In a thrilling start to the second round of the NBA playoffs, the Denver Nuggets edged past the Oklahoma City Thunder with a nail-biting 121-119 victory on Monday night, May 5, 2025. The game showcased not only the high stakes of postseason basketball but also the emotional return of Russell Westbrook, who received a hero's welcome from Thunder fans at Paycom Center.
Westbrook, who spent 11 seasons with the Thunder, checked into the game at the five-minute mark and was met with a standing ovation from the crowd, a testament to his significant impact on the franchise. The former MVP and franchise player has left an indelible mark on Oklahoma City, leading the team to an NBA Finals appearance in 2012 alongside Kevin Durant and James Harden. During his time with the Thunder, he averaged 23.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 8.4 assists per game, with his standout season being the 2016-17 campaign where he averaged a staggering 31.6 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 10.4 assists, earning the MVP award.
After leaving the Thunder for the Houston Rockets in the 2019-20 season, Westbrook faced challenges in his subsequent stints. However, this season with the Nuggets, the 36-year-old guard has rejuvenated his career, playing a pivotal role in Denver's playoff success. In Game 1 against the Thunder, he contributed significantly, finishing with 18 points, two rebounds, and two assists while shooting 7-of-13 from the field and 1-of-5 from three-point range in 30 minutes of action.
Fans on social media were quick to react to Westbrook's performance, with many praising his contributions. One fan noted, "Ppl tried to convince y’all Russ wasn’t a playoff performer and that was the funny part," highlighting the ongoing debate about Westbrook's playoff legacy. Another user expressed a desire to see a pairing between Westbrook and Nuggets star Nikola Jokic sooner, stating, "Russell Westbrook has been so damn good in these playoffs. I wish we got the Jokic-Russ pairing sooner because it's one of the best fits of his career."
Despite the close score, the Nuggets managed to complete an impressive fourth-quarter comeback, showcasing their resilience as they look to advance deeper into the playoffs. The victory puts them up 1-0 in the series, setting the stage for Game 2, which will take place on Wednesday night, May 7, 2025. The Nuggets will be looking to build on this momentum, while the Thunder will aim to bounce back on their home court.
As the series unfolds, Westbrook's role will be crucial for the Nuggets. His ability to provide flexibility off the bench has been a significant asset, particularly in high-pressure situations. In the previous round against the Los Angeles Clippers, Westbrook demonstrated his playoff prowess, scoring 16 points, grabbing five rebounds, and dishing out five assists in just 27 minutes during a decisive Game 7 victory.
The matchup against the Thunder is not just another playoff series for Westbrook; it is a return to where he became a star. His journey with Oklahoma City has been filled with highs and lows, and each time he returns, he is greeted with the same affection from fans who remember the electrifying player who once donned their colors. As he continues to contribute to the Nuggets' postseason run, the narrative of Westbrook's legacy in Oklahoma City remains a focal point for both fans and analysts alike.
With the series now underway, all eyes will be on how Westbrook and the Nuggets perform in Game 2. The stakes are high, and the excitement is palpable as the teams vie for a crucial win in this tightly contested playoff series. Will Westbrook continue to shine, or will the Thunder find a way to stifle his impact? One thing's for sure: the drama of the playoffs is just beginning, and every game will be a battle.
