Letting Russ be Russ is working out a lot better for the Denver Nuggets than letting Russ cook did for the Broncos.

A few months after the Broncos cut Russell Wilson following two disappointing seasons at Mile High, the Nuggets took a shot on a veteran playmaker of their own who just happens to have the same first name and a polarizing catchphrase.

Letting Russell Westbrook be Russell Westbrook has worked out just fine for the Nuggets in his first season in Denver.

“I’m grateful for them wanting me to come here. Then, second, getting here and allowing me to be who I’ve been my entire career, I’m grateful for that,” Westbrook said after Nikola Jokic’s historic performance in Thursday’s win over Sacramento at Ball Arena. “Nikola’s been a huge advocate for that for the betterment of the team. I’m grateful … to share the court with the best player in the world. I don’t take the opportunity for granted.”

More opportunities for Russ to be Russ have come Westbrook’s way since Aaron Gordon strained his right calf for a second time this season. He’s started every game since and helped the Nuggets go 12-4 during that stretch by being the same guy he’s been for most of his career.

“He’s going to score or make an open look. Give him the ball in transition, he’s going to do the same thing. Defensively, just let him do what he does, because I think, through his career, he’s played really good defense,” Jokic said, noting Westbrook’s willingness to guard multiple positions and ability to create deflections, steals and blocks thanks to his quick hands.

“Let him be … him.”

Westbrook has added two triple-doubles to his NBA record of 202 in the last few weeks. After recording triple-doubles in Denver’s last five games, Jokic is closing in on Westbrook’s record, but the first-year teammates have quickly amplified parts of each other’s games in their time shared in the starting lineup.

“He makes it easy for me. I try to do my best to make the game easy for him, find him when he’s open,” Westbrook said. “To me, my job is easy. If I’m on the court and the best player is on the floor, find a way to get him the ball. That’s what I do any opportunity I get a chance to.”

Letting Russ be Russ came with a new look Thursday. He sported nail polish throughout the game to appease his young daughters. He might have to commit to the new look after dropping 18 points on 7-of-10 shooting from the field and a 2-for-4 mark from 3-point range. He added five rebounds three assists and a steal.

“My daughters would be upset if I didn’t acknowledge them. Yesterday, I went home. They wanted me to make sure I played the game with my (nails painted). They did a great job on my nails, so, girls, good job,” Westbrook said.

“We won, so it’s good luck.”

The 36-year-old came to Denver on a veteran-minimum contract after stints back home in Los Angeles with both the Lakers and Clippers raised concerns about what the rest of his career would look like. He’s been productive on the court, especially when Denver’s dealt with injuries, and he’s fit into a locker room that could use his vocal presence.

“I don’t have any complaints. Me, personally, I think he’s a great veteran, a great leader, a great influence to the young guys,” Jokic said. “Off the court, I think he’s a really good guy to have around.”