The Thunder were coming off of their huge win in Houston. OKC faced the Portland Trailblazers who were on the second night of a back to back. The Thunder took full advantage of that situation as they were able to collectively take Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum out the game on the offensive end for the most part of the game. Oklahoma City was playing without Jerami Grant and Dennis Schröder who were both sidelined against Portland. The way that Paul George has been playing as of late was going to make it tough for any team in front of him. Paul started his night off with a thunderous dunk that set the tone from the opening quarter. Paul George was slicing and dicing the whole Portland team and there was nothing anyone could do about it. The Trail Blazers put multiple defenders on Paul George but he still was able to crossover and get to the basket or get his shot off when he wanted. Paul George has been on an MVP pace and was able to put up 47 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists. This was George’s 3rd triple-double in his career and it was special sharing it with Russell Westbrook.
Tonight Westbrook was able to make history again like he’s done time and time again in the past couple of seasons. Westbrook came into tonight’s game tied with Wilt Chamberlain for most consecutive triple-doubles with nine. Russell Westbrook has been the ultimate teammate and he’s been able to use his overall game to will his team to the victory with George. Russell Westbrook’s the most dominant point guard in the NBA and showed just why tonight in his matchup with Damian Lillard. Westbrook’s ability to get into the paint with ease and he’s been able to get his teammates involved without forcing the situation. The growth in Westbrooks game always gets looked over because of his shooting struggles but no one in the national media talks about his improvements in other areas. Westbrook has been able to get his teammates into the flow of the game and he’s been locking down his position on a nightly basis. Westbrook’s second in steals and has taken the defensive side just as serious as Paul George. No offenses in the NBA want to see both of them because they know how to get into the passing lanes and use the defense to create their offense. Westbrook has matured his game and knows his bread and butter is that paint and that backboard shot with the one leg. Westbrook broke the tie with Wilt Chamberlain tonight as he finished with 21 points, 11 assists, and 14 rebounds.
The Thunder were able to slow down Lillard and McCollum tonight as they combined for 44 points. Lillard started getting it going later in that second half but with the momentum and the way Russell Westbrook and Paul George were playing they couldn’t stop the leak. The Thunder bench stepped up big time for them as well as Felton and Burton combined for 33 points on the night. The both of them made some big plays and stepped up big time to fill the void that was presented by injuries. The Thunder will be playing the Pelicans next before All-Star break and will look to remain one of the hottest teams in the NBA.
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