Russell Westbrook couldn’t extend his NBA record streak of triple-doubles despite playing two overtimes against the Utah Jazz at home on Friday, but Westbrook and Paul George combined for a historic night in a thrilling one-point win.
George scored 17 points in the fourth quarter to help send the game to overtime, and delivered a stunning windmill in transition during the first overtime period.
In the closing seconds of the second overtime, George split the Utah defense and hit a game-winning floater over Rudy Gobert. George finished the game with 45 points, nine rebounds, seven assists and zero turnovers in 50 minutes.
Westbrook was two assists shy of recording a 12th consecutive triple-double, but put up a massive statline with 43 points, 15 rebounds and eight assists. Together, George and Westbrook became the first teammates to post a 40-5-5 game since the NBA-ABA merger in 1976.
The best news for the Thunder? Westbrook shot above 50 percent from the field, and made six of his 13 attempts from beyond the arc. The former MVP has struggled shooting the ball all season – but if he can increase his efficiency from the field and George continues to dominate in clutch time, the Thunder could beat anyone in the playoffs.
