Russell Westbrook's performance in the Denver Nuggets' debut goes viral

Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets are in Abu Dhabi for two preseason games against Jayson Tatum and the Boston Celtics. The last two NBA champions came together to help the league continue its growth outside the United States.

Friday's game marked Russell Westbrook's debut in a Nuggets jersey. The nine-time NBA All-Star signed with the Nuggets in free agency this offseason.

Westbrook played 18 minutes in his Nuggets debut, recording 12 points, eight assists and four rebounds. The 2017 MVP made three of his six three-point attempts and his overall performance went viral on social media as so many fans watched this first NBA game of the year.

The NBA posted Westbrook's first basket in a Nuggets jersey and the post was viewed over 1.6 million times on Instagram.

The NBA shared an additional slow-motion look at Westbrook's first basket, and the post received an additional 85,0000 views in less than 30 minutes.

Even Westbrook's pregame routine went viral on Instagram. Westbrook finishes his routine with his usual three-pointer behind the basket and then sprints to the locker room.

This video on Instagram has over 900,000 views.

With eight assists in just 18 minutes, Westbrook showcased his still top-notch playmaking skills.

One of Westbrook's assists came via a pass to his longtime friend DeAndre Jordan.

This NBA post has been viewed over 57,000 times on X.

The Nuggets' official team account also shared several Westbrook highlights, including an assist he provided to junior guard Julian Strawther.

Westbrook plans to give Denver a lot of what they've been missing.

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