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Russell Westbrook referred to as Nikola Jokić by NBA fans, Nuggets lose to Thunder | News, results, highlights, statistics and rumors

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Russell Westbrook's debut for the Denver Nuggets didn't go well on Thursday, as the nine-time All-Star guard shot just 2 of 10 (1 of 6 from three) and scored six points in a 102-87 loss to the Denver Nuggets The Oklahoma City Thunder suffered a home defeat.

OKC outscored Denver by 24 points in Westbrook's 21 minutes. He also stuffed the stat sheet in other categories, collecting five assists, five rebounds, two blocks and one steal.

But this was a brutal night for the Denver reserves, who were no match for the Thunder's potent second unit. Of note, Thunder guard Alex Caruso scored a plus-19 despite zero points and Aaron Wiggins scored 15 points on 7 of 9 shooting.

Of course, Denver's loss goes far beyond Westbrook's problems. OKC guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander edged out of the MVP race with 28 points, eight assists, seven rebounds, three blocks and three steals. And Thunder center Chet Holmgren is making the leap to stardom with 25 points, 14 rebounds, five assists, four blocks and two steals.

The Thunder defense also played great, holding Denver to 35.4 percent shooting and 7 of 39 from three.

Additionally, all five Nugget starters scored in double figures, but none scored more than 16 points. Reigning NBA MVP Nikola Jokic achieved another triple-double (16 points, 13 assists, 12 rebounds). But the offense just wasn't productive.

Westbrook joined Denver last offseason on a two-year, $6.8 million contract and is expected to be a key part of the second unit. The reserves needed a boost after starter Kentavious Caldwell-Pope left for the Orlando Magic in free agency and Christian Braun was elevated to the starting lineup.

Therefore, Westbrook is expected to play a key role on this team. The first night didn't go well, but it's a long season and he and the Nuggets have time to turn things around.

Until then, fans took to social media to express their opinions on Westbrook's performance against his old team.

Dave Giovanazzi @SF_DavidGio

Thunder ended the 1st quarter on a 21-6 run after Russell Westbrook checked in his first 6 minutes as a Nugget.
You can't make it up lol

GOWIE @DaKidGowie

As soon as Russell Westbrook's hate-watch hits the timeline, you'll know the NBA season has officially begun. Let this man play in peace. 🙄

Jake Anderson @jake_anderson44

Russell Westbrook is -16 and shooting 1-5 with 2 turnovers
Water is wet
They never learn
It's really hilarious

Swipa @SwipaCam

Russ is acting out of control

Leo (Mr. Unlimited) @Champ_Lion

I see people in the TL who had real expectations for Westbrook. pic.twitter.com/5QVlv9lyZy

Jmoney @jamille_johnson

I really hate that my Nuggets took Westbrook Ngl so hard to watch him play…

Rob Perez @WorldWideWob

Nuggets had better wrap their starters in bubble wrap after every game this season. My God.

Frank @_franklinD_

The Nuggets' reign of terror is finally over, THANKS Russell Westbrook

The Lakers chip @Lakerschipp

The nuggets look terrible
-No bank
-No rim protection
-old
-slow
-no shooters except MPJ
And the sign, Russell Westbrook, what are they doing?

Cathedral @domfullyy

Russell Westbrook was comically bad tonight. This isn't like, “Oh, he missed a few shots and got beat on defense once,” but more like he's actively helping the Thunder on almost every possession and on both sides of the ball. That's absurd.

Denver will look to bounce back when it hosts the Los Angeles Clippers on Saturday at 5:00 p.m. ET.

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