Russell Westbrook lost the game for the Denver Nuggets against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday. The one-time MVP missed an open layup with 9.0 seconds left in double overtime with the Nuggets up 139-138.
Westbrook then fouled Nickeil Alexander-Walker on a 3-point attempt with 0.1 seconds left in the game. Alexander-Walker hit two free throws to win the game for the Timberwolves.
The NBA's all-time leader in triple-doubles, Westbrook was ripped by fans and media members for his two errors. Fox Sports host Nick Wright was one of the media members who bashed Westbrook, as the pundit stated that Westbrook "has not been able to contribute to winning basketball in nearly a decade."
Nick Wright on Russell Westbrook
"He has not been able to contribute to winning basketball in nearly a decade."
via @FTFonFS1
pic.twitter.com/xjjQm6jpDM
— NBA Retweet (@RTNBA) April 2, 2025
Westbrook has played for the Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, Washington Wizards, Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers and Nuggets. He's only advanced past the first round of the playoffs once since Kevin Durant left the Thunder in 2016 for the Golden State Warriors.
Westbrook and the Rockets beat the Thunder in the first round of the 2020 playoffs at the Walt Disney World bubble before losing to the Lakers in the second round.
In his first season with the Nuggets, Westbrook is averaging 13.1 points, 5.0 rebounds and 6.2 assists while shooting 45.3% from the field, 33.1% from beyond the arc and 63.6% from the free-throw line.
Denver will be in the playoffs this season.
All eyes will likely be on Westbrook to see if he impacts winning on the NBA's biggest stage.
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This story was originally published April 2, 2025 at 4:08 PM.