OKC Thunder superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander sent a clear Russell Westbrook message during the playoff series against the Denver Nuggets.

But the idea that the Nuggets can upset the Thunder would be crazy talk without Westbrook. Against the league’s deepest team, Westbrook is akin to a judge, alone on the bench. Peyton Watson might get a block, and Julian Strawther might make a shot, but Westbrook is the only reserve who can be trusted.

As Shai Gilgeous-Alexander went to the free-throw line, the OKC crowd seamlessly went from "MVP" chants to a standard ovation. The old saying goes that you never forget your high school sweetheart. Oklahoma City Thunder fans can attest to that with Russell Westbrook.