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.

The Kings jumped out to a 13-point lead after the first quarter and took a 10-point lead into halftime. Denver shot just 40.9% in the first half. But the Nuggets rallied back, cutting to lead to lead to 4 late in the third quarter.

Russell Westbrook has had a rocky relationship with fans throughout his 17-year NBA career. Westbrook spent the first 11 years of his career with the Oklahoma

The Sacramento Kings had big nights from DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine, but fall in a battle to the Denver Nuggets 110-116.

Russell Westbrook delivered a strong performance Wednesday night, leading the Denver Nuggets with a team-high 25 points in their 116-110 comeback win over the Sacramento Kings.

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.

The Nuggets’ coach and his generational star, who spent much of Wednesday’s win over Sacramento frustrated with the officiating, said a lot by hardly saying anything at all.