The NBA slapped Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook with a $35,000 fine on Friday for making an obscene gesture on the court during a 145-118 blowout loss to the New York Knicks earlier this week. The incident occurred in the fourth quarter of Monday’s game at Ball Arena.
According to league officials, the nine-time All-Star appeared to make the offensive hand signal right in front of the Knicks’ bench immediately after hitting a corner three-pointer. Video replays clearly showed Westbrook’s actions, prompting swift disciplinary measures from the NBA.
Westbrook Leads Nuggets in Scoring Despite Lopsided Loss
In the game itself, Westbrook came off the bench to pace the Nuggets with 27 points, but it wasn’t nearly enough to keep pace with a scorching-hot Knicks squad. New York guard OG Anunoby erupted for a career-high 40 points, while Jalen Brunson added 23 points and tied a team record with 17 assists as the Knicks rode a torrid start to the easy road win.
We just didn’t have it tonight, on either end of the floor. I have to be better and lead by example. The gesture was a mistake in the heat of the moment.
– Russell Westbrook on the Nuggets’ performance and his fine
Fine Adds to Frustrating Stretch for Former MVP
The hefty fine is the latest setback in what’s been a disappointing stint in Denver for Westbrook since being acquired at the trade deadline. The former league MVP is averaging just 14.6 points and 7.2 assists per game with the Nuggets, both career lows.
Jockeying for Playoff Positioning in Competitive West
With just a handful of games remaining in the regular season, the loss to the Knicks was a missed opportunity for the Nuggets to gain ground in a tightly-contested Western Conference playoff race. Denver currently sits in fifth place but is only two games out of second in a log-jammed standings.
Every game takes on added significance as teams jockey for seeding ahead of the postseason. Home-court advantage could be crucial in a loaded West field that features contenders like the Phoenix Suns, Golden State Warriors, and Memphis Grizzlies.
High Stakes for Westbrook, Nuggets Entering Playoffs
For Westbrook and the Nuggets, regaining their footing and building positive momentum takes on heightened urgency as the playoffs approach. The 34-year-old guard will be under intense scrutiny to prove he can still perform at an elite level when the games matter most.
With Jamal Murray still sidelined while recovering from knee surgery, Denver needs Westbrook to provide solid playmaking and scoring punch as they gear up to make a deep postseason run. But the early returns of the Westbrook experiment have been disappointing, as evidenced by Monday’s lifeless outing against the Knicks.
Russ is still finding his way and how he fits with our group. But I believe in his talent and competitive fire. We need him to be at his best heading into the playoffs.
– A source close to the Nuggets’ locker room
The Nuggets’ faithful and NBA fans will be watching intently to see how Westbrook and his teammates respond to this latest bout of adversity. Will the incident spark a late-season surge or send Denver limping into the postseason?
Time will soon tell if the gamble to bring the polarizing Westbrook into the fold pays off or becomes another cautionary tale of an NBA superstar struggling to adapt in the twilight of his career. The basketball world awaits Denver’s denouement with bated breath.
