But the idea that the Nuggets can upset the Thunder would be crazy talk without Westbrook. Against the league’s deepest team, Westbrook is akin to a judge, alone on the bench. Peyton Watson might get a block, and Julian Strawther might make a shot, but Westbrook is the only reserve who can be trusted.

OKC Thunder superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander sent a clear Russell Westbrook message during the playoff series against the Denver Nuggets.

There’s numerous factors that contributed to the Oklahoma City Thunder’s Game 1 collapse, and subsequent Denver Nuggets comeback. The now-infamous fouling up th