Russell Westbrook, motivated by the challenge of getting Nikola Jokic involved in the game while facing increased defensive pressure, remains focused on his role in the Nuggets’ offense. His commitment is evident as he emphasizes the importance of Jokic, stating, 'The best player on the court, in the world, is Nikola Jokic.' Despite turnovers, Westbrook prioritizes facilitating Jokic's game while adapting to defenses that aim to stifle the MVP's effectiveness.

Westbrook's performance reflects a strategic adaptation as he thrives in his shooting this season, particularly from the corners. He’s been shooting 44.3% from the corner this season, with the Nuggets being one of the top teams in 3-point efficiency at 38%. This efficiency is crucial as defenses focus heavily on Jokic, leaving opportunities for Westbrook and his teammates.

With the Nuggets leading the league in fast-break points and needing to balance their scoring options, Westbrook's ability to shoot will be critical for the postseason. Both he and coach Michael Malone recognize the necessity of expanding their offensive tactics, especially in anticipation of tougher playoff matchups where defenses will continue to hone in on Jokic.

Nikola Jokic delivered a stellar performance with a triple-double that included 23 points, 17 rebounds, and 15 assists, leading the Denver Nuggets to a commanding 134-119 victory over the Detroit Pistons. Jamal Murray was the standout scorer for Denver, contributing 31 points, while Michael Porter Jr. added 28. This win halted Detroit's impressive eight-game winning streak.

The Pistons struggled significantly, with their starters getting outscored by a staggering margin of 113-54. Cade Cunningham had a disappointing game, finishing with only 11 points on 3-for-12 shooting. Despite a solid effort from Malik Beasley with 16 points off the bench, Detroit couldn't close the gap. The Nuggets led by 20 points going into the fourth quarter and maintained control throughout, showcasing their offensive prowess.

As March approaches, it's time for fantasy basketball enthusiasts to strategize for the crucial stretch run. Target players for trades include Brook Lopez from the Milwaukee Bucks, who has stepped up with increased production in light of Bobby Portis' suspension, averaging 17.3 points and 2.8 blocks in recent games.

Michael Porter Jr. of the Denver Nuggets is another player to consider. Despite recent struggles post-injury, his overall season efficiency remains strong. Conversely, LaMelo Ball of the Charlotte Hornets should be sold high due to injury concerns and his limited playing time. Naz Reid from the Minnesota Timberwolves has been performing well but may see reduced minutes upon the return of teammates. Lastly, Josh Giddey, currently with the Chicago Bulls, has shown promise and should be held onto as his playing time increases.

Nikola Jokić made history on Monday night, achieving a career-high 19 assists in a commanding 125-116 victory for the Denver Nuggets over the Indiana Pacers. This remarkable performance marks the first time a center has recorded 19 assists in a game since Wilt Chamberlain in 1968, further establishing Jokić as one of the greatest playmakers in NBA history. With 18 points, nine rebounds, and a shooting percentage of 64.3%, Jokić showcased a near-triple-double performance that led his team to victory.

Alongside Jokić, Aaron Gordon led the scoring for Denver with 25 points, while Michael Porter Jr. contributed 19 points and 11 rebounds. The Nuggets dominated the floor, shooting over 56% from the field and seeing all five starters reach double figures. On the opposing side, Myles Turner led the Pacers with 23 points, but the team fell short, dropping their record to 32-24 on the season.

The Denver Nuggets showcased their offensive prowess in a commanding 146-117 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers, marking their seventh consecutive victory. Nikola Jokic led the charge with an impressive 40 points, while Christian Braun contributed 26 points, highlighting the Nuggets' depth despite the absence of Michael Porter Jr. due to hamstring issues. Jamal Murray, with 17 points and eight assists, was pivotal until his ejection in the fourth quarter. The Nuggets dominated from the start, taking a 17-point lead in the first quarter and maintaining control through effective shooting, hitting 65.9 percent from the field.

On the other side, the Trail Blazers struggled without key players Jerami Grant, Kris Murray, and Robert Williams III. They allowed the most points in a game since their previous streak where they had held opponents to 103.1 points on average. Despite career-high performances from Donovan Clingan and Dalano Banton, the Blazers couldn't find their rhythm and faced their second consecutive loss after a strong run of ten wins in eleven games.