Russell Westbrook has Los Angeles Lakers living legend Austin Reaves to thank because had the undrafted rookie not made that game-winning basket near the end of Wednesday night's game against the Dallas Mavericks, the Lakers could have lost and the former league MVP certainly would have caught a lot of heat from an angry social media mob. And for what reason? For channeling his inner-Ben Simmons:

@nbashane_Omg Ben Simmons… #russellwestbrook #bensimmons #lakers #nba #nbatiktok#nbafyp #fypシ #nbafunny #nbamoments♬ original sound – nbashane

It could be remembered that Simmons' saga was mostly triggered by his lack of aggressiveness in the playoff series between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Atlanta Hawks last season, which was best underscored by a pass he made instead of taking a freebie at the rim.

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Fortunately for Westbrook, the Lakers got the win, 107-104, and the winning basket by Reaves would not have also been possible without Westbrook. It was Westbrook who kicked the ball out to Reaves. It was also Westbrook who gave the Lakers a 3-point lead with a little under 25 seconds left in the first overtime that was instantly answered by Maxi Kleber on the other side of the floor. What happened next was that memorable set that ended with Reaves game-winning dagger.