Russell Westbrook didn’t have the best of games on Friday night.
The Denver Nuggets saw late-game heroics from Aaron Gordon yet again to send Game 3 to overtime.
AARON GORDON TIES THE GAME AT 102!
We are heading to OT on ESPN for Game 3! pic.twitter.com/Tr1gCS2jLa
— NBA (@NBA) May 10, 2025
In overtime, Michael Porter Jr.’s clutch three-pointer gave the Nuggets a five-point lead and never looked back as Denver secured the 113-104 victory to take a 2-1 lead in their Western Conference semifinals series.
MPJ GIVES DENVER A 5-POINT LEAD IN OT WITH A 👌
GET TO ESPN NOW FOR OT!!! pic.twitter.com/6HoaNH1pUw
— NBA (@NBA) May 10, 2025
Despite the Nuggets securing the win and series lead, Russell Westbrook certainly didn’t have a great night.
The former NBA’s Most Valuable Player scored just eight points while securing a single rebound to go with four assists during his 22 minutes on the floor.
While his stats certainly left more to be desired, fans praised Westbrook’s attitude and coaching during late-game situations.
RUSSELL WESTBROOK IN THE COACH’S SEAT COACHING UP HIS NUGGETS TEAMMATES IN OVERTIME! 💯🧠
COACH RUSS! pic.twitter.com/IRts6a3ehE
— Courtside Buzz (@CourtsideBuzzX) May 10, 2025
While another fan pointed out Westbrook’s timely baskets, coupled with intensity brought on the defensive side of the ball, signifying there’s more than meets the eye with what the stat sheet shows.
Russell Westbrook back-to-back steals, staring down the OKC bench after the coast to coast bucket 🥶
Russ is a lockdown defender on a minimum contract in year 17 🔥 pic.twitter.com/PKxLY0fav5
— Beastbrook (@Beastbr00k0) May 10, 2025
It’s worth noting three of Westbrook’s eight points came in the fourth quarter to tie the game up at 83.
3️⃣ FOR 4️⃣ pic.twitter.com/JvdZvlbcMV
— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) May 10, 2025
Westbrook, 36, found a nice niche with the Nuggets, scoring 13.3 points while adding 6.1 assists and 4.9 rebounds per game while playing just 27 minutes per contest.
The Nuggets look to take a commanding 3-1 series lead in Game 4 on Sunday night with tip-off set for 3:30 p.m. EST from the Ball Arena in Denver.
