Anthony Davis’ buzzer-beating three-pointer put an end to a thrilling 116-113 victory for New Orleans in Oklahoma City, but it was Russell Westbrook who stole the show with 48 points, 11 assists, nine rebounds and four steals.
The Pelicans and Thunder split a home-and-home set, with both still looking up at Phoenix for the No. 8 seed. The Thunder beat the Pelicans on Wednesday, so it’s only fitting New Orleans returned the favor. Westbrook also dazzled in the first game with 45 points, six rebounds and six assists.
None of Oklahoma City’s struggles on Friday can be blamed on Westbrook. The All-Star point guard shot 15-of-28 from the floor and 15-of-15 from the free-throw line.
According to ESPN Stats & Info, Westbrook’s scoring efforts on Wednesday and Friday were a first for any player this season:
Also per ESPN Stats & Info, Westbrook’s stat line from the previous two games puts him in some exclusive company:
Even in defeat, the admiration for Westbrook’s accomplishment was evident. He draws more criticism than a superstar should, though that’s one of the disadvantages of playing alongside one of the most beloved athletes in all of sports, Kevin Durant.
Yet as Royce Young of ESPN.com noted on Twitter, the things Westbrook can do are rarely seen on a basketball court:
Thunder head coach Scott Brooks acknowledged after Wednesday’s game that Westbrook’s greatness comes from his passion and intensity, via The Associated Press (h/t ESPN.com):
“Russell is as competitive as any player I have been around,” Brooks said. “He obviously has the talent and the skill base, but his heart and his desire to win, and to win every possession, is what makes him great.”
Fast-forward to Friday, Westbrook wanted to put the Thunder on his back. He had the touch working on his shot, he was crisp with his passes and he took an aggressive stand on defense with four steals.
For a moment late in the game, Westbrook seemed like he was going to carry the Thunder to a come-from-behind win. Oklahoma City was trailing 113-110 in the final seconds when Westbrook was fouled on a three-point attempt. He hit all of his attempts to tie the game before Davis put a dagger in the hearts of everyone in the arena.
Here’s the video evidence of Davis’ heroics:
Westbrook’s final free throws also helped him achieve a new career high in points, per the Thunder’s official Twitter feed.
You could tell it was going to be a good night for Westbrook when he stopped on a dime and hit a three to give the Thunder an early 11-point lead, as the Thunder’s official Twitter feed showed below:
Westbrook had his full arsenal of weapons working. His shooting touch was on display, but he was also distributing the ball to Durant, as the Thunder highlighted:
Westbrook would surely have traded some of his stats for a victory on Friday, especially considering that a win would have pulled the Thunder even with the Pelicans in the standings. He did everything humanly possible to help his team win, but this was one of those when an opposing team’s superstar, this time Davis, matched him shot-for-shot.
The Thunder have yet to take off this season like everyone expected when Westbrook and Durant returned. It’s not either superstar’s fault. This team just hasn’t clicked as a whole yet.
With the All-Star break on the horizon, Oklahoma City will recharge its batteries to make a run in the second half. Westbrook can be the catalyst for a turnaround if he keeps dominating opposing defenses like he has New Orleans in the last two games.