NBA

Aaron Gordon Calls Out ESPN Article Criticizing Russell Westbrook

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By
Vivek Jacob
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Vivek Jacob Sports Editor

Vivek Jacob is a freelance sports writer with over seven years experience. During this time, he has written for outlets including The Athletic, Yahoo Sports, Sportsnet, CBC, and Complex. Primarily covering the NBA, Vivek also covers tennis, soccer, and cricket.

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Published14 May 2025

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Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon used his Game 5 postgame media availability to call out an ESPN article about Russell Westbrook. The story was written by Ramona Shelburne with contributions from Tim MacMahon and Shams Charania.

The main portion Gordon took issue with was a section detailing a heated discussion he had with Westbrook after Game 2. The Oklahoma City Thunder had defeated the Nuggets, 149-106, to even the series at 1-1.

That part of the article claimed Gordon challenged Westbrook about his attitude. It also sourced an anonymous player calling Westbrook “so immature.”

“Earlier, I caught wind of an article that came out about Russell Westbrook,” Gordon said. “And in our locker room after Game 2, which was a completely arbitrary article and pointless and unnecessary by whoever it was that put it out. Russ is one of the most talented basketball players that has ever played the game of basketball. Quite frankly, he’s been great for us all year long. We spend more time with our team than our own families. Of course, there’s gonna be disagreements but that conversation wasn’t for anybody other than our own group and the internal workings of our locker room. That article is so arbitrary and so far from the truth.

“Russ has been amazing for us and not only is he a great basketball player, he’s an even better human being. He’s gonna continue to be great for us and he’s gonna make a huge impact and he’s gonna help us win these next two games.”

Denver currently trails the series 3-2 after a tense 112-105 loss in Game 5.

Westbrook’s Wife Also Takes Issue With Article

Nina Westbrook, Russell’s wife, took to Instagram and voiced her displeasure. In a story post, she took direct aim at Shelburne with her criticism.

“Dirty work Romona,” Nina said. “How could you share and spread so many lies randomly, for no reason, and with so much conviction. You’re using his name for clickbait during the playoffs which is ridiculous. Trust me, I know the facts about literally everything.

“Normally I let you guys tell your silly lies in peace. Enough already. Stop with the lies.”

Game 6 between the Nuggets and Thunder is Thursday at 8:30 p.m. EST.