Denver Nuggets coach Michael Malone faced a tough decision as Aaron Gordon was set to rejoin the starting lineup after recovering from a calf injury. Malone chose to keep Russell Westbrook in the starting five, moving Christian Braun to the bench. Despite Braun’s strong performances this season, Malone believes that Westbrook and Nikola Jokic form the best two-man combination in the NBA.
The decision was based on the strong chemistry between Westbrook and Jokic, with the duo having a 11.4 net rating when on the floor together. While Braun has been effective when playing with Jokic, the numbers favored Westbrook’s impact on the team.
Braun, who had just come off a career-high scoring game, took the news well and expressed his commitment to doing whatever is best for the team. Malone praised Braun for his professionalism and team-first attitude.
Westbrook, who was signed as a sixth man, has exceeded expectations as a spot starter in the absence of Gordon and Jamal Murray. The lineup change may not be permanent, but Malone is giving it a chance to see how it works out.
In their first game with the new lineup, the Nuggets faced challenges early on when Jokic got into foul trouble. Braun remained focused on contributing whenever he was on the court, showing maturity and professionalism in handling the situation.
Overall, the Nuggets are focusing on maximizing their strengths and finding the best combinations to help them succeed in the competitive NBA landscape.
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