Mar 5, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook (4) and center Nikola Jokic (15) in the first quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

Nikola Jokic Defends Russell Westbrook After Nuggets-Thunder Game 2

Originally posted on Denver Nuggets on SI | By Jed Katz | Last updated May 8, 2025 2:31 AM ET

It was a rough night for the Denver Nuggets, who fell to the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 2 of the Western Conference Semifinals, 149-106. The Nuggets trailed for nearly the entire game, only having a lead in the opening minute of the game, before the Thunder took full control.

Oklahoma City played incredible defense on Denver, extending its lead to as many as 49 points. Nuggets star Nikola Jokic particularly struggled, with 17 points on 6-of-16 shooting.

Nuggets point guard Russell Westbrook was one of the bigger stories tonight, as he is widely regarded as one of, if not the greatest, player in Thunder history. The former Oklahoma City player won an MVP with the franchise, helping lead the team to multiple playoff appearances.

Westbrook got into it with Thunder forward Jaylin Williams at one point in the game, earning a technical foul that resulted in a surprising number of boos raining down from the OKC crowd. It was surprising considering what he had done for the franchise over the course of his career.

Westbrook & Jaylin Williams go at it. Russ gets T’d up and rained down with boos by the OKC crowd pic.twitter.com/dsOIjkE4cI
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) May 8, 2025

After the game, Jokic was asked about the booing toward Westbrook. He gave a simple answer:

"I don't know. That's their problem. I really don't know what to say."

Jokic on fans booing Westbrook:

"That's their problem. I really don't know what to say" pic.twitter.com/v9gEO0ayKz
— Oh No He Didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) May 8, 2025

It was surprising to see such a highly regarded player by a franchise's fanbase get booed like that. Westbrook was at his peak during his time with the Thunder, emerging from a sidekick to Kevin Durant all the way to an MVP and top-tier point guard. The boos drew some negative reactions from fans as well.

This article first appeared on Denver Nuggets on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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