In his first playoff as NBA head coach, Nuggets captain David Adelman made a fascinating choice. He chose to end the game with Michael Porter Jr.'s volatile Russell Westbrook, who struggled throughout the game. The decision paid off, with Denver winning 112-110 in overtime against the Los Angeles Clippers.
Throughout the fourth quarter and overtime, Westbrook swings between glitter and grab decisions. I broke Westbrook's playoff game on the YouTube channel.
Westbrook scored a total of 10 points and four rebounds in the fourth quarter and overtime, and at the end of the fourth quarter, Denver's lead dropped by three. When Westbrook blew up the defense, his energy immediately popped out of the screen and knocked the offensive glass down. He effectively sealed the game in overtime, stealing an inbound pass designed to harden.
But Westbrook's shaky decision almost cost Denver the game at multiple points. In the last game of the regulations, Westbrook grabbed the basketball with open space and the clock ticked down. Unlike previous possessions, Westbrook didn't even try to shoot, while the Nuggets worked overtime.
Except for Westbrook's clutch angle triple, he missed the rest of his four 3-pointers in fourth and overtime. Westbrook's appearance changed the Clippers' defense. Kris Dunn roamed from Westbrook throughout the clutch, daring him to shoot and blow up the move without worrying about his score.
Denver nearly won their first playoff game, taking advantage of the high-difference game that State Westbrook allowed. However, the Clippers can plan the game and take advantage of this space forward, focus more on rebounding and continue to produce a great look from Deep. We will see how both teams adapt to Westbrook's presence throughout the series.
