in that role even with Gordon returning. The Nuggets defeated the Orlando Magic on Sunday, with Westbrook recording 12 points, five rebounds and six assists. Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook (4) and Orlando Magic guard Cole Anthony (50).
While Westbrook’s offensive numbers filled the stat sheet, Malone made the decision to award him with Defensive Player of the Game for his defense on Magic star Paolo Banchero. Shouting out Westbrook in the locker room, Malone gave him the team’s Defensive Player of the Game chain.
This honor is one Nuggets fans have grown to care a lot about, as multiple replies pointed out Westbrook has now received the Defensive Player of the Game chain seven times this season.
Per the NBA’s official stats, Westbrook defended Banchero on 16.5 possessions, holding him to zero points on 0/3 shooting. The 6-foot-10 Banchero has a size advantage over the 6-foot-4 Westbrook but was unable to generate any offense when matched up against him.
