Russell Westbrook just can’t catch a break. One moment, he’s making a clutch steal in double overtime. The next, he’s blowing a layup, committing a game-losing foul, and—just for good measure—nearly going at it with a Nuggets fan. The Denver crowd witnessed it all unfold like a tragic comedy, and to top it off, head coach Michael Malone’s post-game comments didn’t exactly help.

Westbrook’s final 17 seconds of the Denver Nuggets’ 140-139 double-overtime loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on April 1 could be used as an instructional video titled: How to Ruin a Perfectly Good Game in Record Time.

With the Nuggets clinging to a one-point lead, Westbrook intercepted an Anthony Edwards pass. It was the perfect moment to slow down, get fouled, and ice the game at the line. Instead, Russ did what Russ does—he went full-speed to the rim, missed the layup, and in a panic, fouled Nickeil Alexander-Walker on a three-point attempt with 0.1 seconds left. Alexander-Walker hit two free throws, sending Denver to an infuriating loss.

And if blowing the game wasn’t bad enough, Westbrook found himself in yet another awkward moment on his way to the locker room. A Nuggets fan had something to say, and whatever it was, it made Russ stop dead in his tracks. He turned, clearly ready for a confrontation, but before anything could escalate, security and teammates intervened. Deja vu, anyone?

Westbrook has a history of getting into it with fans, whether it’s trading words with hecklers or even shoving a dude who got way too close in 2018. It’s practically a subplot of his career at this point.

Michael Malone tries to defend Westbrook… Kind of

After the game, Michael Malone attempted to put a positive spin on things. Instead, he basically confirmed that Westbrook single-handedly cost Denver the win. “I feel awful for Russ,” Malone said, shaking his head. “We get the turnover, we don’t convert, and then the foul.” Ouch!

Malone did his best to soften the blow, praising his team’s effort and reminding everyone that the Nuggets were missing key players Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. But no amount of sugarcoating could hide the fact that Denver should have closed this one out—especially after Nikola Jokic dropped a ridiculous 61-point triple-double.

Yeah, you read that right. Sixty-one points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists. One of the best individual performances of the season… wasted. The timing of this disaster couldn’t be worse for Denver. The playoff race is tighter than ever, and every win (or heartbreaking loss) could be the difference between a high seed and a brutal first-round matchup.

As for Westbrook, he’ll have to shake this one off fast. Fans are ruthless, social media is undefeated, and with his past history of viral moments, this will be replayed, meme-d, and debated for days. And if there’s one thing we know about Russ, it’s that he won’t back down. The only question is—will the next moment be another redemption arc… or another meltdown?