Russell Westbrook nominated for NBA award

Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook was at the top of the NBA last week.

As one of the most successful signings of the offseason, Westbrook signed a two-year, $6.7 million contract with the Nuggets after being traded by the Los Angeles Clippers and buying out the Utah Jazz. His arrival was originally intended to provide backup support for Nuggets core guard Jamal Murray.

But the injury brought Westbrook the opportunity to enter the starting lineup, and he made full use of it. Westbrook has started 17 games for the Nuggets this season, with a record of 13 wins and 4 losses, during which he averaged 15.3 points, 8.2 assists and 6.9 rebounds per game.

Westbrook has been particularly strong over the past week, with the 2017 MVP averaging 22.8 points, 9.0 rebounds and 7.8 assists in his last four games.

Westbrook's outstanding performance was recognized on Monday when he was named one of the candidates for Western Conference Player of the Week by the NBA.

According to information released by the NBA, other Western Conference candidates include: Devin Booker and Kevin Durant (Phoenix Suns), DeMar DeRozan and Malik Monk (Sacramento Kings), Anthony Edwards (Minnesota Timberwolves), Jaren Jackson (Memphis Grizzlies), Alperen Sengong (Houston Rockets) and Westbrook (Denver Nuggets).

Ultimately, the award was won by Sacramento Kings center Domantas Sabonis.

Westbrook has won Player of the Week honors 20 times in his career, his last award coming on May 10, 2021 while playing for the Washington Wizards.

Although the Nuggets are currently generally healthy, the 17-year NBA veteran still occupies the starting position with his strong performance. His recent performance has even reached the All-Star level, making a huge contribution to the overall competitiveness of the Nuggets.