Scott Brooks has described Russell Westbrook as "fierce" and "fearless" following the Oklahoma City Thunder's win over the Los Angeles Clippers.
The home side trailed by seven points inside the final minutes, but three late free throws from the point guard, who finished the game with 38 points, gave the Thunder a 105-104 win.
The coach told reporters: "He's fierce and he's fearless. He's a winner. The guy competes for his team every single night, and he practises the way he plays. He makes basketball plays to put our team in a winning position."
The Thunder can seal a place in the Western Conference final with a win over the Clippers again tomorrow night.