Grades: Paul George saves the day as the OKC Thunder shock Sixers

The OKC Thunder won a wild afternoon game against a very formidable Philadelphia 76ers team, getting them back to their winning ways

Having lost 5 of 6 games coming into today, the OKC Thunder simply needed to win this game. Thankfully for them, and despite an almost monumental collapse, Paul George converted a go-ahead 4-point play with 5 seconds left to lift his team to victory. What a game, and what a shot for a team that desperately needed to have this one.

These two teams seem to play an instant classic any time they share the same court. Today was no exception as it was a back and forth battle all afternoon. The Thunder jumped out to a 16 point lead, only to see the Sixers close to within three at the halftime break.

The second half was one for the books as it was fueled by runs and huge plays by both sides. Russell Westbrook fouled out on a late Joel Embiid 3-point attempt that tied the game with under 20 seconds to go. Then, horrifically, Dennis Schroder took the inbounds pass and turned it right over to Jimmy Butler that put Philly up 2 with 9 seconds left.

Staring another humiliating defeat square in the eyes, the OKC Thunder turned to the guy that has brought it all season long. Paul George took a Ferguson inbounds pass and splashed a beautiful 3-pointer as he was being fouled by Butler to silence the 76ers crowd for good. It was simply his biggest shot in a season full of them up to this point.

The win does not come without concern, however. Too many times the OKC Thunder offense stalled for long stretches of minutes. Also, what in the world is up with Russell Westbrook? His game just seems off and he was nearly off the rails all game today. He needs to be better for his team going forward.

With that said, that was an exciting but tense way to end the Thunder’s losing stretch. Let’s move on to our player grades.