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]
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