A Crime of a Game! What Level is 36-Year-Old Westbrook Really At?

When Russell Westbrook took to the court in Denver for an intense double-overtime thriller against the Minnesota Timberwolves, few could have predicted that this would become a game that not only featured one of the greatest performances in NBA history but would also be remembered for a critical error that many would say cost the Denver Nuggets a potential victory. Nikola Jokic had an unforgettable night, putting up 61 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists, setting an all-time high for his career and making history with the highest-scoring triple-double ever recorded in NBA history. However, despite this mind-boggling performance, the Nuggets ultimately lost, and one key moment stood out: Russell Westbrook’s involvement in the final seconds.

The game was a rollercoaster, with both teams battling it out for 52 minutes of exhilarating basketball. Jokic, already an MVP candidate, seemed to carry the entire weight of the game on his shoulders as he put on a clinic that included 29 field goals made from 18 attempts, 6 three-pointers from 11 tries, and 19 made free throws from 24 attempts. His 61 points were the most ever in a single game for the Nuggets' big man, and his triple-double was also one of the most unique achievements in basketball history. He became just the third player ever to record a 60+ point triple-double, joining the ranks of legends like Wilt Chamberlain and Elgin Baylor. However, despite all of Jokic’s efforts, the Nuggets found themselves on the losing side of the final scoreline.

As the game entered the second overtime, with only 15 seconds remaining and the Nuggets leading by a point, things seemed to be in their favor. That is, until Westbrook made an error that would haunt both him and the team. Westbrook, who had played 38 minutes off the bench, initially made a crucial defensive play by stealing an errant pass from Anthony Edwards. He had an opportunity to push the fast break and seal the game for the Nuggets, but a missed layup on a two-on-one fast break would prove to be a costly mistake. What followed, however, was even worse.

In the very next defensive possession, Westbrook committed a controversial foul on a three-point shot by Utah’s Alexander-Walker, who was attempting a game-winning shot. With only 0.1 seconds left, Westbrook’s defensive mistake resulted in three free throws for Alexander-Walker. Two of those free throws went in, and just like that, the Nuggets found themselves losing a game that they had been on the verge of winning. The foul, which many criticized as unnecessary and a sign of poor judgment, ultimately robbed Jokic of what would have been an iconic victory, and the 61-point performance was overshadowed by the heartbreaking loss.

Let’s break down what went wrong for Westbrook in these final moments. While it’s easy to criticize his fast break decision, many feel that hindsight is always 20/20. The truth is, had Westbrook slowed down the tempo and waited for a foul, there would have been a good chance the Timberwolves would have had to send him to the line, and a missed free throw or two could have cost them the game. Alternatively, had Westbrook converted that layup, no one would be second-guessing his decision-making. But the reality is that this critical error, paired with the foul on the three-point shot, left Westbrook exposed, and now his performance is being scrutinized by fans and analysts alike.

The foul on Alexander-Walker in the final moments, despite being a legitimate call from the referees, drew much criticism from the public. Many argued that the referees could have let the game play out without making such a call, especially with time running out and the game on the line. However, upon closer inspection, Westbrook did make contact with Alexander-Walker’s shooting arm, and the foul was called. This was not a situation in which a superstar player like Stephen Curry or LeBron James would have been given a pass for a similar foul—this was simply an unfortunate mistake by Westbrook.

What stands out more than anything, however, is how this final sequence exemplified the growing pains and frustrations that have come with Westbrook’s game in recent years. While his talent is undeniable, at 36 years old, he is far from the MVP-caliber player he once was. Westbrook's explosive athleticism has waned, and his decision-making—especially in clutch moments—has been called into question more times than many would like to admit. His hesitations after missing the fast break layup and his failure to recover defensively in time to contest Alexander-Walker’s shot is a clear sign of a player who is still trying to find his rhythm and trust his instincts in high-pressure situations.

It’s also worth noting that while Westbrook’s final moments in this game were tragic for the Nuggets, the rest of his performance in this game wasn’t necessarily bad. Westbrook had a solid stat line, scoring 12 points, grabbing 6 rebounds, and dishing out 7 assists in his 38 minutes on the floor. His shooting was inconsistent, as he went 4-for-11 from the field, but that was to be expected from a player of his profile at this stage in his career. Still, he managed to provide some playmaking and leadership when the Nuggets needed it most. If it weren’t for the final sequence, Westbrook's performance would likely have been praised as a solid contribution off the bench, and his ability to stay in the game through two overtime periods was a testament to the trust head coach Michael Malone has in him.

In fact, this season, Westbrook has been a valuable piece for the Nuggets in his role as a backup guard. Despite the criticisms, his numbers have been solid across the board. Through 69 games, Westbrook is averaging 13.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 6.2 assists per game, with a shooting line of 45.3% from the field, 33.1% from beyond the arc, and 63.6% from the free-throw line. His effective field goal percentage of 51.1% is the best of his career since his MVP season, and his three-point shooting is the best it’s been since that time as well. His defensive contributions have also improved, with Westbrook receiving praise from Malone for his efforts on that end of the floor.

When compared to his last season with the Los Angeles Clippers, Westbrook’s numbers are much improved. Last season, he averaged 11.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.5 assists while shooting just 27.3% from deep and struggling with his free-throw shooting. His contributions to the Nuggets have been far more valuable, especially given the team’s lack of depth at the guard position. While Westbrook may not be the same player he once was, he still brings something to the table for a championship-contending team like the Nuggets.

It’s also worth noting that despite his age and flaws, Westbrook remains one of the most competitive players in the league. He still has the fire and determination that made him one of the most electrifying players of his generation, even if the results aren’t always what fans and analysts expect. The Nuggets, despite Westbrook's mistakes, are still one of the top teams in the Western Conference, and their hopes of winning a championship rest largely on the health of their key players: Jokic, Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr., and Aaron Gordon. Westbrook, while not the centerpiece of the team, still has a role to play as a reliable reserve who can provide energy, playmaking, and leadership when needed.

Looking ahead, Westbrook’s role with the Nuggets in the postseason will be one of the most intriguing storylines of the year. At 36 years old, he’s in one of his final chances to compete for a championship, and while he may not be able to carry the team the way he once did, he still has the potential to make a big impact in select moments. The key for Westbrook will be keeping his emotions in check and making the right decisions when the game is on the line. If he can do that, he just might play a pivotal role in helping the Nuggets achieve their championship aspirations.

Ultimately, this game serves as a reminder of where Westbrook stands at this point in his career. He’s no longer the MVP-caliber player he once was, but he’s still capable of contributing in meaningful ways. If he can limit his mistakes and continue to be a steady presence for the Nuggets, Westbrook might just find himself with another chance at an NBA title. The next few months will determine whether he can overcome the inconsistencies that have defined his later years and help the Nuggets reach the ultimate goal: an NBA championship.