Paul George was booed every time he touched the ball Wednesday in his first return to Indianapolis since being traded to the Thunder for Victor Oladipo and Domantas Sabonis this summer.
George expected the rough welcome but didn't think he'd struggle to the tune of 12 points on 3-of-14 shooting. Luckily for George, Russell Westbrook and his Thunder teammates were there to pick up the slack to salvage George's return with a 100-95 win at Bankers Life Fieldhouse.
With 10 points, 17 rebounds and 12 assists, Westbrook (2017) tied Oscar Robertson (1961) for the most triple-doubles in a calendar year with 34. Despite the historic game, Westbrook struggled. He posted the lowest field-goal percentage in a triple-double (3 of 17, 17.6 percent) since the Clippers' Lamar Odom (2 for 13, 15.4 percent) in 1999.
Carmelo Anthony also had a rough night with 12 points on 4-of-14 shooting but Thunder big man Steven Adams had 23 points and 13 rebounds to lead Oklahoma City.
Oladipo led the Pacers with 19 points but was 1 for 7 with two turnovers when guarded by George as Indiana's four-game winning streak came to an end.
"Let's put all this to rest for what it is. I had an amazing seven years here. I was blessed to play in front of a great Indiana fan base," George said after the game. "Ultimately, I didn't achieve what I wanted to do here and moved on."
NBA wrap: Mavs spoils Kawhi Leonard season debut; Pistons drops seventh straight
STUDS OF THE NIGHT
The Pelicans' frontcourt once again led the way in a 115-108 win over the Bucks. Anthony Davis scored 25 points with 10 rebounds, and four blocks while DeMarcus Cousins poured in 26 points with 13 boards, and seven assists.
DUDS OF THE NIGHT
The Heat dropped to 5-7 at home after being doubled up 32-16 in the fourth quarter of a 102-95 loss to the Trail Blazers. Dion Waiters was a team-worst minus-15 and missed 12 shots on the night.
HIGHLIGHT
John Wall returned from a knee injury against the Grizzlies and made up for lost time with some sweet moves in the Wizards' win.
WHAT'S NEXT
Lakers (10-16) at Cavaliers (20-8), 8 p.m. ET — Dating back to Nov. 9, the Cavs are 15-1 and have made at least 10 3-pointers in a franchise-record 17 straight contests. Cleveland has scored at least 119 points and shot at least .500 from the field in each of the last five contests against the Lakers (5-0). Expect another high-scoring affair vs. the Lakers' young squad Thursday.
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