Russell Westbrook expressed gratitude for the opportunity the Denver Nuggets have given him, while seemingly referencing past frustrations with his former teams in Los Angeles. When it seemed like Russell Westbrook‘s career was nearing its twilight following lackluster stints with the Los Angeles Lakers and the Los Angeles Clippers,

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.

RELATED: Russell Westbrook says he plays with the 'best ... Speaking of which, Nuggets head coach Michael Malone recently took a light-hearted jab at the veteran guard following the team's ...

As the ball fell through the net Thursday night, the thought struck me: What is more impressive for Nikola Jokic — sinking a 73-foot shot or believing in Russell Westbrook? On the court, Jokic remains inevitable.

Malone went small with his starting lineup, opting to start Russell Westbrook instead of Peyton Watson and repurposing Michael Porter Jr. as a power forward. The results have been successful ...

Anthony Edwards became the Timberwolves’ franchise leader in 3-pointers at 23 years old during a 34-point day. Malone waved the white flag and went to his reserves with more than five minutes remaining.

It was one of the worst losses of the season for Denver and head coach Michael Malone let his team know. Malone called Saturday's loss against the Timberwolves one of the "worst losses of the season" for the Nuggets.

Joker is averaging 14.9 boards per game in January, and he’s had 13 or more in five of his past six contests. With Gobert and Julius Randle giving the Timberwolves a strong one-two punch on the glass, Jokic will need to bring his A-game here.

So often in matchups like these, a primetime matchup against a rival, the team that “wants it” more and brings more energy and aggression to the game is the one that takes it. Against the Timberwolves last year, the Nuggets were too often back on their heels receiving haymaker after haymaker in the form of forced turnovers and transition points.

DENVER — Nikola Jokic took an inbounds pass with 1.7 seconds left in the third quarter, turned and let fly with a 66-foot heave that got all net at the other end. He casually walked over to his bench as his teammates mobbed him and the sold-out arena erupted.

The Celtics' veteran leader took a long, winding road to his first NBA title, and he's reaping the rewards of his patience.

Jamal Murray is back to playing good basketball. And the Nuggets will need him more than ever if they want to contend for a championship.