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Thunder's center, Nerlens Noel, took a shot from Harrison Barnes of Sacramento, sending it directly into the hands of newcomer Markieff Morris.
Morris immediately returned and threw the ball at Westbrook. Then he was gone, separating two players Kings returning frantically on the defense. Westbrook dropped a ball in the basket and brought the Thunder three points behind the Kings in the fourth quarter.
It was exactly the kind of defensive game the Thunder needed on the second consecutive night. But that did not last as long as thunder needed it in a 119-116 loss to the Kings. The Thunder strengthened its defense to tackle the precipice of return Saturday night at the Chesapeake Energy Arena, but could not complete it.
"We have to be a team that totally counts for 48 minutes on our defense," said Thunder coach Billy Donovan. "I think we have that kind of capacity and potential. … The reason I think we gave ourselves a chance tonight is because in the second half we were much better in defense and we did a better job bouncing back.
With 11.5 seconds on the clock, it seemed like Westbrook had created the tie. Terrance Ferguson was stretched to take an offensive rebound and throw the ball to Westbrook, who drove up to the basket and put the ball in the hoop. But a whistle on the room recalled the bucket. Westbrook was called for an offensive foul and the Kings maintained their lead of 118-116.
The Thunder tried to make an early foul in the next possession, but when the clock reached 4.2 seconds, Steven Adams finally managed to foul Barnes.
After Barnes committed one of two goals, Thunder striker Paul George had one last chance to create equality. He had won last night's victory in the Thunder's thrilling victory over the Jazz, but his shot did not fall on Saturday.
"It was difficult," said George, who had played 50 minutes of play Friday. "The day was difficult. But that's not an excuse. Back to back are in this league for a reason, and the teams are playing it, and we could have easily won it. We were in a position to win tonight. While honoring our guys, we fought.
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