LOS ANGELES — Paul George's shot swished, and Russell Westbrook turned, leaned back, and strummed an air guitar. It was signature celebration of Lance Stephenson, but Westbrook was using it to commend an and-one scored on the Lakers guard himself.
George's bucket gave the Thunder a slight lead heading into halftime in what would become a 107-100 win over the Lakers. But more important than that lead, it was an undeniable sign that George was back to himself at Staples Center on Wednesday. That rhythm he found had a lot to do with Westbrook.
To be fair, the Lakers (21-17) were missing LeBron James (groin).