That might involve finding an answer for Westbrook, who hit a three-pointer late in regulation to put the Nuggets ahead by two points. He then missed a final, and potentially game-tying, shot in regulation before earning redemption with his game-saving defense in overtime.

Some muffled M-V-P chants reverberated throughout the arena. The score read: Nuggets 52, Clippers 38. Denver never trailed, despite an average game from Nikola Jokic (a 13-point triple-double). Westbrook was not the difference. But he was a reason for the relatively easy win.

Russell Westbrook has had bad games. He's had great games. He's just never had a quiet one. Nobody has ever forgotten that he was on the floor, for better or worse. His impact in