OKC Thunder: Top 3 individual performances from the 2018-19 NBA season

The Oklahoma City Thunder entered the season with a lot of expectations after re-signing Paul George for a four-year, $137 million deal. Even though the Thunder started their season losing four-straight games, they quickly got their act together and started dominating the opposing teams.

They initially looked ready to finish third in the West, but eventually ended the regular season with a 49-33 record, which gave them the 5th seed going into the playoffs. Their record improved by just one game from the 2017-18 season.

They lost in the first round of the playoffs for the third straight year and did not live up to the expectations. The highlights of the season include Russell Westbrook averaging a triple-double for a third straight year, and Paul George being named a finalist for both Defensive Player of the Year and Most Valuable Player awards.

These are the top three individual performances for the Thunder this season.

#3 Paul George @ Utah Jazz - 43 points

Stat line: 43 points, 14 rebounds, 6 assists, 5 steals and 1 block on 60.0 % shooting

Coming off a stellar 43-point performance against the Sacramento Kings on the road, Paul George was once again in his elements as he exploded for yet another 43 points and 14 rebounds (double-double) to carry the Thunder to their fourth straight win.

His third-quarter heroics where he scored 22 points lifted the Thunder over Jazz and helped them run away with the win. Even though the Jazz tried making a comeback in the fourth quarter, the Thunder's lead was too large to overcome.

This was George's second straight 40-point game and he also snagged 14 rebounds on the night. The 29-year-old, who is widely acclaimed as one of the top 3 two-way players in the league, also had 5 steals and showed his presence on both ends of the floor.

Final Score: Oklahoma City Thunder 107 - 106 Utah Jazz

#2 Paul George vs Portland Trail Blazers - 47 points

Stat line: 47 points, 12 rebounds, 10 assists and 2 steals on 57.6 % shooting

This was a very memorable game for Thunder fans as both Russell Westbrook and Paul George recorded triple-doubles, and the Thunder defeated the Blazers at home.

The Thunder were on a three-game win streak and hosted the Portland Trail Blazers who were coming off a tough one-point loss against the Dallas Mavericks on the road. George erupted for 17 points in the first quarter and the Thunder jumped to a 36-26 first quarter lead.

Westbrook set an NBA record for consecutive triple-doubles (10), breaking the previous record of nine straight triple-doubles set by Wilt Chamberlain. With 51.4 seconds remaining in the final period, Westbrook knocked down a three-pointer off an assist by Paul George that gave George his third career triple-double.

The 29-year-old finished the game with 47 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists while playing solid defense from start to finish as the Thunder beat the Blazers.

Final Score: Oklahoma City Thunder 120 - 111 Portland Trail Blazers

#1 Russell Westbrook @ New Orleans Pelicans - 44 points

Stat line: 44 points, 14 rebounds, 11 assists, 1 steal and 2 blocks on 60.0 % shooting

Russell Westbrook had his eleventh straight triple-double in February, against the New Orleans Pelicans on the road, but the Thunder could not get the win. Anthony Davis did not play in the second half due to a shoulder injury but Julius Randle (33 pts, 11 reb) and Jrue Holiday (32 pts) carried the Pelicans home.

Inside the final minute of the game, the Thunder trailed by five and Westbrook attempted a three-pointer to cut the lead down to 2, but it was no good.

However, Westbrook was very efficient and had his season-best performance as he finished the game with 44 points, 14 rebounds and 11 assists on an efficient 18-for-30 shooting. Even though he struggled from beyond the arc going 4-for-12, he was dominant in the paint and played with the intensity that he is known for.

Final Score: New Orleans Pelicans 131 - 122 Oklahoma City Thunder