The frustration comes after the Kings put together one of their best defensive efforts in recent memory. They created a unique game plan to slow three-time MVP Nikola Jokic, using forwards Keegan Murray and Jake LaRavia to guard the 6-foot-11 center, while Jonas Valanciunas clogged the lane to prevent drivers to the basket.

Westbrook went for 25 points, two steals, two blocks and a corner three with 1:28 to go that doubled Denver’s lead. Sacramento did not go quietly — Zach LaVine answered 20 seconds later to creep back within one score — but the Nuggets made the stops and free throws necessary to escape.

Jokic is the only Nuggets starter with a negative plus/minus, but veteran point guard Russell Westbrook has stepped up in a huge way. The 2016-17 NBA MVP has put the Nuggets on his back for parts of the game, dropped 25 points, two steals, and two blocks on 10-20 shooting from the field.

The Denver Nuggets are a team that seems to be only talked about when the team loses, or when Nikola Jokic has a historic game. Most NBA fans don't actually wat