The Thunder Big 3 Combined For 66 Points To Defeat The Pelicans (122-116)

The Thunder Big 3 Combined For 66 Points To Defeat The Pelicans (122-116)

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by | Jan 25, 2019 | Featured, NBA

The Thunder were coming into this game after the battle against the Trail Blazers on Tuesday. Russell Westbrook let it be known in that game that he’s not worried about his percentages as long as the team is winning. Russell Westbrook continued that greatness tonight against the New Orleans Pelicans as he put his team in position to win from the very start. It should be noted that the New Orleans Pelicans were playing without Anthony Davis who’s out with a finger injury. Oklahoma City was able to take advantage of the lack of post defense with Davis out as Steven Adams was in attack mode. It was great to see a battle between Steven Adams and Jahlil Okafor in the paint but Adams was able to get the advantage because his team won. Steven Adams was able to score effectively in the paint on the pick and roll with Westbrook. Both Westbrook and Adams have developed that chemistry over the last few seasons and it was on full display. Steven Adams finished with 20 points and 13 rebounds on the night and was a huge force in the paint distracting what the Pelicans wanted to do on the night. Jahlil Okafor was the bright spot for the Pelicans as he was able to roll to the basket and used his unique footwork to guide him to his 18 points on the night. Another player that stepped up for the Pelicans late was Jrue Holiday he finished the game with 22 points and made it tough for the Thunder at the end of the game. If Holiday got hot early in the game anything could have been possible for the Pelicans.

 

Russell Westbrook has been the ultimate leader and has been a force to be reckoned with on the defensive end. Westbrook has used his defense to open up his offensive game and get his teammates involved more. Westbrook’s leading the NBA in steals and was able to use those steals in the passing lanes to get assists and easy baskets on the night. People won’t talk about how great of a teammate Westbrook really is because they think it’s all about the stats to him but his sacrifice has helped Paul George emerge. Westbrook has been a great teammate and has been able to use other parts of his game to stay engaged in the action on the court. Westbrook notched his 15th triple-double of the season tonight as he finished with 23 points, 16 assists, and 17 rebounds. The triple doubles have been within the game flow and Westbrook starting the fast break after grabbing a rebound is something the opposition doesn’t want to see especially when they’re as fast as Westbrook. In college, Westbrook was known for his defense and he’s reminding everyone in the NBA that he can get it done on both sides of the ball at his position.

Paul George on the night that he was named an NBA All-Star starter for the Western Conference put up 23 points. Paul was able to use his defense to create his offense as well and has shown the NBA that he’s back to PG-13. Paul George has one of the best crossover dribbles with the combination of the step-back jumper and makes it look extremely easy. When George’s in a groove like he’s been lately it feels like anything that he puts up will instantly go in. Some of the clutch moments for George this season and even late in this game show that he needs to be in the MVP discussion and Defensive Player of the Year discussion. Paul George was able to make some timely buckets and was able to slow down Hill and Holiday in that second half. A lot of people in the NBA will give respect to Paul George for being one of the best two-way players and tonight he was able to show that when he’s in a zone he can take over a game just like Westbrook. The Thunder Big 3 of Westbrook, George, and Adams are special when they play like this and all 3 of them should be in high consideration for the NBA All-Star Game in Charlotte in February.

 

The Thunder play against the Milwaukee Bucks next on Sunday as they try to make it 5 wins in a row against the best team in the Eastern Conference.

Jan 25, 2019 No Comments
Dennis Schröder Lifts OKC In Bounce Back Win Tonight Against San Antonio (122-112)

Dennis Schröder Lifts OKC In Bounce Back Win Tonight Against San Antonio (122-112)

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by | Jan 13, 2019 | Featured, NBA

Both teams came into this game knowing each other pretty well after their double-overtime thriller on Thursday. The Thunder didn’t like taking that loss on Thursday and came out very aggressive trying to get revenge. Russell Westbrook came out strong in this game and was leading the charge getting his teammates involved. Westbrook was in some foul trouble but was able to feed the rock to teammates and play his game without being taken out of the game. The best thing about Russell Westbrook’s game is the fact you know that you’re going to get 110% every time out and his teammates know that as well. The Thunder were able to feed off Westbrook’s energy on both ends and came out with fire in their eyes tonight. Russell Westbrook finished with 24 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists on the night.

