Russell Westbrook’s challenging week reached a low point during the Nuggets’ heartbreaking 140-139 double-overtime defeat to the Timberwolves. With the game on the line, Westbrook missed a close-range layup in the closing seconds, then exacerbated the situation by fouling Nickeil Alexander-Walker on a desperate three-point shot. Alexander-Walker converted two of three free throw attempts, clinching the game for Minnesota and leaving the Nuggets reeling from a painful loss that spiraled into a four-game losing streak.
WESTBROOK NO WAY WHAT IS HE THINKING 😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/mj1QONJXzv
— LakeShow Highlights (@LSH_lakeshow) April 2, 2025
A FOUL ON THE FINAL THREE-POINT SHOT 😱
THIS SEQUENCE IS INSANE. pic.twitter.com/IBysO7j0Em
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) April 2, 2025
Following the loss against Minnesota, Westbrook left the arena without addressing reporters and continued to avoid the media in the subsequent days. Brendan Vogt from DNVR Nuggets reported that he declined an interview request after Wednesday’s 113-106 loss to the Spurs. This trend persisted after Friday’s 118-104 defeat against the Warriors. It wasn’t until Sunday, following Denver’s fourth consecutive loss—a 125-120 setback against the Indiana Pacers—that Westbrook finally spoke up, albeit only due to league requirements, as noted by Altitude Sports Radio’s Darren McKee.
Westbrook declined to speak with the media again.
— Brendan Vogt (@BrendanVogt) April 3, 2025
Though he fulfilled media obligations, his comments seemed devoid of enthusiasm, reminiscent of Marshawn Lynch’s “I’m just here so I don’t get fined” routine during his Seattle tenure. When asked about what needs to be cleaned up before the regular season ends, Westbrook responded, “I’m not sure, to be honest.” On urgency, he said, “Uhhh, I don’t know, man. You know, I’m not sure.” Faced with a question about his experiences to help the team, he said, “I don’t have the answer for you, man. I wish I did, but unfortunately, I don’t.” When pressed about his frustration, he simply commented, “Um, I mean, probably just losing.” Finally, when questioned about confidence in turning things around for the postseason, he stated, “Um, I hope it’s high. I can’t speak for everyone in the locker room, but my head stays high; get ready for Wednesday.”
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Just pathetic. Westbrook avoids the media for 3 games after he screwed up vs the Wolves, league gives him a warning, and this is how he reacts. 17yr vet and bro acts like a child. Just zero accountability. Get this bum outta Denver right now. pic.twitter.com/zm7WpJtWfR
— Jokicism 🃏 (@jokicgoatic15) April 7, 2025
The situation culminated in a week of frustrating losses and a veteran guard who seemed at a loss for words—and possibly even ability. For a 17-year veteran on a team struggling at such a crucial moment, that’s not just disappointing; it’s indefensible. For a Nuggets squad striving to avoid the play-in, such negativity could prove more harmful than the losses themselves.
