Russell Westbrook scored 54 points in heartbreaking loss to the Indiana Pacers (16-104). The loss is made even worse as Westbrook was called for a technical, suspending him from play against the crucial game against the Portland Trailblazers.

The situation for the Oklahoma City Thunder last Sunday was a must-win against the Pacers. Westbrook understood this and went all out, shooting 21 of 43 with nine rebounds and eight assists.

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Despite his virtuoso performance that is becoming commonplace though, the Thunder still fell short to the Pacers.

The 43 field goal attempts by Westbrook was the most by any player since the Los Angeles Lakers' Kobe Bryant attempted 44 shots against the Seattle Supersonics in 2008.

Westbrook also joins greats such as Bryant, Michael Jordan, and Chris Webber as the only players to have attempted 43 or more shots in a game since 1985.

The Pacers were just too much for the Thunder, scoring 116 points on 53.2 percent shooting from the field. They also attempted 35 free throws.

C.J. Miles led the Pacers squad with 30 points and 10 rebounds. Miles was in the zone this game, connecting with six three-point shots over the Thunder's scrambling defense.

As if the loss was not a downer enough for the Thunder and their fans, Westbrook also secured a technical foul during the game when he argued about a call later in the fourth quarter. It was his 16^th of the season.

Teammate Kevin Durant was visibly angry with the foul due to the comments he left on social media. The technical will leave Westbrook suspended for one game against the Trailblazers.

The playoff dreams of the Thunder are rapidly vanishing though, especially if the call against Westbrook was not rescinded by the league.

If the New Orleans Pelicans can secure a win over the Houston Rockets on Sunday night, then the Thunder would sit out this season's playoffs.

TagsOKC Thunder, Russell Westbrook, Indiana Pacers, suspension