 

 

Tonight LaMarcus Aldridge didn’t get the same looks he got in San Antonio the Thunder double-teamed him and made sure that whoever defended him had help. LaMarcus Aldridge was held to 17 points on the evening and had a lot more difficulty scoring than Thursday. The Thunder had a gameplan and were able to manage and limit the looks that Aldridge got tonight as a unit. The person that kept the Spurs in the game for a little bit of the game was Marco Belinelli as he went for 24 points off the bench and has become the most lethal shooter on the Spurs team. It feels like anything that Marco puts up against the Thunder will go in and that’s pretty much how it was on Thursday as well. The Spurs had Marco going off to help them and the Thunder had Dennis Schröder who went complete takeover mode in the second half of the game. Dennis came out of halftime with some fire in his eyes and he took the game over by penetrating and being aggressive. Anything that Schröder did in the second half was magical whether it was his floater, 3 point shot, or his ability to find his open players he did it all. The Spurs weren’t able to do anything to stop Dennis as he was quickly getting out of his slump. The Thunder had seven players in double figures tonight as it was a complete team effort tonight.

The Thunder will have the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday in ATL as they want to continue to stay in the wins column.

 

Photo Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports

Jan 13, 2019 No Comments
OKC Thunder Lose A Tough Game At Home To The Minnesota Timberwolves (119-117)

OKC Thunder Lose A Tough Game At Home To The Minnesota Timberwolves (119-117)

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by | Jan 9, 2019 | Featured, NBA

The Thunder were coming into this game trying to bounce back from their loss the Wizards on Sunday. In that game, the Thunder had issues rebounding the ball on the defensive end and it occurred again tonight. The Timberwolves outrebounded the Thunder on the offensive end 5 times in the last couple of possessions. That would play a huge factor into the Thunder losing the game because of the second chance points. This was one of those games that Andrew Wiggins just couldn’t miss anything it seemed like on the evening. The Thunder had Ferguson, George, and Grant on Wiggins throughout the night and he still finished with a season-high 40 points. Wiggins was making some tough shots in the game and he was that driving force for the Timberwolves while Karl Anthony Towns was in foul trouble.

Both of the big men on both teams were in foul trouble but made their presence known in key moments. The Timberwolves had five players in double figures and were able to continue to push the pace in the game. It seemed as though OKC was chasing the Timberwolves all game and just needed that break to get back in the game. That moment came in the 3rd quarter as the Thunder came out on fire and couldn’t miss anything. Russell Westbrook came out attacking the basket and looked like a totally different player than the first half. In the first half Westbrook was looking to get his teammates involved more and in the second half, it was all about number zero getting into the flow of the game. Westbrook is one of those dynamic players that can change the course of a game at any moment and he did that.

Russell Westbrook was getting the team back within five points and that’s when the game got extremely scary and came to a complete stop. Andrew Wiggins was having his best game of the season as he attacked the rim and went for the monster dunk he was met by Nerlens Noel. When Wiggins went up for the dunk his elbow hit Noel in the face knocking him out in mid-air and then his head disturbingly hit the court twice as it bounced. Noel was trying to brace his fall but wasn’t able to do it and was knocked unconscious. The Thunder medical staff rushed to Nerlens and immediately called for a stretcher to get Noel to a hospital. The whole arena was silent and both teams were praying for Nerlens as this was going on. It was a scary sight to watch and the crazy part was the fact they still had 6:30 mins left in the 3rd quarter to play. The fans were instantly mad at Andrew Wiggins from that point on and booed him every time he touched the basketball. Even after the scary incident the referees still called the foul on Nerlens Noel which the OKC fans didn’t like at all and let it be known.

 

 

After Nerlens was sent to the nearby hospital the Thunder still had a game to play. The tempers were definitely in the air as Jeff Teague and Dennis Schroder got into it on an inbounds play. Jeff Teague shoved Dennis with an elbow and both proceeded to square up as if they were going to fight. Jeff Teague got ejected and the Thunder dodged a bullet as Schroder was able to stay in the game. The Thunder crowd got into the game, even more, heading into the 4th quarter. The one player that was consistent all game long was Andrew Wiggins he made the Thunder pay on multiple possessions down the stretch whether it was the right pass or the made shot. The Thunder had a couple of last-second chances as Russell Westbrook hit a big 3 pointer to give OKC the lead with little time remaining. The Timberwolves answered and it was Wiggins who delivered the game-winning assist to Josh Okogie for the 3 pointer that sealed the deal for Minnesota. The Timberwolves were able to get their head coach’s first win and it was a huge win in OKC as both teams will meet again two more times in Minnesota.

