OKC Thunder: Top 3 individual performances from the 2018-19 NBA season
The Oklahoma City Thunder entered the season with a lot of expectations after re-signing Paul George for a four-year, $137 million deal. Even though the Thunder started their season losing four-straight games, they quickly got their act together and started dominating the opposing teams.
They initially looked ready to finish third in the West, but eventually ended the regular season with a 49-33 record, which gave them the 5th seed going into the playoffs. Their record improved by just one game from the 2017-18 season.
They lost in the first round of the playoffs for the third straight year and did not live up to the expectations. The highlights of the season include Russell Westbrook averaging a triple-double for a third straight year, and Paul George being named a finalist for both Defensive Player of the Year and Most Valuable Player awards.
These are the top three individual performances for the Thunder this season.
#3 Paul George @ Utah Jazz - 43 points
Stat line: 43 points, 14 rebounds, 6 assists, 5 steals and 1 block on 60.0 % shooting
Coming off a stellar 43-point performance against the Sacramento Kings on the road, Paul George was once again in his elements as he exploded for yet another 43 points and 14 rebounds (double-double) to carry the Thunder to their fourth straight win.
His third-quarter heroics where he scored 22 points lifted the Thunder over Jazz and helped them run away with the win. Even though the Jazz tried making a comeback in the fourth quarter, the Thunder's lead was too large to overcome.
This was George's second straight 40-point game and he also snagged 14 rebounds on the night. The 29-year-old, who is widely acclaimed as one of the top 3 two-way players in the league, also had 5 steals and showed his presence on both ends of the floor.
Final Score: Oklahoma City Thunder 107 - 106 Utah Jazz