One of those key players is Russell Westbrook, who is more familiar with being a star than a complementary player. However, his impact in the first round for the Nuggets has been seen, and during a blowout in Game 7,

Westbrook now trails Golden State Warriors star Steph Curry (945) for 18th on the NBA's all-time playoffs assists leaderboards and Los Angeles Lakers legend Jerry West (970) for 17th. The record for most playoff assists belongs to Magic Johnson, who recorded 2,346 postseason assists in his five-championship career.

The veteran guard had a solid two-season career with the Clippers, but was jettisoned last offseason as part of a trade to the Utah Jazz that landed defensive specialist Kris Dunn. At 35 years old, Westbrook was waived by Utah and proceeded to join the Nuggets in free agency.