The Russell Westbrook experience never fails to live up to expectations.
In the final seconds of double overtime with a one-point lead, Westbrook just about single-handedly lost the Nuggets a critical game against the Timberwolves with two embarrassing late-game gaffes.
While leading 139-138 with 17.7 seconds remaining, Westbrook stole a wayward pass which seemed destined to turn into an easy transition layup or free throws for Denver.
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Westbrook somehow missed a layup, Minnesota collected the rebound and charged down the court to set up a wide-open 3-pointer.
The shot from Nickeil Alexander-Walker was off the mark but Westbrook, running from the other side of the court, fouled the shooter with just about no time left on the clock.
Walker nailed two of the three free throws and Denver lost the game, 140-139.
“It’s a tough one,” Nuggets coach Michael Malone said. “You’ve got a two-on-one break. It’s easy to say it in hindsight.”
Westbrook also missed a free throw while down 138-137 with 20 seconds left.
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“We as a team, the Denver Nuggets, lost this game, not one player,” Malone said.
In 36 minutes off the bench, Westbrook scored 12 points to go along with six rebounds, seven assists, and five fouls –– one bigger than the others.
The nightmare loss for the Nuggets spoils arguably Nikola Jokic’s most impressive performance in a career full of them.
Jokic scored 61 points while putting up 10 rebounds and 10 assists in the crushing defeat, which came with significant playoff implications for both teams.
The win for Minnesota puts them in a tie for the No. 6 seed in the Western Conference, while the Nuggets loss cost them a chance to move closer to the Rockets for the No. 2 seed and put the Lakers just a 1/2 game behind them for the third spot.
