The one who works hardest is this basic salary veteran. Is this really a irony for the Nuggets?

In the previous NBA Western Conference semi-finals G2, the Oklahoma City Thunder, who suffered a final victory in G1, outscored the Denver Nuggets with a advantage of 149 to 106. After this game, the Thunder also tied the total score of this round of series to 1-1, and both sides returned to the same starting line.

Although the Nuggets suffered a humiliating defeat in this game, the team's substitute backcourt veteran Russell Westbrook actually performed quite well. Westbrook played 21 minutes and 49 seconds in the game, made 5 of 11 shots, 1 of 4 from outside the three-point line, and 8 of 10 free throws, scoring 19 points, 1 rebound and 5 assists, and had 4 turnovers and 5 fouls, with a plus-minus value of -30. With the team feeling cold and lacking fighting spirit, Westbrook may be the most motivated and fighting spirit player in the Nuggets. Westbrook also maintained a strong impact and explosive power on the offensive end, and he continued to attack the opponent's inside and achieved good results. Westbrook's performance in passing and organizing offense is also worthy of recognition, and he can also provide certain support and help to the team. It is no exaggeration to say that if Westbrook hadn't been working hard, the Nuggets would have really gone to lose 58 points.

In the NBA regular season this season, Westbrook made a total of 75 appearances in 82 games, averaging 27.9 minutes per game, averaging 13.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, 6.1 assists, 1.4 steals and 0.5 blocks, and 3.2 turnovers and 2.5 fouls. His shooting percentage was 44.9%, three-point shooting percentage was 32.3%, and free throw shooting percentage was 66.1%. In the playoffs, Westbrook made a total of 8 appearances in the first nine games, averaging 25.6 minutes, averaging 15 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists and 1 steal, and 2.4 turnovers and 3.1 fouls. His shooting percentage was 45.1%, a three-point shooting percentage of 37.5%, and a free throw shooting percentage of 71.9%.

Westbrook's performance during the playoffs is extremely reliable. He has stable efficiency on the offensive end, his scoring ability is quite good, he can occasionally take on some passing tasks, and he also has a positive attitude on the defensive end, and his overall performance is far beyond everyone's expectations. Westbrook can be said to have played the role of the sixth man well. When forward player Kevin Porter Jr. is in a mess, he can also play his value and play his role on both offense and defense. But on the other hand, the Nuggets' situation in this game is also a bit helpless. The team's most active performance is a veteran with a basic salary, not other starters with a contract of tens of millions, which sounds like a bit ironic.