OKC Thunder one year later – how ‘the shot’ shifted the franchise

The shot heard around the world

Heading into game five, it was do or die. Despite fans feeling down, nothing is truly impossible when you have Russell Westbrook and Paul George. Besides, we have seen the Thunder blow a 3-1 lead before.

If they win this game in Portland, they return to one of the best home atmospheres in the league, anything can happen, right?

The game was a back and forth affair all night, like riding a see-saw as the former TV voice of the OKC Thunder Brian Davis would say.

Although his shoulders were falling off, this was an all-time Paul George game in an OKC Thunder uniform. The All-Star went for 36 points, on 70 percent shooting from the floor, and 37 percent from beyond the arc.

George also collected nine rebounds, dished out three assists, but did commit five turnovers.

On just 35 percent from the floor, Westbrook poured in 29 points with 14 assists and 11 rebounds. However, like PG13, Russ also committed five turnovers.

This game was looking as if it was headed for overtime. A knock-out drag-out fight that would at least last another round. That was until Damian Lillard dribbled up the floor, and launched a step-back three even with the logo.

As he waved off Russell Westbrook and the OKC Thunder, stared into the camera blankly with 50 points to his name on 50 percent shooting from the field, it felt like the end.

While we did not know exactly what was going to happen over the next few months, it was one of those moments that you knew would change the landscape of the NBA.