OKC Thunder player grades: Paul George leads historic comeback effort to beat Nets

The OKC Thunder continued their road trip in Brooklyn falling behind by over 20 points and then Paul George happened.

The OKC Thunder won their fourth straight game (to improve to 8-2 in their last ten games) tonight.

For the first time in the teams’ history, the OKC Thunder rocked their traditional blue away uniforms, with orange accessories. I guess the saying “look good play good” is not a real thing, however, the OKC Thunder were able to put the Nets away in this one.

In the first quarter, the Nets kept things close via the 3-ball. Brooklyn knocked down four treys in the first quarter but hoisted twelve 3-pointers in the quarter. That mixed with the Thunder committing five first quarter turnovers kept the first quarter tight.

The Nets led the Thunder 62-46 at the break. The OKC Thunder played just an atrocious half of basketball. The Thunder shot 36 percent from the field and 33 percent from deep and had ten turnovers.

Defensively, the Thunder had 22 rebounds, five blocks, and four steals at the half, but still did not play up to their standards. Offensively, the Thunder could not find itself. This coupled with the Nets getting a huge lift from their bench was why OKC fell so far behind. Specifically, the Nets bench turned in 31 points compared to nine for the Thunder.

In the second half, it was much of the same. The Nets kept the Thunder at a 20 point distance. That number shrunk to a 15 point measuring stick before things got interesting and the lead fell to just ten for the Nets. Still, there was no cause for concern, as the Nets were in control all game.

Then…Paul George happened. The All-star went off for over 20 points in the fourth quarter and finished with 47 points on the night. George carried the OKC Thunder to their fourth straight win doing so in dramatic fashion via the 3-point shot which gave OKC the lead in the closing seconds of the match.