Nuggets notes: Westbrook, Jokic, Gordon, Braun

The NBA has recalled a technical foul that has been overturned Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook in Tuesday’s game against Memphis, writes Bennett Durando of The Denver Post. Durando notes that Westbrook seemed more puzzled than angry when he was whistled after the T for staring Santi Aldama while running back on defense.

“I knew it wasn’t a technology,” Westbrook told reporters. “You know if I get a technical, I earn it. So I didn’t say anything, that one. So I’m glad (the league) looked over and got it overturned.”

The decision spares Westbrook a $2,000 fine and removes one negative from a history-making night. The 36-year-old point guard came off the bench for 12 points, 10 rebounds and 14 assists, marking his 200th career triple-double.

“When you set a standard for doing something consistently, people don’t know how to react to it, and I love that,” he said. “That’s the best part of the journey, just being able to do things that haven’t been done.”

There’s more about the Nuggets:

• Nikola Jokic is still with his family in Denver, and the team is not sure if he will be available for Friday’s NBA Cup game against Dallas, Durando said in a separate history. Jokic has missed three straight games for personal reasons, and Nuggets officials are respecting his wishes to keep the details private. “Absolutely always touching base,” coach Michael Malone said. “Not to be overbearing, but my job as a coach is to — I care about (Jokic’s wife) Natalija and their family. … So I’m constantly calling and texting and communicating with all of our guys to see how they’re doing that and any updates (in a family related absence). But yes, communication is always helpful. And hopefully we can get Nikola back ASAP possible.”
• Aaron Gordon was unable to practice Thursday and will miss his seventh straight game on Friday, Durando added. There’s no word on how soon he might be able to return after straining his right calf in early November. “This will be the most time (Gordon) has missed since I’ve been here,” Peyton Watson said. “I don’t think he’s ever missed that much time. And for a long time I thought AG was bulletproof. So it’s a shame not to have him, but when he comes back we’ll just be focused on trying to get him back to the elite level he was playing at before.”
• Christian Brown talking with Grant Afseth of Sportskeeda on the adjustment to moving into the starting lineup and the advice he’s gotten from Westbrook, Jamal Murray and former teammate Kentavious Caldwell Pope. “I sit by Jamal every day and have learned a lot both on and off the field,” Brown said. “I’ve had good vets that have helped with routine stuff – including Russ. I’ve picked up things from their routines on days off and game days.”