Russell Westbrook had a night to remember in Oklahoma City—this time as the opponent. The former Thunder superstar delivered a clutch performance to help the Denver Nuggets steal Game 1 from the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder in a dramatic 121-119 finish.
Westbrook, who came off the bench, finished with 18 points on 7-for-13 shooting and added a crucial assist on the game-winning three-pointer by Aaron Gordon. That final sequence silenced the crowd that once roared for him—and still did, when he checked in during the first quarter.
“It’s always love,” Westbrook said of the reception. “These fans gave me a chance when I was just a teenager. That’s something I’ll never forget.”
Jokic Dominates, But Westbrook Delivers
While Nikola Jokic dominated the stat sheet with 42 points and 22 rebounds, Westbrook’s veteran presence proved equally important. The 2017 MVP may not be the triple-double machine he once was in OKC, but his ability to steady the Nuggets when trailing late was invaluable.
Down by double digits in the fourth quarter, Westbrook helped lead a rally that culminated in the final possession. After fouling Chet Holmgren with just 9.5 seconds left and the Thunder up by one, Westbrook got a reprieve when Holmgren missed both free throws.
“I just trusted my instincts,” Westbrook said. “That’s where experience kicks in. You can’t teach it. You just know.”
He then took control of the offense, attacking the defense and drawing attention before finding Gordon for the dagger three over the 7’1″ Holmgren.
Gordon Credits Westbrook’s Vision
Gordon was quick to credit his teammate.
“It helps when you have a Hall of Fame passer finding you in rhythm,” Gordon said. “That pass was perfect—on time, on target. That’s a trust play. That’s Russ being Russ.”
Although the crowd cheered against him late, when he missed a free throw and a three-pointer in crunch time, it was Westbrook’s final play that sealed the win.
A Painful Reminder in OKC
Westbrook’s return was emotional, and he acknowledged the moment.
“I’m blessed to still be in this position and to contribute at a high level,” he said. “They love me here because of how I compete—and I’m going to keep doing that for my team.”
Game 2 now looms large, with Denver holding a 1-0 lead and the Thunder looking to respond. But no matter what happens next, Westbrook’s return to OKC has already left its mark.
