The Denver Nuggets faced a challenging matchup against the New York Knicks on Thursday night, but the game took a concerning turn when Russell Westbrook exited early due to a calf injury. Westbrook, who had recently joined the starting lineup, has been an integral part of the team's offense since his promotion on December 27. He averaged 14.2 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 6.6 assists, shooting an impressive 53.8% from the field during this span.
Entering the game, Westbrook's contributions had given the Nuggets a boost as they navigated a five-game road trip. However, just 50 seconds into the fourth quarter, he left the court after a quick timeout called by head coach Michael Malone. The Nuggets later listed him as questionable to return, raising concerns about the severity of his injury.
In a strategic move, Malone also adjusted the starting lineup ahead of the game against the Knicks. Aaron Gordon made his return to the starting five after recovering from his own calf injury, which resulted in Christian Braun transitioning to the bench. Malone acknowledged that the decision to switch Braun for Gordon was difficult, stating, "It was never an easy decision." This change was aimed at bolstering the team's performance against a formidable opponent.
Despite Westbrook's early exit, he remained in good spirits throughout the game, displaying a smile even after his departure. However, he did not address the media postgame, leaving fans and analysts speculating about the implications of his injury.
The Nuggets, who have shown resilience amidst these challenges, will look to close out their road trip with a strong performance against Charlotte on Saturday night. As they move forward, the health of key players like Westbrook and Gordon will be pivotal in determining their success.
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