The Denver Nuggets will face the LA Clippers on Saturday night in Game 1 of their opening-round NBA playoff matchup.
Russell Westbrook, who previously played parts of two seasons for the Clippers, will now compete against his former squad. According to Arash Markazi of The Sporting Tribune, “The Clippers let go of Paul George and Russell Westbrook during the offseason, traded away Terrance Mann and Bones Hyland at the deadline, and still managed to win 50 games and secure a top-five seed a remarkable season that few expected.”
The Clippers let Paul George and Russell Westbrook walk this offseason and dealt Terrance Mann and Bones Hyland at the trade deadline and finished with 50 wins and a top five seed. Just an incredible season from the Clippers that few outside of the team saw coming.
— Arash Markazi (@ArashMarkazi) April 13, 2025
Ahead of the series, Westbrook whose family resides in Los Angeles spoke about the personal perks of playing against the Clippers. He said, “Luckily, I get to go back home, see my kids, take them to school, and still play the game I love. Any time I can be around my family while doing what I do best, I’m grateful.”
Westbrook joined the Nuggets in free agency last summer. In 75 games this season, he averaged 13.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, 6.1 assists, and 1.4 steals per game, while shooting 44.9% from the field and 32.3% from beyond the arc.
The Nuggets ended the regular season with a 50–32 record, securing the fourth seed in the Western Conference. Last year, their playoff run ended in the second round with a loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
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