Well Russell Westbrook played an amazing game on Friday scoring 27 points, 17 rebounds and 15 assists. What made it even more of a thriller was that Oklahoma City and the Philadelphia 76ers went basket-for-basket in triple-overtime with the Thunder coming out on top closing the game with a 119-117 victory.
Andre Roberson made the last basket and sealed the win with 10 seconds left for the Thunder. Beyond some really amazing ball beying played, Joel Embiid and Westbrook may have made this game a contender for NBA game of the year as they demonstrated fantastic drives to the basket, dominant blocks and agile rebounds completing one big play after another.
In just 48 minutes Embiid managed to score 34 points. He accomplished this feat at a disadvantage due to a back injury despite an achy back. But in no way could it be considered an easy game because Steven Adams made it really difficult for him earn his points.
Embiid took a hard foul on a drive to the basket in the fourth quarter grabbing his back and groaning. The foul had lingering effects as Embiid grimaced during timeouts on the bench and trudged into position a few times.
As a testament to what a great ball player Embiid is, he didn't let it slow him down that much, he sucked it up and carried the Sixers in the fourth and the first overtime. In a strong play he fed the ball to charging Ben Simmons on the baseline resulting in a ferocious two-handed dunk which tied the score at 94-all with 53 seconds left in the quarter. It was a real sight to be seen as The Sixers closed the fourth on an 11-0 run.
In OT, Embiid scored the first bucket putting Sixers in a unique position as they led for the first time in the game. The Sixers' managed to build up a solid five-point lead with 1:20 left in overtime only to see it demolished by Paul George's 3-pointer and the following bucket made by Westbrook. This brought the game to 102-all.
In the second round of OT Westbrook and Robert Covington both hit 3s and George managed to tie the game up with a solid drive and layup putting the game at 109-all.
Impressively, Embiid and Westbrook managed to collectively score eight straight points in the third overtime. Embiid mockingly waved goodbye as the crowd went bonkers after Adams fouled out of the game.
It was apparent that this game took a lot out of Embiid so its questionable how this guy will hold up as he faces future challenges the rest of the week.
Overall this was an amazing game with a lot of action so when you have time, get on the web and check out the highlights!
Sources:
http://www.stuff.co.nz
http://www.bleacherreport.com
