Russell Westbrook is perhaps the most underutilized player in the NBA. Having earned multiple All-Stars and even an MVP among many other accolades, that is a big claim to even think that the 36-year-old is still underutilized. But at least this is what the Nuggets star Nikola Jokić believes so. “I think people and the teams that he was passed [around by] misunderstood him and did not give him the opportunity to be who he is,” Jokic said earlier this year. With a stamp of approval from the reigning MVP, Westbrook’s future in Denver seemed promising. However, everything took a turn during the clash with the Timberwolves—when his fumbles in overtime ultimately cost the game for the Nuggets. And now, as we go deep into the season, HC Michael Malone also confirmed his stance on Westbrook.

If you look at the numbers, Russell Westbrook is not having any remarkable sort of season—averaging barely 13 points a game. But if you watch the game, his partnership with Jokic has been nothing sort of remarkable. Talking to TNT, Jokic also admitted his combination with Westbrook. “I just love the connection because I just need to look at him, and he knows exactly what I’m thinking. He just waits for me to get to the spot, and he always passes it at the right time,” Jokic said earlier this year. With that kind of on-court synergy, the real question is—will Coach Malone truly consider breaking up this duo over one slip-up from the 36-year-old vet?

Yes, Westbrook had a poor game against the Timberwolves, but Malone knew it was just a rare poor day for his point guard. Jokic, who scored 61 points in a losing cause, also defended Westbrook.“It’s basketball,” said Nikola Jokic, who amassed 61 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists. “I’m pretty sure that (Westbrook) didn’t want to make a foul or whatever. It happens.”

Well, the next thing we knew, it was Russell Westbrook’s show against the Spurs—who dropped a 30-point game. Even before this game, Malone let everyone that going without his point guard was not even an option, because Westbrook didn’t come to Denver to just vibe. He came to win, and he’s making sure everyone else is locked in too.

Coach Malone? He saw that. And after the game, he made sure Westbrook knew it. “I was not at all surprised when he said, ‘I’m playing, man,’” Malone said. “That’s because he’s a competitor. He loves an opportunity to go out there and compete. A lot of guys would have taken the easy way out, but that’s not in Russell Westbrook’s DNA.” And what did he get for his efforts? More pain.

Back-to-back humiliations: A Westbrook special

If Westbrook thought he was escaping embarrassment after the Minnesota meltdown, the basketball gods had other plans. Against the Spurs, he actually played well—30 points, 11 rebounds, 6 assists. But, like clockwork, the universe had to humble him.

Let’s start with the moment in the first quarter. Sandro Mamukelashvili—yes, Sandro Mamukelashvili—ripped the ball from Westbrook like he was an NPC in an NBA 2K game and then dunked it at the buzzer. Russell Westbrook, former MVP, and absolute legend, got his pocket picked by a guy whose name most NBA fans still can’t pronounce.

If that wasn’t enough, Russ saved his worst for the fourth quarter. After cooking all night, he suddenly went ice cold. Zero points in the final 12 minutes. And just when Denver had a chance to tie the game, Westbrook drove to the hoop, had a wide-open reverse layup, and… missed it. Again.

That’s back-to-back nights of soul-crushing, late-game fumbles.

Even worse? Chris Paul—the same Chris Paul that Westbrook has had beef with for years—sealed the game with back-to-back three-pointers. It was the ultimate basketball karma moment. Russ missed an easy layup; CP3 drained two daggers in his face. Ouch.

Here’s the thing: Westbrook will never change. He will run full speed into the defense when he doesn’t need to, he will take pull-up jumpers that make his own coach sigh. He will make some of the most head-scratching plays you’ve ever seen.

But guess what? He’ll also never back down. He could’ve easily sat out that Spurs game. But he didn’t. He went out there and played 37 minutes while the rest of Denver’s stars were resting their legs. And even though things didn’t go his way, his coach respected the hell out of him for it.

Malone summed it up best: “Russell Westbrook’s got a lot of miles on those wheels, and he plays so damn hard.” Yeah, Russ had a rough couple of nights. Yeah, he fumbled some key moments. But the man is still out there competing, still giving 100%, still Russell freaking Westbrook.

And honestly? The NBA is a lot more fun because of it.