 

Photo Credit: StarTribune

Jan 9, 2019 No Comments
Russell Westbrook’s 10th Triple-Double Helps OKC Defeat The Mavericks (122-102)

Russell Westbrook’s 10th Triple-Double Helps OKC Defeat The Mavericks (122-102)

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by | Jan 1, 2019 | Featured, NBA

The Oklahoma City Thunder lost last night to the Dallas Mavericks in Dallas and were looking for revenge. Russell Westbrook came out and set the tone for tonight immediately from the tip. Westbrook was coming into tonight’s game after having a decent shooting performance the night before and made the Mavs pay. Westbrook was able to bully anyone that was guarding him in the post and made the most of every possession. When Westbrook gets in the zone that he was in tonight he’s completely unguardable. The Mavericks were throwing everyone at Westbrook tonight and it didn’t matter. Westbrook spoke highly of himself being one of the best point guards if not the best and was punishing anyone guarding him.

The Mavs had Smith Jr, Barea, and Harris guarding him and he was able to have his way using the glass with the bank shot or just going to the hole with ease. Westbrook finished the game with 32 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists on the night. The Thunder defense played a big part in the margin of victory as the Thunder had 13 steals and were able to turn those steals into points. When Paul George and Russell Westbrook get into those passing lanes other teams are forced to adjust their game and that’s what happened tonight. Paul George used those steals and his defense to get his game going as well as he finished with 22 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 steals on the night. Paul George was able to get his shot when he wanted and was taking it personal with his matchup against Luka tonight as he wanted to put a stop to his offensive explosions of late. Luka was able to finish with 17 points but it was Harrison Barnes who caught fire tonight for the Mavericks. Barnes had 25 points on the night and was the only bright spot as he came out firing in the 3rd quarter. The Mavericks were able to get it down to at least 11 points but the Thunder had too much momentum and firepower tonight.

The Thunder had 6 players in double figures tonight and were able to get anything they wanted in the paint. The Mavericks were in foul trouble for their interior players and OKC took advantage of that right away. The Thunder will be hitting the road in LA and Portland before they come back home on the 6th to play the Wizards.

 

 

Photo Credit:  Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman

 

Jan 1, 2019 No Comments
Paul George’s 33 Point Performance Leads OKC To Victory Over The Clippers (110-104)

Paul George’s 33 Point Performance Leads OKC To Victory Over The Clippers (110-104)

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by | Dec 16, 2018 | Featured, NBA

The Oklahoma City Thunder came into tonight’s game on a two-game losing streak. The Thunder wanted to bounce back after their loss to the Pelicans the other night and did just that. Paul George was able to carry a lot of the load tonight as he finished with a game-high 33 points. The Thunder were able to beat up the Clippers in the paint all night that set the tone for the night. Steven Adams was able to get anything he wanted in the paint against Harrell and Gortat. When Steven Adams has the chance to dominate the paint like he did tonight the Thunder look unstoppable. Adams finished with 16 points and 5 rebounds tonight against the Clippers. No one had an answer for Adams in the paint from the Clippers and it was extremely noticeable. When Adams has his hook shot going and he’s drawing the double team it opens up more for his teammates.

The one thing that was working for the Clippers that kept them in the game was Danilo Gallinari’s 3 point shooting. He finished with 28 points but was (4-6) from the 3 point line while shooting (10-16) on the night. Tobias Harris was doing an amazing job as well for the Clippers. Harris was able to go to the basket with ease and made some very tough shots to finish with 22 points on the night. The Clippers had 26 turnovers in the game and weren’t making the right decisions when it came down to crunch time. The Clippers were hanging around but could never get within 5 points of the Thunder. Every time the Clippers would get within 10 points Paul George or Russell Westbrook would display their greatness. Paul George was able to score any way that he wanted tonight against the Clippers. The string of games that PG-13 has been able to put together as of late have him in the thick of the MVP talks. Paul George has been shooting lights out from the 3 point line and the Clippers couldn’t stop him at all. The rhythm that Paul George is shooting in right now is close to some of his best since Indiana. The best thing about the Thunder is the fact that Paul George and Russell Westbrook are 1st and 2nd in the NBA in steals. Paul George has grown confidence in his play and has been extremely comfortable within this offense on the season.

