The Nuggets decided against Russell Westbrook right before they won their first title. This year, they made the bold bet.

Amid this report, Shelburne dropped a Lakers-related nugget. Per the ESPN insider, Denver contemplated signing Westbrook after the Lakers traded him in 2023. She also added that Westbrook nearly played himself out of the NBA rather than accepting a bench role with LA.

Buddy Hield exploded for 33 points, including a Game 7 record-tying nine 3-pointers, and Stephen Curry came alive in the second half as the Warriors surged past the Rockets 103-89. Houston was within eight -- 82-74 -- with under four minutes to go before Golden State ripped off a 12-0 run in 79 seconds.

It may sound familiar, but for the Nuggets, the messaging is proving quite prophetic of late.

The Golden State Warriors are one loss away from having their 2024-25 NBA season be over. The Minnesota Timberwolves have them on the ropes with a 3-1 series deficit. This matchup changed dramatically when Stephen Curry left Game 1 with a hamstring injury. At first things looked promising.

Nuggets advance to Round 2, Warriors clash with Rockets in must-win Game 7 and Cavs host Pacers in Game 1 of East semis.

As Game 3 unfolded through a closely contested first half, a gritty third quarter, a tense fourth, and a chaotic overtime, one question hovered: Which team would come through for its Kia MVP candidate?