Michael Malone said Russell Westbrook’s ‘[expletive] talking’ has been contagious to quiet Nuggets

In immoderate ways, adding Russell Westbrook to your NBA team these days makes you nan balanced of nan Tobias Funke “Did it activity for those people?” meme. But nan Denver Nuggets, successful pursuit of their 2nd title successful 3 years, are convinced that Westbrook — particularly his competitory demeanor — mightiness conscionable beryllium precisely what they ordered to get them retired of a play of quiet stagnancy.

On Monday, pinch nan Nuggets’ play opener against nan Oklahoma City Thunder looming connected Thursday night, Denver caput coach Michael Malone said that Westbrook has been relentlessly competitory successful practices against nan different Nuggets.

Apparently, Westbrook’s really moreover been getting nether nan tegument of nan notoriously quiet Nuggets, arsenic his “[expletive] talking” attack has moreover been contagious.

(Warning: NSFW connection successful nan tweet and video below.)

https://twitter.com/dnvr_nuggets/status/1848451169074512330

On-court fresh aside, approaching games nan measurement Westbrook does is thing nan Nuggets astir apt really request to get retired of their perceived rut. Nikola Jokic’s pack has ne'er been 1 to deterioration its bosom connected its sleeve. That comes successful useful from a measured, even-keeled perspective, but it astir apt has its drawbacks erstwhile everyone is dreading a agelong roadworthy travel successful nan dormant of winter.

Westbrook’s injection of power and occurrence already appears to beryllium a invited summation to Denver’s mix.