Paul George and Russell Westbrook recruited Wesley Matthews to the Thunder last month. So, it was almost fitting that Matthews hit the game-winning shot against George & Co. on Thursday night.
Matthews recorded 16 points as he hit the game-winning layup with just 1.8 seconds in the game to lead the Indiana Pacers to a 108-106 win over the Thunder at Bankers Life Fieldhouse.
After Matthews agreed to a contract buyout with the New York Knicks last month, he heard from several players around the league when he was weighing his free agency decision, including George and Westbrook.
Of course, he ultimately joined the Pacers and has played well in his short stay. Matthews is averaging 12.8 points in 13 games with the Pacers and certainly had a game to remember against the Thunder.
Matthews also gave the Pacers a huge stop on the final defensive possession to set up the eventual game-winning shot after poking the ball loose from George.
The Thunder appeared to be heading toward a win during the game after leading by as many as 19 points. OKC led by 13 at halftime but was outscored 58-43 in the second half to give Indiana the win.
George led the Thunder with 36 points in his second game back in Indiana since he was traded to the Thunder nearly two years ago in exchange for Victor Oladipo and Domantas Sabonis.
Oladipo did not play in the game after he was ruled out for the rest of the season in January due to a ruptured right quad tendon. Meanwhile, Sabonis led the Pacers with 26 points.
Oklahoma City entered the game in third place in the Western Conference but fell to fifth behind the Houston Rockets and Portland Trail Blazers with the loss.
The Thunder return to action Saturday against the Golden State Warriors.
