Jalen Williams, who now plays the role of star for the Thunder in Westbrook's place, shared a message with the former MVP amid their series. Williams, who is on the younger side of stars in this league at 24 years old, spent a significant time of his days growing up and watching Westbrook as one of the featured players in the NBA.

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.

Russell Westbrook is force. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is finesse. Westbrook is chaos. Gilgeous-Alexander is craft.