Russell Westbrook makes a bold, confident statement after big win over Thunder

Russell Westbrook had the best game of his short Nuggets career on Wednesday night, replacing Jamal Murray in the starting lineup. In 32 minutes, Russ scored 29 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists while shooting 10/15 from the floor and 3/4 from three.

He also provided energy when the team needed it, helping the Nuggets get out of a 16-point hole in the second half as the Nuggets picked up their best win of the year, defeating the previously undefeated Oklahoma City Thunder 124-122 .

Russ has never been one to hide his confidence, and he felt much more comfortable after the big win. In his post-game interview with Altitude TV's Vic Lombardi, Westbrook said of the Thunder: “Right now they have the best record, but I feel like we have the better team and tonight we showed that.”

I'm generally not the type to pick on the Bears, and I don't like the idea of ​​giving the Thunder bulletin board material after their first loss of the season. But that's Russ and that will never change. When the Nuggets signed up for the Westbrook Experience, they had to know they would get the full Westbrook Experience.

Sometimes that experience is shooting 2-18 from the floor for two games, and sometimes it's 29/6/6 in a big win over the Thunder. The Westbrook experience also comes with a man who is never afraid to speak his mind, nor is he afraid to cause trouble. He didn't try to send a message or shoot at the Thunder.

He tried to inspire his young teammates and express how happy he is to play a significant role on a team with championship status. Say what you will about Russ – and I was a huge skeptic – but he brings an undeniable energy and experienced leadership to this team that simply didn't exist before.

At this point you just have to let Russ be Russ and embrace everything that comes with it. There's nothing wrong with healthy self-confidence and Russ' charisma seems to be contagious. As for the claim itself, it remains to be seen whether the Nuggets are the better team.

The Thunder are still the standard in the Western Conference, we saw them come to Denver a few weeks ago and stick with the Nuggets. But the Nuggets needed a win like this. Even if they don't manage to channel it every night, it's good to see that this team can still reach this level against the best teams in the league.