Before we go in on Russell Westbrook, let’s just recognize that Tuesday night was an all-time night of NBA basketball. Two of the best in the league, Nikola Jokic and Steph Curry put up insane stat lines in instant classic games.

The Nuggets vs. T’Wolves game ended up going to double overtime, which thankfully let me hit a parlay!

But in what was maybe Nikola Jokic’s best game ever. Against a division rival minus Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr., he put the team on his back. 61 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists and they had a one point lead in the final 15 seconds. That’s where things get wonky as Russell Westbrook gets a steal that immediately turns into a fastbreak opportunity. He takes a layup which he promptly misses which then turns into a T’Wolves possession where he fouls a 3-point shooter at the buzzer causing the Nuggets to lose.

But let me tell you something – the layup was a good decision. Obviously an unfortunate outcome for Nuggets fans and bettors, but what are all the Monday Morning Quarterbacks saying? That he should’ve gotten fouled?

Yes, I understand that the clock was ticking down. But when he attempted the layup, there was 11 seconds left. It’s not like there was two or three seconds left. If he makes it, Denver is up by 3 and Minnesota needs a 3-pointer to tie it. If he gets fouled, he’s a 64% free throw shooter.

He hasn’t shot 67% or better from the line since the 2019-20 season. He’s sub 64% this year. You want that guy at the line shooting two? And there still be what 8-9 seconds left at best? Look, it obviously didn’t work out, but I’ll take my chances on a future Hall of Famer taking a layup in transition where he doesn’t get touched. 

A crazy ending for sure and my heart goes out to Russell Westbrook as that is an ending that you’ll regret forever, but taking the layup there was the right call and anyone who says otherwise if just playing the results.