The Denver Nuggets scraped by the Brooklyn Nets 144-139 in OT to pick up their second win of the season. Nikola Jokic was the Nuggets’ primary option throughout the night as he put up a monster triple-double, but he highlighted the efforts of Russell Westbrook for his first 20-point performance as a Nugget in his post-game interview.

“Russ was really amazing, in the third or fourth quarter, I don’t know, he kept us in the game. He was pushing the pace, made a couple of shots, he was really good today. We shared the ball, found the open guys, and that’s how we scored a lot… He’s (Westbrook) always talking in the huddles, he’s always lifting the guys up, and always pushing the guys, so he’s a really good teammate and it’s good to have him on our team.”

Jokic started the interview by sharing his thoughts on the win despite the team’s struggles, also pointing out the areas he was focusing on during the game.

“We were fighting. I still think we’re not playing at the level we’re supposed to play but we are finding a way to win the game, which is the most important thing right now.”

“Just play solid, be careful, try to score, and be aggressive, just take whatever the game gives me.”

Jokic put up 29 points, 18 rebounds, and 16 assists in a phenomenal performance which is adding further legitimacy to a potential fourth MVP charge this season. Russell Westbrook has had a rough start to the season but showed flashes of being the perfect bench point guard in this contest with 22 points and five assists on 5-12 shooting.

Two additional Nuggets players scored in double figures: Jamal Murray scored 24 points (8-19 FG) and pulled down five rebounds, while Aaron Gordon scored 24 points (8-11 FG).

The Nuggets are now 2-2 this season after defeating the Nets back-to-back, and yesterday’s victory over the Toronto Raptors also went to overtime. Westbrook’s season averages have increased to 9.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 3.8 assists as a result of this effort.