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.

When Jaylin Williams fouled Nikola Jokic, Westbrook ran to his defense, which always drew boos from the Thunder crowd. When the series wraps up, regardless of the result, it's back to love between the two sides.