Russell Westbrook’s Role in Elevating Nikola Jokic to New MVP Levels

Russell Westbrook and Nikola Jokic: A Dynamic Duo Elevating Each Other’s Game

At age 36, Russell Westbrook may no longer be the explosive MVP-caliber player he once was, but he has found a way to adapt and still contribute meaningfully to his teams. This is especially true with his current partnership in Denver alongside Nikola Jokic, a player renowned for his playmaking ability and all-around brilliance. The synergy between the two has quickly become a highlight of the Nuggets’ season, with Westbrook’s chemistry with Jokic turning into one of the most productive combinations in the league.

Westbrook, who is now ninth all-time in career assists, has seamlessly fit into Denver’s system. Despite being in the later stages of his career, his ability to set up teammates, especially Jokic, has added a new dimension to the Nuggets’ offense. In fact, the chemistry between them has been so strong that there is already a five-minute highlight reel showcasing Westbrook’s impressive assists to the reigning MVP.

Westbrook’s Impact on Jokic’s Game

Nikola Jokic, a two-time MVP and one of the best passing big men in NBA history, has always made his teammates better. However, even Jokic’s remarkable playmaking abilities have reached new heights with Westbrook on the court. Westbrook has had a direct, positive impact on Jokic’s shooting efficiency, with the Serbian center’s effective field goal percentage rising by 14 percent when playing alongside Westbrook.

Through 21 games, Jokic’s numbers have been exceptional. He is a candidate to lead the league in points, assists, and rebounds, and he may be on track for one of the best offensive seasons in NBA history. His numbers take a significant leap when playing with Westbrook, particularly in terms of scoring efficiency. Westbrook’s 34 assists to Jokic this season are the most on the team, surpassing even Jamal Murray‘s 32 assists, despite playing fewer minutes than Murray. In fact, Jokic is shooting an outstanding 62.3 percent on shots directly created by Westbrook.

Westbrook’s Playmaking Ability

While Westbrook may no longer have the same explosive scoring ability he once did, his passing has remained a strength. He continues to demonstrate great vision, setting Jokic up for easy shots in a variety of situations. For example, Westbrook is a skilled post-entry passer, able to find Jokic in positions where other teammates struggle to deliver the ball. He also excels at threading the needle for Jokic’s cuts, delivering passes into tight spaces that lead to easy scoring opportunities.

Westbrook’s court awareness has also been key to their partnership. He often reads the floor well, as seen when he waits for the right moment to pass to Jokic, even signaling for the ball to be passed in a better spot for an easy layup. Additionally, Westbrook has facilitated Denver’s transition game, helping the Nuggets climb from being 29th in points added in transition last season to 6th this year, according to Cleaning the Glass. His ability to push the pace has opened up easy scoring opportunities for Jokic in transition, further enhancing their partnership.

Jokic’s Praise for Westbrook

Nikola Jokic has expressed deep appreciation for Westbrook’s energy and playmaking ability. After a win over the Thunder, Jokic said, “I just love his energy. He’s always going to push the pace. He’s always going to bring the energy. He’s going to be aggressive, make an advantage.”

This trust and recognition from Jokic has been critical in making their pairing work. In fact, it was Jokic himself who was behind the scenes, advocating for the acquisition of Westbrook during the summer. Though many doubted the fit, it is clear that Westbrook’s experience and playmaking ability have complemented Jokic’s skillset in a way few expected.

The pairing of Russell Westbrook and Nikola Jokic has defied expectations and proven to be a dynamic duo for the Denver Nuggets. Westbrook’s ability to set up Jokic for easy scores and create advantages for his teammates has elevated Jokic’s game to new levels. Despite being in the later stages of his career, Westbrook has found a way to maximize his strengths and contribute to a championship-contending team. Together, they are proving how the beauty of passing and basketball IQ can make both players even better.