The Oklahoma City Thunder took their 8-game winning streak to Washington for a road tilt with the John Wall-less Washington Wizards. Russell Westbrook's struggles, The Thunder's 21 turnovers, and just 37% shooting proved to be their demise, as the Wizards came away with a 102-96 victory.
A floater from Steven Adams gave the Thunder a 94-92 lead with just under 2 minutes remaining in the game. Then, Otto Porter tied the game with a mid-range jumper. Russell Westbrook broke the tie with a strong finish at the rim. Bradley Beal tied the game again after a layup with 56 seconds remaining.
On the next Thunder possession, Westbrook found Josh Huestis with some daylight for a three, but Huestis passed up the three, got deep in the lane, but got his pass to Adams stolen by Tomas Satoransky. Huestis fouled Satoransky and he put in two free throws to put the Wizards ahead by two.
The Thunder had a chance to tie when Westbrook found Melo open on the wing. As the Wizards scrambled to their rotations, Beal tried to take a charge on Melo's drive. Melo felt the contact, tried to draw the whistle, but the referees gave it a no call. The Wizards came away with the rebound and Porter was able to ice the game at the free throw line.
Despite being without Wall, the Wizards still put up 27 assists on the night and did a great job playing together. Bradley Beal did a fantastic job setting up his teammates and making others around him threats. Porter and Markieff Morris were solid contributors alongside Beal.
The Thunder shot 37% and connected on just 9 out of 32 from the three point line. The 21 turnovers did not do the Thunder any favors and the Wizards were nearly automatic from the free throw hitting 27 out of 29 attempts.
George led the Thunder with 28 points on 8-of-14 shooting, but despite his effectiveness only took 3 shots in the 2nd half, and none in the 4th quarter. Westbrook struggled mightily all night scoring 13 points on 5-of-18 shooting, along with 7 turnovers. Melo scored 19 points but struggled from the three point line, only hitting 2 out of 12 attempts. Adams had a double-double with 16 points and 12 rebounds.
Otto Porter Jr. was outstanding all night on both ends and led the Wizards in scoring with 25 points. Beal put in 21 points and 9 assists. Markieff Morris chipped in 18 points.
The Thunder return to action on Thursday night against the Denver Nuggets.
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