The Thunder took a 3-1 lead in the Western Conference Finals thanks to Westbrook’s haul of 36 points, 11 rebounds and as many assists, while Kevin Durant poured in 26 points which helped move Golden State to the brink of elimination.

The defending NBA champions, who set the best ever regular season record of 73-9 in this campaign, had no answer to Westbrook in particular and could not battle back after a flurry from Oklahoma City towards the end of the second quarter left them trailing 72-53 at half-time.

Reigning MVP Stephen Curry was restricted to 19 points as Klay Thompson top-scored with a 26-haul for the Warriors, who need to win the remaining three games of the series to keep their season alive.