Russell Westbrook makes two awful decisions, blows Nuggets game and Jokic’s night

DENVER—Nikola Jokic’s 61-point triple-double was spoiled at the buzzer with two bad decisions by Russell Westbrook, costing the Denver Nuggets the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The Wolves won 140-139, thanks to a wild play. The Nuggets had the ball 139-138 thanks to a Westbrook steal in the final moments. Up with the ball, Westbrook took a 2-on-1 layup instead of him or Christian Braun pulling the ball out for a foul. Westbrook missed the easy shot, then hustled back down the court, only to foul Nickeil Alexander-Walker as time nearly expired. This gave three free throws to the Wolves wing, who iced it.

Russell Westbrook with an all time terrible decision pic.twitter.com/jXsXjDFus8

— Jake Shapiro (@Shapalicious) April 2, 2025

A FOUL ON THE FINAL THREE-POINT SHOT 😱

THIS SEQUENCE IS INSANE. pic.twitter.com/IBysO7j0Em

— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) April 2, 2025

Westbrook had 12 points on 11 shots in 38 minutes of action with five turnovers—two of which were in overtime. Jokic finished with 61 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists. And maybe it’s not too shocking Westbrook’s layup was short, given he played a huge number of minutes.

Nuggets head coach Michael Malone defended Westbrook’s layup choice after the game.

“You got two on one break, as a coach, am I up on the sideline saying don’t go? You have a layup,” Malone said. “But it’s easy to say that in hindsight because we missed a layup, and they gave him three free throws at the end, and this was deciding really crucial stretch of the game. But yeah, I’ll address Russ individually, but these are pro. He’s a warrior. He’s a tough kid, and I think he knows that everybody in that locker room has his back.”

Malone doubles down in defending Russell Westbrook pic.twitter.com/B9nArGBrFh

— Jake Shapiro (@Shapalicious) April 2, 2025

The Nuggets are now the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference with a 47-29 record. Minnesota sits at the No. 7 seed with a 44-32 mark.