Layne Murdoch/NBAE/Getty Images
Let’s get the best part out of the way: The Thunder officially clinched their second straight playoff berth with a 99-90 win over Portland tonight.
And let me tell you, it didn’t come easy. Since the Thunder’s definitely going to be in the postseason, this game was a pretty good primer to remind them how tough and physical the playoffs are.
“It was a playoff atmosphere type of game with a team with might face in the playoffs,” Scott Brooks said.
For the first time in 11 days, the Thunder were playing in what felt like an important game. A game with a little motivation. This one wasn’t against a lowly Eastern Conference team or someone with 18 wins. This was against a good division opponent with something on the line. And there was no doubt the team realized it. The intensity in both the building and on the floor from the start was obvious.
But it all went to another level after Kevin Durant picked up his fifth foul. Durant was hit was an offensive foul trying to push Gerald Wallace off of him and that basically set off an explosion in the Oklahoma City Arena. The crowd booed for roughly five straight minutes — all the way through the TV timeout — and what was already an intense affair, ramped up another notch.
The following possession, Kendrick Perkins was fouled on an and-1. Thunder up 92-88. Then a couple possessions later, OKC came up with the play(s) of the game as Kendrick Perkins denied Gerald Wallace at the rim with the ball bouncing to Andre Miller who looked to have an easy two. Serge Ibaka, as he tends to do, came flying out of somewhere in Loud City and swatted the attempt which led to a runout layup for Russell Westbrook. Everybody freak out.
Westbrook’s layup was really just a punctuation to a terrific takeover type night. Durant was having a hard time shedding Wallace and couldn’t get anything going in the second half. KD was 5-18 for the game but 0-8 in the second half and scored his last bucket with 4:33 left in the second quarter. But that’s where Russ came in.
Westbrook hit 4-5 from 3 and scored 19 of his 28 in the second half, basically picking the Thunder up and carrying them to the finish line. Westbrook knocked down two major 3s in the closing minutes, including the dagger with 25 seconds left and the shot clock up against him. Westbrook and the 3-point shot haven’t exactly always gotten along, but they sure did tonight.
“You know when Russ takes a 3 like that he feels confident that he is going to make it,” Durant said.
Scott Brooks even acknowledged after the game that by no means was that how he drew it up. “Not quite by design,” Brooks said. “They were big shots. I’m not going to sit up here and say they were great shots, but they were big shots. And Russell makes big shots.
“There was a few no’s in there before the nice shot.”
That’s what it takes to win though. Both Brooks and Durant acknowledged that this is a game they probably lose last year with KD shooting as poorly as he did. Not only was Westbrook terrific in closing, but the Thunder defense was fantastic, especially Kendrick Perkins and Ibaka inside. Gerald Wallace was a one man wrecking crew for Portland, but really, OKC’s defense was nothing short of excellent. Absolutely nothing came easy for the Blazers.
NOTES:
- Anyone that wants to discount Westbrook as an MVP candidate because of KD needs to look at this one. Durant goes 5-18, but Westbrook picks up and takes over. That’s big time.
- At times, the Thunder can be one of those teams that overwhelms people. They just keep coming and coming and coming at you. The 16-3 run to end the second quarter was just a total blitz. Great defense, quick offense and good shooting. OKC is pretty much impossible to handle when it plays like that.
- Scott Brooks picked up his first technical of the season in the second quarter. “I was um, uh, yeah, I got a technical,” Brooks said. “I’m going to hear from my mom now.”
- Not the first technical of his season, Perk got nailed again after he scuffled with Andre Miller in the first quarter. They were both hit with technicals but as you can see, it really was pretty minor.
- The Thunder offense was entirely out of sorts in the second half. Not being able to run through KD messed everything up. The Blazers are a terrific defensive team, but without Westbrook hitting big shots, OKC loses this one. But that’s what it takes most of the time.
- Durant was pushed out to the perimeter the entire game. Evidence: He was 3-10 from 3. Ten of his 18 attempts were from beyond the arc.
- Of note: James Harden broke his streak of double-figure games scoring just 8 tonight. He had previously scored at least 10 in 17 straight.
- Gerald Wallace’s headband makes him look like he should be in a ladies 1987 aerobics class. But drop 40 points and you can wear a ribbon in your hair if you want to.
- Ibaka had the jumper going in the first quarter. After making his third straight one, Aldridge was running down the floor shaking his head almost like he was surprised. News flash NBA: Serge can make a jumper.
- And again, wonderful game from Ibaka. 18 points, eight rebounds and two blocks.
