Paul George scores 31 first-half points as Oklahoma City Thunder defeat Orlando Magic
Wednesday 30 January 2019 08:39, UK
Paul George showed off his scoring prowess, pouring in 31 first-half points in the Oklahoma City Thunder's win over the Orlando Magic.
'PG13' underlined his MVP credentials as he took over the game from the outset, scoring 14 first-quarter points and adding 17 more in the second period.
He opened his account a minute into the game, absorbing contact from Magic defender Jonathan Isaac in the lane before getting a floater to fall before setting up a Hamadou Diallo 'And 1' basket with a no-look bounce pass.
A second-quarter drive to the basket saw George finish in the paint despite contact from Orlando center Mo Bamba. He then mesmerized Isaac with a crossover dribble before driving baseline and finishing the play with a delicious reverse lay-up off the glass.
Perhaps George's best play of the night came five minutes before half-time and he once again drove into the paint, drawing another foul from Isaac before falling away and making a high-arcing rainbow shot from the baseline.
George finished the game with 37 points on 14-of-24 shooting (2-of-5 from three-point range), six rebounds, four assists and three steals as the Thunder sealed a 126-117 victory.
Click the video at the top of the page to watch George's outstanding first-half display.
