Nader steps up in George’s absence
PHOENIX — Abdel Nader dribbled around a screen from Nerlens Noel and attacked the rim, finishing against contact and flexing after the play.
Credit Noel, too. Not only did he set the screen, but he talked up Nader before Friday’s 118-102 win over the Suns.
“I think Abdel (Nader) is ready for a big role, to step up into the rotation,” Noel said. “I feel confident he’ll (fill in) the minutes.”
With Paul George out due to a right quad contusion, Nader filled in with a career-high 13 points before halftime. Nader finished with a career-best 18 points on 7-of-12 shooting.
On two occasions, the 6-foot-6 Nader drove to the basket and scored for three-point plays. Nader, who came into Friday’s game averaging 3.5 points per game, played 33 minutes.
Nader was so effective on offense, Russell Westbrook was cheering him on while heading to the scorer’s table in the second quarter. “Take your time. Get what you want. Yes sir!”
Pick-and-roll defense
There were signs of the Thunder’s lax defense and missing George throughout, from the Suns jumping out to a 6-0 run to start the third quarter, to a 13-8 burst to take the lead in the second.
Much of the Thunder’s issues came from the guard containing the ballhandler in pick-and-roll. Allowing the ballhandler to pass and turn the corner created defensive rotations which put the Thunder off balance. The Suns were able to create 13 3-point attempts in the first half as a result, making five.
The Thunder entered allowing the eighth-fewest 3-point attempts in the league (29.8) per game. They kept the Suns to 29.
Early outlet passes
Westbrook came out particularly
hot, not just with his shooting.
Yes, Westbrook started 7-of-8 from the field, but tailed off in the second quarter (0-of-4 overall, 0-of-2 from 3). What didn’t was his desire to get the Thunder out on the fast break.
Dennis Schroder and Westbrook combined for nine assists in the first half. Seven of those came in the first quarter when the Thunder hit the Suns for 10 fast-break points.
“To me, when I look to Russell for offense, he can impact the game in a lot of ways,” Thunder coach
Billy Donovan said. “He can do it by playing downhill and getting to the basket, he can get fouled and get to the free throw line, he can score. He can get other guys shots, other guys involved.”
Sick squad
Alex Abrines missed Friday’s game with a stomach illness, then Terrance Ferguson was ruled out for the second half with a stomach illness after playing just seven minutes.
Rams’ Gurley ruled out against 49ers
Rams running back Todd Gurley has been ruled out of Los Angeles’ regular-season finale against San Francisco because of a knee injury.
Safety Lamarcus Joyner also won’t play Sunday at the Coliseum, Rams coach Sean
McVay confirmed Friday.
Los Angeles (12-3) can clinch a firstround postseason bye with a win over the 49ers or a loss by the Chicago Bears, but the Rams will have to do it without the centerpiece of their offense.
Bills DT Williams retires
Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Kyle Williams is retiring after completing his 13th season.
Williams announced his retirement at age 35 through the team Friday, saying Buffalo’s season finale against Miami on Sunday will be his last game.
Williams is the team’s most respected leader and longest-active tenured player. He was drafted out of LSU in the fifth round in 2006.
Extra points
•STEELERS: All-Pro wide receiver Antonio Brown is uncertain to play in the team’s biggest game of the season.
Brown was listed as questionable to play in the Steelers’ must-win, regular-season finale at home against Cincinnati on Sunday. He missed all three practices this week with a knee injury, and coach Mike Tomlin said the team sent Brown for further evaluation on Friday. •TITANS: Quarterback Marcus Mariota officially is questionable for Tennessee’s regular season finale against Indianapolis with a playoff berth on the line.
Mariota was limited Friday for a second straight day at practice after a stinger late in the first half of last week’s 25-16 victory over Washington affected his right, throwing arm. If Mariota can’t play, backup
Blaine Gabbert would start his third game this season for the Titans (9-6) who host Indianapolis (9-6) on Sunday night with the winner clinching at worst an AFC wild-card slot.
•BEARS: Right guard Kyle Long will likely return from injured reserve for Sunday’s game against the Minnesota Vikings, although no final decision has yet been made.
Long has been out since Oct. 28, when he suffered a tendon injury in his right foot against the New York Jets.
•SAINTS: Coach Sean Payton says Teddy Bridgewater will start New Orleans’ regular-season finale Sunday against Carolina.
The decision announced Friday afternoon allows starter Drew Brees to rest with the Saints already having wrapped up the top seed in the NFC.
•GIANTS: Star receiver Odell Beckham Jr. has been ruled out for the fourth straight game.
Coach Pat Shurmur announced Friday that Beckham will miss Sunday’s regular-season finale against Dallas with a quad injury. •JAGUARS: Former Oklahoma fullback Dimitri Flowers has been promoted from Jacksonville’s practice squad to the 53-man roster.