Russell Westbrook got a massive ovation Saturday after he was whistled for a technical foul in the Denver Nuggets’ closeout game against the Los Angeles Clippers.
The Nuggets held a commanding 105-76 lead over the Clippers with about seven minutes left in Game 7 of the first-round playoff series between the two teams at Ball Arena in Denver, Colo. Westbrook continued to play with intensity even when the game was out of hand. He stole the ball from Clippers center Ivica Zubac and got an uncontested dunk in transition.
With no defenders in sight, the former NBA MVP threw down a powerful two-handed dunk to extend the Nuggets’ lead to 31. He hung on the rim long enough to be called for an automatic technical foul. Westbrook did not care, instead choosing to mimic the referee’s technical gesture. He then fired up the crowd with a profane message.
“I don’t give a f–k! Get your a– home! Get your motherf—ing a– home!” Westbrook appeared to yell with the Nuggets’ win secured.
"I don't give a f***" 🗣️
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) May 4, 2025
Russell Westbrook didn't care about the tech on this DUNK 🔥
(via @NBAonTNT)pic.twitter.com/tkSeXPZAC1
Nuggets fans went rabid as Westbrook riled them up. Fans on social media felt the same way, as many expressed how awesome it was to see the nine-time All-Star show such emotion on the court.
Westbrook signing his own tech 😭😭😭😭 man I love this guy bro
— Patty Graham (@PattyGr29702276) May 4, 2025
This tech was well worth it. A lot of people been hating on Westbrook but he continues to prove he is an important part of this Denver team.
— Paris Amado 🏆⚡️ (@ParisAmado_) May 4, 2025
I’m torn between wanting to see him win a championship but at the same time not wanting Denver to win.
Love this by Westbrook worth the tech
— CELTICS ☘️ BANNER 19 (@BiggLynch) May 4, 2025
pic.twitter.com/9YFfyv3np0
Clippers guard Norman Powell scored the technical free throw to trim the lead to 107-77. But the point was largely insignificant in what ended up being a 120-101 Nuggets win.
Westbrook finished with 16 points off the Nuggets’ bench, which accounted for more than half of Denver’s bench points. Westbrook may no longer be an All-Star caliber player. But he still outperformed Clippers star James Harden, who was largely ridiculed for his no-show in Game 7.
