Nuggets broadcasters seemingly fear Russell Westbrook botching layup attempt

Russell Westbrook made a great play that led to Aaron Gordon's game-winning 3-pointer in the Denver Nuggets' 121-119 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday. The reactions from a trio of Nuggets broadcasters during the final seconds of Game 1 went viral on social media.

Altitude TV posted a video of Chris Marlowe, Chris Dempsey and Vic Lombardi calling the game from the studio in Denver. They had the same reaction when Christian Braun passed the ball to the former NBA MVP.

"No, no, no, no, no," the trio said.

Marlowe, Dempsey and Lombardi probably thought that Russell Westbrook was going to drive to the basket and try and get the game-winning basket against his former team.

However, Westbrook ended up passing the ball to the wide-open Aaron Gordon, who was in rhythm after making two clutch free throws. Gordon caught the ball and let it go for a big-time bucket to put Denver up 121-119 with 2.8 seconds left.

The Thunder had already burned their timeouts as the ball was inbounded to Jalen Williams, who missed his shot from beyond half-court. The Nuggets celebrated and mobbed Gordon following his second game-winner of the playoffs.

Chet Holmgren missed two free throws prior to the final play of the game. Coach Mark Daigneault was criticized for using his two timeouts and playing the foul game instead of trying to defend properly to secure the win.

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Russell Westbrook gets standing ovation in playoff return to Oklahoma City

Russell Westbrook gets standing ovation in playoff return to Oklahoma City. (Photo: IMAGN)

Russell Westbrook spent the first 11 years of his career with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Some even consider him the greatest player in franchise history, ahead of Kevin Durant and Gary Payton. Westbrook won the MVP with the Thunder in 2017, averaging a triple-double.

In his first playoff game back in Oklahoma City since 2019, Westbrook received a great ovation from the Thunder fans inside the Paycom Center. He was subbed into the game in the first quarter and was cheered by the crowd.

Westbrook was brilliant for the Nuggets, finishing with 18 points, two rebounds and two assists on 7-for-13 shooting in Game 1.