Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook (4) reacts after a play and falling into fans in the second quarter against the Oklahoma City Thu

Westbrook has never been considered a great defender. In fact, critics have accused him of gambling a lot or even cutting possessions short to leave his man and go after defensive rebounds. Some feel he does the latter to merely pad his rebounding stats.

But the idea that the Nuggets can upset the Thunder would be crazy talk without Westbrook. Against the league’s deepest team, Westbrook is akin to a judge, alone on the bench. Peyton Watson might get a block, and Julian Strawther might make a shot, but Westbrook is the only reserve who can be trusted.