Nuggets get full Russell Westbrook experience in Game 1 overtime win

It was far from smooth sailing, however, for the majority of the time Westbrook was out there on the court. While he did a masterful job of grabbing numerous offensive rebounds, creating extra possessions for his team and even banging in a late-game three-pointer to give the Nuggets a two-point lead, he also did this.

Overtime contained much more of the same, with Westbrook again using his energy bunny-like tendencies to get after loose balls and offensive rebounds, while simultaneously continuing to take some very questionable shots, both attacking the basket and from the perimeter. The Clippers were clearly making a concerted effort to double-team and get the ball out of the hands of Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray, but they were also very clearly trying to force the ball into the hands of Westbrook. And in most possessions, they were right to do so. 

At this stage of his career, Westbrook truly is the human embodiment of a wild card. While he's capable of making game-winning plays, he's also just as capable of making game-losing plays. Oftentimes, he even alternates said plays on back-to-back possessions. So while it's admirable of coach Aldeman to ride with his gut and stick with Westbrook through the up-and-down experience of it all, it's worth wondering whether it's the right decision to make going forward.