Shaquille O’Neal thinks the Denver Nuggets have the edge over the Oklahoma City Thunder, as Russell Westbrook faces his former team.
The Denver Nuggets dominated against the LA Clippers, defeating them 120-101 to win Game 7. The Nuggets now face the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second round.
It was a disastrous performance from James Harden, who failed to deliver in yet another big game. On the other end, his former Thunder teammate Russell Westbrook made a big impact with 16 points off the bench.
Nikola Jokic showed how he’s becoming more of a vocal leader with his performance tonight. While he didn’t have an explosive scoring performance, he led the Nuggets to a major win.
The Nuggets will face a Thunder team that dominated the Memphis Grizzlies, sweeping them. But Shaquille O’Neal backs Jokic, Westbrook, and the rest of the crew.
Speaking on Inside The NBA on TNT, Shaquille O’Neal admitted that he was backing the Denver Nuggets to upset the Oklahoma City Thunder.
While he admitted that the Thunder are a strong team, Shaq just wants to see Russell Westbrook win a championship and Nikola Jokic join the ‘Big Man Alliance’ he started.
“I’m leaning towards Denver. Yes, really, because I’d like to see Russ get a championship and Joker being part of the Big Man Alliance.”
“In order to be the best, you need to be the best. So this will be a good challenge for them. But I am leaning towards Denver.”
Read More: Jamal Murray makes his feelings clear on Russell Westbrook going 5-17 shooting in Denver Nuggets win
Several fans and critics were skeptical of Westbrook’s potential impact on the Nuggets when he signed. However, he has proven everyone wrong.
In fact, Westbrook is currently giving the Nuggets the type of bench scoring the Lakers desperately needed in the playoffs.
Bill Simmons even believes the Clippers disrespected Westbrook by leaving him wide open during the playoffs.
Now, Russ gets a chance to play playoff basketball against the Thunder, the team he made his name with. No doubt he will get a hero’s welcome. But he could just as easily become the villain if he helps the Nuggets upset the Thunder.
