Oklahoma City Thunder: 3 takeaways from stunning Game 5 loss vs. Blazers

PORTLAND, OR - APRIL 23: Paul George #13, Russell Westbrook #0, and Dennis Schroder #17 of the Oklahoma City Thunder high-five during a game against the Portland Trail Blazers during Game Five Round One of the 2019 NBA Playoffs on April 23, 2019 at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Cameron Browne/NBAE via Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OR - APRIL 23: Paul George #13, Russell Westbrook #0, and Dennis Schroder #17 of the Oklahoma City Thunder high-five during a game against the Portland Trail Blazers during Game Five Round One of the 2019 NBA Playoffs on April 23, 2019 at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Cameron Browne/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Cameron Browne/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Cameron Browne/NBAE via Getty Images) /

2. Paul George turns in solid performance despite late foul trouble

Thanks in part to a shoulder injury; Paul George has had his fair share of struggles during this series. He shot less than 40 percent from the field in three of the first four games. This includes a 3-for-16 showing in Game 3.

Additionally PG-13 also recorded at least four turnovers in three of the first four games. Despite those trends, if the Thunder had any hopes of extending their postseason run, they would need a huge game from George.

On cue, George had his best outing of the series, scoring 36 points on an efficient 14-of-20 shooting from the floor, to go along with nine rebounds and three assists. As good as his performance was, he probably would have been able to contribute more had he not been in foul trouble late in the second half.

While George was OKC’s top performer, he wasn’t the only player on the roster that helped the Thunder stay in this game. Although Westbrook shot just 11-for-31 from the field, he finished the night with a triple-double, as he scored 29 points, handed out 14 assists and pulled down 11 rebounds. He also had four steals and two blocks. Jerami Grant and Dennis Schroder also chipped in with 16 and 17 points, respectively.

Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough to keep the Thunder from seeing their season come to an all-too familiar ending.