Nuggets G Russell Westbrook recovering from hand surgery

Field Level Media|published: Tue 27th May, 13:32 2025

May 5, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook (4) runs down the court after a play against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half during game one of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook underwent surgery on Tuesday to repair two breaks in his right hand.

"I'm grateful for everyone's support all year and I can't wait to be back out there at 100% soon," the veteran said in a statement posted to X by The Athletic. "The comeback is already in motion."

Westbrook, 36, said the injury occurred during the 2024-25 season. His fingers were heavily taped during Denver's playoff run, which ended on May 18 with a six-game series loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference semifinals.

A nine-time All-Star and the 2016-17 league MVP, Westbrook averaged 13.3 points, 6.1 assists and 4.9 rebounds in 75 games (36 starts) in his first season with the Nuggets.

The two-time NBA scoring champion boasts career averages of 21.2 points, 8.0 assists and 7.0 rebounds in 1,237 games (1,075 starts) with the Thunder, Houston Rockets, Washington Wizards, Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers and Nuggets.

Westbrook has a player option for 2025-26 that carries a $3.47 million cap hit. He is the all-time leader in triple-doubles (203) and ranks eighth in NBA history in assists (9,925) and 23rd in points (26,205) but is still seeking his first championship.

--Field Level Media

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