Russell Westbrook had some pointed remarks for his previous team as he entered the Denver Nuggets’ locker room after winning Game 7. He reportedly asked, “Picked the wrong person, didn’t they?” upon eliminating the Los Angeles Clippers.

While it’s clear who he might be referring to—likely James Harden, with whom he had previously played on three teams—it’s not entirely certain. Harden, who had just seven points in Game 7, could very well be the source of Westbrook’s frustration. Alternatively, he might be indicating Kris Dunn, the player acquired in exchange for Westbrook, or even Coach Ty Lue, as the Clippers often sidelined Westbrook during crucial moments.

The entirety of Westbrook’s second half of his career has been turbulent, filled with challenges and disappointments. His reunion with Harden in Houston was marked by an offensive disaster, and his stint with the Lakers proved vastly unproductive. The Clippers, to Westbrook’s own admission, did not live up to expectations either.

Despite being an MVP and the first player to average a triple-double since Oscar Robertson, Westbrook’s legacy risked being overshadowed by recent failures. Coming into the season, Westbrook had faced scrutiny for not adapting his game, and initially struggled with making effective plays off the ball.

However, since joining the Nuggets, significant adjustments have allowed him slightly more freedom in playing a chaotic style of basketball which Denver greatly needed. His increase in corner three-point shooting propelled his performance; he successfully made seven crucial threes in the series against the Clippers, leading the Nuggets with a total of 45 such shots for the season.

In Denver, his role transformed with promising prospects. The Nuggets never sought to diminish Westbrook but rather encouraged him to adapt his play. His chaotic style, while risky, brought energy that propelled the team to victory. The Nuggets found the right balance between embracing his past playstyle while integrating his need for growth.

With this shift, Westbrook showed that he still possessed the ability to impact critical games positively. His performance and impact on the Nuggets proved critical to their success in the playoffs.

Now, Westbrook stands at a crucial stage of his career. After experiencing the depths of a challenging stint on multiple teams, he acknowledges the significance of finding the right fit. His time with the Nuggets has allowed him to showcase his real potential, marking an incredibly essential period for both his personal career and the franchise.