Watch: Westbrook inbounds ball off defender’s back for buzzer beater

Thunder guard Russell Westbrook took advantage of a defender’s lapse in concentration to beat the buzzer at the end of the first half of Sunday’s game against the Jazz.

Thunder guard Russell Westbrook took advantage of a defender’s lapse in concentration to beat the buzzer at the end of the first half of Sunday’s game against the Jazz.

With 0.7 seconds left in the second quarter, Westbrook was beneath the basket for the inbounds pass when he caught Rodney Hood with his back to the play. Westbrook passed the ball off Hood, caught the ricochet and made a turnaround jumper.

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After a review the officials in the NBA’s replay center determined that Westbrook was able to get the shot off before time expired. 

Review (Wall): if Westbrook’s made FG was released before time exp. in Q2 #UTAatOKC. Ruling: Upheld, shot counts. https://t.co/N78dCG58uO

— NBA Official (@NBAOfficial) December 14, 2015

The bucket cut Oklahoma City’s deficit to 51–38.

- Dan Gartland