Oklahoma City Video: Watch Thunder Score 5 Points In Less Than 1 Second

With players like Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, it's fair to say that the Oklahoma City Thunder have a quick-strike offense. However, that took on a new meaning late in the first half against the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday night.

Westbrook nailed a straight-away three-pointer with 0.8 seconds remaining to put the Thunder ahead 44-43. Lakers center Andrew Bynum was noticeably having trouble on the ensuing inbound and he proceeded to pass the ball directly to Durant who quickly made a shot, giving Oklahoma City a three-point advantage heading into half time.

The shot was initially waved off by the officials, but after further review it was deemed that Durant released the ball just in the nick of time. The two late baskets seemed to energize the Thunder in a big way as they completely controlled play in the second half en route to a 100-85 victory.

It's fair to say that the end of the first half was a microcosm of both teams' seasons. The Lakers are hanging in there with a 20-14 record, but not much has gone right for them. That is in stark contrast to the Western Conference-leading Thunder who are 27-7 overall and an astounding 15-1 at home.

Los Angeles was less than one second away from heading into half time with a lead and feeling good about itself. Instead, in the blink of an eye, Westbrook and Durant turned the tables and gave Oklahoma City the momentum that carried it throughout the rest of the game.

It was quite clear last season that the Thunder were a team on the cusp of greatness, and it hasn't taken them long to realize that promise. They have far and away been the best team in the Western Conference this season and while plenty can happen between now and the end of the year, they seem to be on a collision course with the Miami Heat in the NBA Finals.

There aren't many teams that can match up with the Thunder to begin with, but if they're going to put on this type of scoring clinic on a regular basis then they might as well be handed the title now. Obviously, a lot had to go in Oklahoma City's favor to pull of such a feat, but teams tend to make their own breaks.

Westbrook and Durant are undoubtedly one of the most potent offensive duos in the game and they proved that on Thursday.