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Westbrook, Anthony can't buy a bucket in George's absence

J Pat Carter / Getty Images Sport / Getty

It's a small sample size, yes, but during the Oklahoma City Thunder's last two outings sans Paul George, both reigning NBA MVP Russell Westbrook and Carmelo Anthony have defined what it means to be inefficient on offense.

The Thunder escaped the FedExForum Saturday night by overcoming a 20-point deficit (second largest in franchise history) to defeat the Memphis Grizzlies in overtime, 102-101. It was a lot more difficult than it probably had any business being, though, with the Thunder's two primary scoring options bricking more than their fair share of shots against a middle-of-the-pack defense.

Westbrook notched his eighth triple-double of the season and the 87th of his career, scoring 20 points, grabbing 11 rebounds, and dishing out 14 assists. It did take him 29 shots to get those 20 points, though, converting just seven of his attempts, including a horrendous 1-of-12 from deep and 5-of-8 from the charity stripe (30.8 TS%).

Just two nights earlier in a loss to the Brooklyn Nets in Mexico City, Westbrook shot 37 percent from the field for 31 points on 27 shot attempts over the course of 35 minutes.

Not to be outdone, Anthony's percentages during this stretch have been just as appalling, and with George currently not in the picture, the time is now for him to beat what he recently described as being the "roughest" offensive stretch of his entire playing career.

It's just not happening, at least not yet.

Opponent Points FGM-A 3PM-A FTM-A
Nets 11 5-of-20 0-of-4 1-of-4
Grizzlies 21 7-of-20 2-of-6 5-of-8

Related: How can OKC get its Thunder back?

On a more positive note, at least their poor shooting hasn't trickled down to the rest of the roster. Alex Abrines, for example, has been absolutely lights out, knocking down 7-of-11 from 3-point range to the tune of 12.5 points per game. It's not mind-blowing production, but it's helping the Thunder remain competitive while the All-Stars struggle.

You'd like to think that Westbrook and Anthony will shoot their way out of their funks, eventually, even if it takes them hoisting up brick after brick a little while longer before something manages to fall their way. Westbrook is having his worst shooting season since entering the league in 2008, though, and Anthony has never been this dreadful, so it's not as if this is merely a small window that can be brushed off as no big deal.

For now, it's not the prettiest basketball you've ever seen in your life, and it doesn't look or feel like George's inevitable return will cure what ails them.

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