The Denver Nuggets had the unique experience of being part of the first playoff game at Intuit Dome on Thursday, but it's not something they'll want to reflect on in the future. The Clippers cruised to a 117-83 win over the Nuggets, which was LA's third-largest playoff victory in franchise history.
Denver was doomed before the game even began. Russell Westbrook hurt his left foot in warmups, but still tried to play. He left the game halfway through the second quarter and didn't return. He finished with three points.
It says a lot that Westbrook still scored the Nuggets' most points off the bench, even though he played only nine minutes. Peyton Watson had two points in 18 minutes, and Zeke Nnaji had one point in five minutes. Jalen Pickett, Julian Strawther, Hunter Tyson, and DeAndre Jordan didn't score at all when they were in the game.
Westbrook's last few years in the NBA have been an absolute roller coaster, and his first season in Denver has proven to be no different. He came up big for the Nuggets in their Game 1 victory, posting 10 of his 15 points in the fourth quarter and overtime. Westbrook made several clutch defensive plays down the stretch.
However, as good as he was in the win, he was also part of the most bizarre play of the game. Russ turned the ball over at the end of regulation after jumping in the air and trying to throw the ball off James Harden, all without getting a shot off. Still, the Nuggets wouldn't have won that game without him. It was all part of the Westbrook experience. Denver missed his energy in Game 3.
Russell Westbrook injury comes at worst possible time for Nuggets
Westbrook's mistakes are often highlighted, but the chatter becomes a lot quieter when he has a positive impact on the game. Denver was clowned for signing him to a two-year deal last offseason, with many proclaiming it was officially the end of the Nuggets' championship hopes. He's making $3.3 million this season and has lived up to that value.
Denver has its back against the wall entering Game 4. Westbrook's status is uncertain, as is that of Michael Porter Jr. The Nuggets' thin depth has been an issue all season, and if Westbrook can't play, or does play and doesn't look like himself, Denver could return to Ball Arena down 3-1.
Westbrook isn't perfect, but he's more important to the Nuggets than his critics want to admit. There is a reason why Jokic co-signed bringing Westbrook to Denver.