 

 

Russell Westbrook has shown a lot of maturity within his game and has been able to flourish as the leader. Westbrook has been able to play off of Paul George’s great shooting and he’s been able to still dominate. Westbrook had 13 points, 12 assists, and 9 rebounds on the night and still was able to have a huge impact on the game. When you can impact the game in every way without having to always score or make the play that’s something special. Russell Westbrook has been able to dominate his position night in and night out. Patrick Beverley was guarding Russell Westbrook tonight but he wasn’t able to phase the former MVP as Westbrook still made plays for his teammates. The thing that is so amazing about this Thunder team this year and the ball movement. The Thunder ball movement has very good and they’re looking for Steven Adams early. The Thunder had 5 players in double figures tonight against the Clippers and will look to get another win under their belt against the Bulls on Monday. Russell Westbrook passed Kobe Bryant for 30th on the NBA All-Time Assists list tonight as well.

If Paul George and Russell Westbrook can continue to do what they’ve been doing for this team as leaders the skies the limit for OKC.

 

[Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman]

Dec 16, 2018 No Comments
Paul George’s 31 Points Help Oklahoma City Defeat The Utah Jazz (122-113)

Paul George’s 31 Points Help Oklahoma City Defeat The Utah Jazz (122-113)

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by | Dec 11, 2018 | Featured, NBA

The Oklahoma City Thunder came into this game following a loss to the Chicago Bulls. There’s nothing like home cooking especially when it’s against the team that eliminated you in the playoffs. The Utah Jazz beat the Thunder in a seven-game series last season and the Thunder fans let it be known they didn’t forget. The Thunder have been clicking on all cylinders and look like the best team in the west. The overall play from the Thunder as a unit was on full display as the Utah Jazz didn’t know what hit them. Steven Adams has been the man that starts out games for the Thunder and he did just that against Rudy Gobert. Steven was able to get him in early foul trouble and was able to take control of the paint with ease. Steven was able to get to the basket whether it was the pick and roll, backing down, or his jump hook. Adams finished the game with 22 points and 7 rebounds on the night. Adams was able to set the tone in that first half while Paul George and Russell Westbrook were still trying to find a rhythm.

Gobert was in some foul trouble the one bright spot for the Jazz all night was Donovan Mitchell. The Thunder were throwing different defensive players at Mitchell trying to make it tougher on the second year guard. Mitchell was able to get his jumper going but it was a little too late. Donovan Mitchell finished the game with 19 points for the Jazz but a lot of his buckets came in the second quarter. The Jazz got down at one point by 29 points and found themselves trying to claw back into the game desperately. The Thunder have found their niche and identity this season on both the defensive/offensive end. Russell Westbrook didn’t have his best night shooting but the man that came to his rescue was Paul George. The man they call PG-13 took over in the 3rd quarter of the game as he scored 17 points in that quarter alone. When a player of his caliber gets it going like that especially in a quarter there isn’t much that can be done. Paul George was hitting 3 pointers and slashing to the basket with ease. The Thunder team as a whole noticed what was going on and kept feeding Paul the ball as he continued to grow the lead against the Jazz. Paul George finished with a game-high 31 points on 8-10 shooting from the field and was able to do whatever he wanted tonight.

 

Russell Westbrook didn’t have the shooting night he wanted but finished with another triple-double (12 PTS,10 AST, 11 REB) on the night. The beauty about this situation is in past seasons if Westbrook didn’t play a great game the Thunder would be in trouble. This time around having someone like Paul George in his corner helped the situation. Westbrook still managed to get his teammates involved and took advantage of the smaller Rubio defending him. No one in the league can stop Westbrook in the point guard position it seems like this season and he continued to show that even on an off night for him. The Thunder had 5 players in double figures and were able to move the ball as they finished the game with 25 assists. The Thunder have committed to the defensive end and also have improved the ball movement so much this season. The players like Jerami Grant, Dennis Schroder, and Nerlens have the experience and can help on the second unit on a nightly basis like they did tonight. When the Thunder play together as a whole they’re tough to beat any night. The Utah Jazz was in foul trouble but just weren’t able to get anything going offensively as they shot 27% from 3 point land. The Thunder defense deserves a lot of credit and will try to continue this against the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday.

 

Photo Credit: (AP Photo/Kyle Phillips)

Dec 11, 2018 No Comments