The Oklahoma City Thunder took down the NBA-leading Milwaukee Bucks and pushed their win streak to five behind the 118-112 home win.
A big opening half saw the Thunder holding sway with a 14-point advantage at the main break, but the Bucks came roaring back to life.
But as the challenge was thrown down, Paul George responded in emphatic fashion.
Recently named as an All-Star starter George was at his destructive best as he finished with 36 points, 13 rebounds and added three assists and three steals.
As the game tightened up down the stretch, it was George who stopped the Bucks' push when he put Giannis Antetokounmpo on a poster before hitting a dagger three, his eighth of the match.
🚨 PAUL. GEORGE. 🚨 #ThunderUp pic.twitter.com/wjeMTOrqP3
— NBA Australia (@NBA_AU) January 28, 2019
While it was George leading the way, his running mate Russell Westbrook added yet another triple-double by piling in 13 points, 13 rebounds and 11 assists.
But it was the Thunder's incredible defensive display that was one of the biggest talking points.
The team held Antetokounmpo without a made field goal in the opening half and blocked him seven times, a career-worst for the Greek Freak.
Despite the shutdown efforts, the MVP contender still finished with 27 points and 18 rebounds as he dragged his squad back to life.
Paul George was unstoppable as the Thunder took down the Bucks. #ThunderUp
— NBA Australia (@NBA_AU) January 28, 2019
📊: 36 PTS | 13 REB | 3 AST | 3 STL pic.twitter.com/TFy4LE1kwg
The win for the Thunder pushes their record to 31-18 on the season and has them holding down third spot in the Western Conference.
Milwaukee still hold the best record in the league despite the loss, sitting at 35-13.
George will look to continue his impressive run when the Thunder head into Orlando to take on the Magic on Wednesday.
The Bucks will be out to get back into the win column when they take on the Pistons, also on Wednesday.