The Western Conference semifinal series between the Denver Nuggets and Oklahoma City Thunder has been nothing short of thrilling, with the teams now tied at one win apiece. As they head into Game 3, fans are treated to a nail-biting contest that has seen standout performances, particularly from reserve guard Russell Westbrook. After a stunning Game 1 win where Westbrook scored 18 points and assisted on the game-winning 3-pointer by Aaron Gordon, he has continued to be a pivotal player for the Nuggets.
In the early moments of Game 3, Westbrook showcased his defensive prowess by stealing an errant pass and converting it into a fast-break layup. Although his overall performance in the first half was lackluster, he contributed enough to keep Denver within striking distance, trailing by just five points at halftime. Fans took to social media to express their excitement over Westbrook's hustle, with one user commenting, "Need more this," while another noted, "happy to see this from Westbrook, I like to see the flashes of him back to his prime."
Westbrook, who spent the first 11 seasons of his career with the Thunder, has embraced a reduced role with the Nuggets. This season, he has averaged 13.3 points, 6.1 assists, and 4.9 rebounds in just under 28 minutes per game, with a true shooting percentage of .532—the highest it has been in five years. Critics have often pointed to his defensive shortcomings, but his contributions off the bench have energized the Nuggets throughout the playoffs.
Denver's success is largely attributed to their three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray, who is enjoying a bounce-back postseason. Murray has averaged 21.7 points per game on 46.8% shooting and 40.7% from beyond the arc in nine playoff games. However, it is the combination of Westbrook and Gordon that has proven crucial for the Nuggets. Gordon made headlines earlier in the playoffs by executing the first-ever game-winning dunk in the postseason against the Clippers, helping Denver avoid a potential 3-1 deficit.
As the Nuggets face the Thunder in Game 3, the stakes are high. The previous game saw Denver suffer a shocking 43-point blowout loss, where they allowed an NBA-record 87 points in the first half. Interim coach David Adelman acknowledged the need for a stronger performance, stating, "We got punked, and we didn’t play well enough. They came out with the right intensity." With the series tied at 1-1, both teams are eager to seize control.
In Game 3, the Nuggets found themselves in a tight battle once again. Late-game heroics from Aaron Gordon helped send the contest into overtime. Gordon's clutch play has been a hallmark of his postseason performance, and his contributions were vital as the game progressed. Michael Porter Jr. then stepped up in overtime, hitting a crucial three-pointer that gave the Nuggets a five-point lead. Denver ultimately secured a 113-104 victory, taking a 2-1 lead in the series.
Despite the win, Westbrook's performance was underwhelming as he managed only eight points, one rebound, and four assists in 22 minutes of play. Fans and analysts alike noted that while his stats may not reflect it, his leadership and defensive efforts were significant. Social media lit up with praise for Westbrook's attitude and his ability to coach up teammates during critical moments of the game.
Three of Westbrook's eight points came in the fourth quarter, where he tied the game at 83, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure. The 36-year-old veteran has found a nice niche with the Nuggets, contributing to their playoff success in ways that go beyond just scoring. His averages of 15.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game this postseason highlight his importance to the team's strategy.
As the Nuggets prepare for Game 4 on Sunday, May 11, 2025, they look to build on their momentum and take a commanding 3-1 series lead. The game is set to tip-off at 3:30 p.m. EST from the Ball Arena in Denver. With both teams showcasing their talent and determination, fans can expect another thrilling matchup in this tightly contested series.
