NBA 2018-19: 3 talking points from the Thunder's win over the Hornets

The Oklahoma City Thunder continued their recent form by beating the Charlotte Hornets 109-104 at the Chesapeake Energy Arena. The Hornets were in a position to win with 20 seconds remaining. However, OKC managed to secure the win thanks to some poor shot choices from the Charlotte team.

The result has pushed the Thunder's record to 12-6, an impressive feat considering that Westbrook has missed half of their games. The result also means that the Thunder are now up to second place in the Western Conference, so here are three talking points from the win over the Hornets.

#3 Schroder and Westbrook both starting

When Dennis Schroder was traded to the Thunder, many NBA experts were skeptical over whether Westbrook and Schroder could play on the same team. The victory over the Hornets, however, showed that the pair can function together, as Schroder scored 23 points, while Westbrook contributed a further 30.

During the key closing stages, there were instances where the normally ball-dominant Westbrook even stepped aside and allowed the 25-year-old to find his own shot. The Thunder now have the prospect of regularly starting both players, and this could be crucial as the Thunder chase a first NBA title.

#2 Deonte Burton's Breakout

Deonte Burton had the best game of his young NBA career

Deonte Burton had never played in NBA before this season. However, the 24-year-old has slowly forced his way into the Thunder's rotation. During the win over the Hornets, Burton announced his arrival in the NBA, scoring 11 points in 22 minutes of action.

After knocking down a wide-open three, Burton soon slammed home a monstrous dunk. Not much was expected of a player that went undrafted in 2017, although Burton may now find himself earning an increased number of minutes from Billy Donovan.

#1 Westbrook's return to form

Russell Westbrook posted a near triple-double in the Thunder's home win over the Charlotte Hornets

Westbrook's preparation for the 18/19 NBA season was disrupted by knee surgery in the off-season, and soon after making his anticipated return to the team, Westbrook was quickly ruled out again, suffering an ankle injury against the New Orleans Pelicans.

The 2017 MVP once again returned to action this week against the Sacramento Kings, scoring 29 points in the surprise loss. In his second game, Westbrook posted a triple-double against the Warriors, and he was at his best against the Hornets, finishing with 30 points, 12 rebounds, and 8 assists.

For the first time since Kevin Durant left, The Thunder have managed to stay competitive when Westbrook has been absent, and a rejuvenated Westbrook is now returning to a team that is already near the top of the Western Conference. If Westbrook can rediscover his 2017 MVP season form, the Thunder may believe that they have a real shot at winning the NBA Championship.