While this was definitely an emotional match for Westbrook there is no denying Chris Paul had a vested interest in getting the victory. Unlike previous matches where he tends to get everyone else rolling (which he still did) he was quick to pull up and hit from deep throughout the match.
This game was a clinic of how to run the point and defend. CP3 got his teammate’s perfect passes, urged turnovers by the Rockets, and in something we don’t note often was excellent at throwing off the opposition by varying the pace throughout the match.
In the third quarter, he lulled James Harden into taking a foul and several times in the game got Rockets players so befuddled they would turn the ball over or make a bad play.
https://twitter.com/okcthunder/status/1215493589461094402
The play that punctuated the rout was the nutmeg by Paul on Hartenstein which had Twitter aglow. And just to prove his overall value the classy CP3 asked the crowd to calm down and right after that play fouled Westbrook so both he and Russ could check out of the game.
It was the best of both worlds as Westbrook had a great game but Paul led his team to the win via his own masterful showing.
His final tally was 18 points, six assists, five rebounds, FOUR steals, a single turnover, and one very big nutmeg!
While the night may have been about paying tribute to the former point guard of this franchise it was great to see both CP3 and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander showcase why the franchise is in a very good position now and well into the future.
Although he hasn’t earned the respect of the officials like his counterparts Westbrook and Harden that time is coming.
Shai was strong on defense and delivered what has become a typical quality effort. SGA scored 20 points on a highly efficient eight of 15 from the field. He added three rebounds, three assists, a steal had ZERO turnovers and was a game high plus 28.
The future is VERY BRIGHT for the OKC Thunder!