Russell Westbrook recorded a season-high 44 points en route to his 11th consecutive triple-double but the Thunder lost to the Pelicans 131-122 in the last game before the All-Star break.
When Westbrook has it going like that, Paul George believes his job is easier. For the most part this season, it has either been Westbrook or George leading the way and it was Westbrook taking that role Thursday.
For his part, George added 28 points, seven rebounds and six assists but struggled to shoot from the field, converting on just 11-of-29 shots from the field, including 3-of-17 from 3-point range.
Scoring 28 points is hardly an off night for George but he struggled to shoot from the field and missed several shot attempts in the final minutes as the Thunder were attempting a comeback.
“When I’m not going, it’s like we take turns,” George said, via Maddie Lee of The Oklahoman. “Russ is going to battle and he’s going to bring it throughout the season. I think that’s what always makes my job so much easier is the pressure taken off of me that I can just go out there and just play. I know Russ is going to do the same. You got two guys that lead that and everybody else pretty much follows that. He’s a competitor and he’s going to make plays.”
Westbrook has played more of a facilitator role this season in order to get his teammates going, but with George struggling Thursday, he turned it on and had one of his finest performances of the season.
Although the Thunder lost, the team was without two key players in Jerami Grant and Dennis Schroder and appeared to play well for the most part given the circumstances.
The Thunder are 37-20 now at the All-Star break.
