George rocks out, scores 37 in Los Angeles homecoming
LOS ANGELES — Paul George’s shot swished, and Russell Westbrook turned, leaned back, and strummed an air guitar. It was signature celebration of Lance Stephenson, but Westbrook was using it to commend an and-one scored on the Lakers guard himself.
George’s bucket gave the Thunder a slight lead heading into halftime in what would become a 107100 win over the Lakers. But more important than that lead, it was an undeniable sign that George was back to himself at Staples Center on Wednesday. That rhythm he found had a lot to do with Westbrook.
To be fair, the Lakers (21-17) were missing LeBron James (groin). But the Thunder (24-13) overcame a 38.1 percent shooting night to claim the win on the back of George’s 37 points.
George didn’t get to play his customary full first quarter. With 3:12 left in the period, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope drove past George and George fouled
him, receiving his third foul. It was time to give him a break.
Things had not been going well for George overall in the first quarter. He had made just two of his six shots, none of his 3-point attempts. He was clearly frustrated, clapping angrily after a layup arced over the rim. And every time he touched the ball the Lakers fans booed, making their displeasure known that he had stayed in Oklahoma City after being expected to leave for L.A. in free agency.
When George came back into the game in the second quarter, Westbrook made a point to get him the ball.
Westbrook finished the night 3-of-20 from the field— but still finished the night with a triple-double (14 points, 16 rebounds and 10 assists). One of them had to start scoring.
With four minutes left in the first half, Westbrook sprinted down the court in transition and kicked a pass out to George for an open 3-pointer. He missed.
The next offensive possession started much like the last. Westbrook slowed as he approached the rim, checking behind him to see if George was with him. He was.
Westbrook dished a pass off to George, and he slammed down a dunk. George smacked the backboard and received a technical foul. Worth it.
George made the next three shots he took, ending with a shot over Stephenson.
He set himself up this time, picking Stephenson’s pocket without regard of the three fouls he had already accrued. Stephenson met him at the other end of the court, and George spun, recovered, launched a jump shot and drew a foul.
Cue the air guitar. Four minutes into the third quarter, George got Caldwell-Pope back for beating him down the court in the first quarter. George fooled him with a crossover and drained a jumper to tie the game at 65.
The Lakers fans got creative with their heckling of George in the last two minutes and change. He stood on the line as they chanted “We don’t need you.”
Seconds later he threw down an emphatic dunk.
The Lakers fans may have felt they didn’t need him, but the Thunder were happy to have him.