Westbrook's breakout play fuels Nuggets surge

• He credits Westbrook's play to support from the team and head coach Mike Malone.

Why it matters: Westbrook's energetic playmaking is helping the Nuggets contend for a top playoff spot in the loaded Western Conference.

Context: The former NBA MVP arrived as a backup point guard for Jamal Murray. But after an injury sidelined forward Aaron Gordon for an extended period starting in December, Westbrook earned a starting role.

State of play: Westbrook, who's played 17 seasons in the NBA, saw his points per game average dip over the past four years as his role diminished with the Los Angeles Lakers and then the Clippers.

• But nearing this season's midway point, he's managed to outshine Murray, who has struggled with consistency in his play.

Stunning stat: The Nuggets are 17-5 when Westbrook starts, per StatMuse, which leads the team in winning percentage (Denver was 27-16 overall as of Tuesday).

• Earlier this month, Westbrook joined superstar Nikola Jokić in rewriting NBA history, as the duo became the first pair of teammates to record triple-doubles in the same game twice in a single season.

The bottom line: The chemistry between Westbrook and Jokić could be instrumental come playoff time.

What's next: The Nuggets host the Sacramento Kings at 7pm Thursday.