NBA wrap: Paul George's offensive outburst sends Thunder past Clippers

Paul George scored 42 points to lead the Thunder to a win over the Clippers, while Celtics got its 11th straight win and the Bucks won in San Antonio.

Thunder's Paul George shoots during the matcj against Los Angeles Clippers, which Oklahoma won 120-111.

The star-studded Thunder entered Friday's game against the Clippers searching for chemistry in the midst of a woeful start to the season.

Paul George helped its cause by scoring 42 points with nine rebounds and seven assists in a 120-111 home win. George hit 13 of 22 shots from the field, including 4 of 7 from 3-point range.

Russell Westbrook, taking a rare back seat, added 22 points with eight assists and three steals. The additions of George and Carmelo Anthony has scaled back Westbrook's production this season, but he's still nearly averaging a triple-double.

Lou Williams led the Clippers (5-6) with 35 points and seven rebounds, but Blake Griffin mustered just 17 points on 5 of 19 shooting.

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The Thunder (5-7) looked like a team starting to find its way at times Friday. Moving forward, it needs to get its three stars on the same page, so the offense can really click on a more consistent basis.

STUDS OF THE NIGHT

Pistons stars Reggie Jackson and Andre Drummond suffered disappointing seasons last year, but they have both looked like All-Stars so far this season. Drummond completed his ninth double-double already by scoring 16 points with 20 rebounds and seven assists in a 111-104 win over the Hawks.

Jackson added 22 points with six assists. He also made two clutch 3-pointers late in the game to help the Pistons win.

DUDS OF THE NIGHT

The Hornets: Not only did Charlotte lead by 16 points at halftime, it was playing against a Celtics team without Al Horford (concussion), and then Kyrie Irving left early with his own head injury.

Still, the Hornets (5-7) scored just 11 points in the fourth quarter to allow the Celtics to rally for a 90-87 victory, Boston's 11th straight win.

HIGHLIGHT

The Greek Freak with a near-360 slam:

 

Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 28 points with 12 rebounds to lead the Bucks to a 94-87 road win over the Spurs.

WHAT'S NEXT:

76ers (6-5) at Warriors (9-3) —   Philadelphia guard Ben Simmons has been nothing short of elite in his de facto rookie season. Simmons is averaging 17.8 points, 9.4 rebounds and 7.8 assists per game this season, and he already has seven double-doubles and two triple-doubles. Golden State is back on track with five straight wins after a slow start. It dismantled the young Timberwolves earlier this week, so the 76ers may be destined for a similar fate.