MVP or not—Nikola Jokic is HIM! Tonight’s Timberwolves clash was crucial for the Nuggets because a win would give them a nice cushion over the fourth-seeded Lakers, who were just one win behind in the West standings. So, The Joker brought his A game and dropped a historic 61-point triple-double doing everything he could to help his team. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough. Two crucial blunders by Russell Westbrook in the final seconds ruined it all.

Yes, the game was close from start to finish and eventually went to double overtime. Draining a free throw in the final seconds, Jokic gave the Denver team a one-point lead, and they were inches away from victory. Then tragedy struck. Although the Nuggets forced a turnover on the Wolves, Westbrook blew a wide-open layup that would have extended the lead to three points and iced the game.

Adding to the misery, his miss sparked a fastbreak for Anthony Edwards and Co. As Ant-Man passed the ball to Nickeil Alexander-Walker in the corner for the game-winning shot, Russ jumped for the contest and fouled him at the buzzer. The game was practically over as Westbrook’s foul led to three free throws for Walker with only 0.1 seconds remaining. The Wolves star converted two of them and beat the Nuggets in heartbreaking fashion—with a huge assist from Westbrook’s poor decision making.

Sure enough, the loss put a tragic end to Jokic’s historic night. It was his 31 triple-double of the season and the highest individual score of his career. Moreover, his 61 points broke Luka Doncic and James Harden’s record for the highest score in a triple double, which previously stood at sixty. But considering that it came in a loss, Jokic is unlikely to look back at this performance very fondly. Per Statmuse, this is NBA history’s first 60-point triple double in a loss. As expected, Westbrook caught all the blame for tarnishing his special night.

NBA World accuses Russell Westbrook of “selling” after controversial foul on Nickeil Alexander-Walker

Soon after the game ended with the Nuggets losing, the hoop community started blaming Russ for the loss. Comments like “Westbrook deserves to be cooked on Twitter for that last 10 seconds” and “Russ is selling” began flooding in. Some fuming fans even brought back the nickname “Westbrick” that the former MVP made clear once that he does not appreciate. Of course, it stems from his poor shooting ability and missing shots in clutch moments.

One such moment occurred tonight and the NBA World pointed it out. One wrote, “Westbrook is washed. How do you blow that layup” while another said, “Westbrook didn’t even need to score… could have held the ball. He was driving like his life depended on it and smoked it.”

Yes, blowing a wide-open layup to win the game is not something you expect from a former MVP. Moreover, Russ could have easily dribbled out the ball and taken some time off the clock, as his team already had the lead. It would likely have led to free throws for him. But he chose to attack the rim—a decision that cost the Nuggets.

While criticism continued for Westbrook, some netizens also questioned the officials’ last second foul call. “I don’t have a dog in the fight, but that foul on NAW was a flop.” One wrote. Well, Russ’ foul on Walker was at the buzzer and there was very little contact on the play. But the decision was final and the bottom line is—The Nuggets lost and are at risk of being overtaken by the Lakers and falling down the standings. Thoughts?