Russell Westbrook started for just the third time this season and scored a season-high 29 points to help the Denver Nuggets defeat his former employers, the Oklahoma City Thunder, 124-122 on Wednesday night at Ball Arena .

After the game, Westbrook was asked if some regular season games meant a little more. The Nuggets star said “all” means the same thing to him – he brings the same intensity regardless. Moments later, a reporter mentioned that fiery Nuggets coach Michael Malone, who was given a technical foul for disputing a call against star center Nikola Jokic, displayed the same intensity every night.

Westbrook agreed and then offered an amusing explanation as to why his working relationship with Malone is so strong.

“Yeah, we’re both a little crazy in the head,” Westbrook said with a laugh. “We learned that from the beginning, that’s why we understand each other.”

And for Malone, that feeling is mutual.

“He was unbelievable for us,” Malone said. “Look at the offensive productivity tonight… I think defensively he was a rock star. And what I love about Russell Westbrook… 17-year veteran… He tries so hard to be disciplined. He tries to do the things we ask of him.

“And I really appreciate that, because when you’re 17 you’re often who you are. But he cares, man. He’s so invested in this team, what he brings to this team. And he’s so tough. “But I can coach a guy like Russell Westbrook every day because he’s a competitor.

“And he’s a tough guy. And I want him in my foxhole.”

It wouldn’t be a surprise if Malone found more minutes for Westbrook, who signed a two-year, $6.8 million deal with Denver in July. Denver (5-3) has a day off before returning home for a game against the Miami Heat on Friday.