Watch: Thunder’s Russell Westbrook banks 40-footer in double-OT win
Clutch three-point shooting by both sides made the Thunder’s 139–136 double-overtime road victory over the Magic on Friday an early “Game of the Year” candidate.
With the score tied at 114 and less than 10 seconds remaining in regulation, Victor Oladipo used a step-back dribble to free himself from Andre Roberson on the perimeter. Taking full advantage of a clean look, Oladipo buried a three-pointer from the right angle with four seconds left. The shot was, at least temporarily, equal parts satisfaction and relief, as Orlando had watched Oklahoma City erase an 18-point lead down the stretch.
The Thunder, with no timeouts remaining, had no choice but to push the ball up the court. Thankfully they have Russell Westbrook, who is perfectly suited to that task. Westbrook received the inbounds pass in the backcourt, used two dribbles to get across halfcourt and then pulled up for a 40-foot prayer that he banked in with just 0.7 seconds left. Orlando had no immediate response and the game headed to overtime tied at 117.
Oladipo wasn’t ready to go quietly. With Oklahoma City leading 126–123 and just 5.2 seconds remaining in the extra period, Oladipo worked himself open in the left corner and received a cross-court pass from Elfrid Payton. Roberson was again in his face, but Oladipo freed himself with two dribbles and nailed another step-back three-pointer that swished through at the buzzer. The two teams headed to double overtime tied at 126.
There, the Thunder finally prevailed. Westbrook finished with 48 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists. Kevin Durant added 43 points and 12 rebounds.
Oladipo led the Magic with a triple double, posting 21 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists. Tobias Harris tallied a team-high 30 points and nine rebounds.
Oklahoma City improved to 2–0. Orlando fell to 0–2.
You can watch highlights of Westbrook’s night and the Thunder’s win here:
