One Denver Nuggets star spoke about how Russell Westbrook provided him with the tools necessary to guard James Harden.
The Denver Nuggets defeated the Los Angeles Clippers in convincing fashion to win Game 7. The Nuggets now advance to the second round of the playoffs.
James Harden put on one of the worst playoff performances of his career, scoring just seven points. On the other end, his former OKC teammate Russell Westbrook was absolutely sensational, scoring 16 points off the bench.
Westbrook spoke after the game about how he felt disrespected by the Clippers during the series. And he used that disrespect as fuel to punish them.
Well, he didn’t just hurt the Clippers with his play. In fact, one Nuggets star explained how Russ helped him understand how to guard James Harden.
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Speaking after Game 7, Christian Braun, who played elite defense on James Harden to hold him to seven points, explained his approach.
Braun revealed that Russell Westbrook, throughout the series, helped him understand James Harden’s movements and tendencies so he can guard him better.
“Maybe the biggest part was Russ. He has played against James, he’s played with James. So he knows his game. He told me what looks to give him, when to do force him right, when he’s going right, this is what he’s doing.”
“I learned that over the course of the series. I got better and better as we went. The guys and coaches trusted me tonight. We didn’t want to switch, and they kept him on me all night.”
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While tonight they will celebrate, David Adelman revealed the Nuggets will be flying to Oklahoma City tomorrow to prepare for their second-round series.
The Nuggets come in at a distinct disadvantage in this series. While the Nuggets played seven grueling games in the first round, the Thunder are well-rested, having swept the Grizzlies and earned a break.
Despite this, Shaquille O’Neal is backing the Denver Nuggets to win this series, partly due to Russell Westbrook.
Westbrook will have to a play a similar, if not better role to help the Nuggets upset his former team in the second round.
