Aaron Gordon took a firm stand in defense of Russell Westbrook after ESPN published a report detailing a reported postgame confrontation between the two Denver Nuggets teammates.
Following Denver’s Game 5 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, Gordon used his postgame availability to call out the article, which was authored by Ramona Shelburne and alleged a heated exchange between Gordon and Westbrook after Game 2.
Gordon dismissed the report as “arbitrary,” saying the piece misrepresented the nature of the locker room conversation and failed to reflect the truth.
“Russ has been amazing for us,” Gordon said. “Not only is he a great basketball player, but he’s an even better human being.”
Shelburne’s reporting included claims from anonymous sources who described Westbrook’s behavior as immature, suggesting some tension had built up within the Nuggets’ roster.
One unnamed teammate reportedly backed Gordon’s frustration, saying Westbrook’s attitude had become a concern during the series.
Gordon, however, strongly disagreed with that portrayal and emphasized the private nature of the incident.
“That conversation wasn’t for anybody other than our own group and the internal workings of our locker room,” he said.
He also praised Westbrook’s contributions throughout the season and expressed confidence in the veteran guard’s impact going forward.
“He’s going to help us win these next two games,” Gordon added, turning attention back to the series as Denver faces elimination in Game 6 on Thursday.
Game 6 will take place at Ball Arena, where Denver looks to force a decisive Game 7.
