Less than eight minutes into the first quarter Westbrook found himself next to Clippers center Ivica Zubac on lane while DeAndre Jordan lined up a free throw. Feeling energetic, the Nuggets veteran warned his much taller and larger opponent that he'd better box out.

Despite not having the services of Nikola Jokic on the second night of a back-to-back, with the reigning MVP missing time due to illness, the Denver Nuggets defended their home floor with conviction against the Los Angeles Clippers,