- I thought this was Perk’s best game yet as a Thunder(er). He went for six points and 10 rebounds, but really was a stopper inside on LaMarcus Aldridge and Marcus Camby. “I really don’t look at his game and judge it game to game,” Brooks said. “He just does so many things that the stats don’t show.”
- Maybe my favorite play of the night: Right before the half, Westbrook is holding the ball with 15 seconds left. Perk comes up to set an on-ball screen but Russ doesn’t really want. Instead of Perk just turning around, he bumps Matthews hard in the back. Matthews throws a little elbow at Perk and starts looking over his shoulder for him again. Right then, Russ raises up and drills a 3 to give OKC a 14-point lead at the half.
- The Thunder’s halftime show tonight was a Simon Says competition. It was the best one of the year. I was cracking up the whole time.
- It’s amazing how many times a game Perk gets in an opponent’s personal space and the guy looks at the official with a “come on” face. Probably 10 times a game.
- The officiating wasn’t kind to the Thunder in this one. Portland committed just 16 fouls to OKC’s 26. But OKC fans got KD a call mid-way through the fourth. Wallace was once again all over Durant and Andre Miller collapsed, swiping everywhere at the ball. I don’t think they fouled Durant, but all the commotion riled up Thunder fans who stood up and roared as play went on. KD then tried the rip move and Wallace got all ball, but Durant got the whistled. It definitely looked like ref Monty McCutchen was pressured into that one. But a couple possessions later was when McCutchen called the offensive foul on Durant.
- Here’s how good Thunder fans are: After Perk got whistled for a questionable foul with 43 seconds left that gave Portland two points, I kind of expected something to be thrown out onto the floor. It had that feel of someone doing something stupid. Nope. Just more hearty booing.
- Thabo did not do much. The Blazers left him entirely open all night. One of those four-on-five nights.
- KD on clinching a playoff berth: “It feels good. I mean a couple years ago we were the worst team ever.” Sarcastically, obviously.
- KD on his tough night: “Yeah that was tough. I work too hard for that … I was frustrated with myself but happy we got the win tonight.”
I’m pretty excited about this win and not just because OKC is officially playoff-ing again. Coming off some games where maybe the Thunder didn’t have to really focus in to win, OKC dug in defensively, made enough plays offensively and beat a good Western Conference team. I just love how the Thunder’s winning games right now. The defense has been terrific for three weeks now, right in time for the playoffs. Games like this show the Thunder are built for the playoffs. It’s just a matter of if Westbrook can carry the load if Durant gets locked down. Because if they’re both on, good luck beating the Thunder.
Next up: Tuesday at home versus the Warriors.
cdub00 :@DJ R7
Our guys are in their early 20′s for the most part, not their early 30′s. Staying in rhythm and “game shape” is more important, IMO, than a few nights rest. Let me tell you from experience, BIG difference between 22 and 32!
true but tired legs get to everyone, even 20-23 year olds who are in the best shape possible.
DJ R7 :@J5
only reason why i think we shouldn’t rest the guys. I hope they don’t do any thing in the off season and take it off. Remember those legs(Westbrook, and Durant) have been putting in work since first day of training camp OF LAST SEASON. (They spent all of May and June preparing for the Worlds, then the Worlds during July and August.) they’ve only really had about a months worth to rest.
Very true.... if nothing else, just shut Russ and Durant down for the last 2-3 games. Let Perkins and Ibaka continue to build their partnership and give Maynor, Cook, Robinson some big mins so we can see how they perform in clutch plays and extended minutes. (Might be useful for Scott to know he can rely on in a big game).
@DJ R7
Our guys are in their early 20's for the most part, not their early 30's. Staying in rhythm and "game shape" is more important, IMO, than a few nights rest. Let me tell you from experience, BIG difference between 22 and 32! :)
@justin
Its all Thabo's fault. HaHa.
@Dantheman44
Durant's fine. He wasn't guarding Wallace most of the game. His scoring is down because he's shooting less, and shooting more from the perimeter. He's rebounding less because we have bigs who can get one.
hey, is durant injured or has he just been struggling since the all-star break? his scoring is way down lately, last 30 point game was against washington, and i know numbers arent everything but even his shot hasnt been falling like earlier in the year, i mean last night 5 for 18 and 3 for 10 from three. he got schooled by wallace 40 to 21 points. also his reboundes seems to be getting worse, has had a few games of only 3 rebounds i mean he is almost 7 feet tall got to get more then that. his defense hasnt been good either, the toronto game he was on the guy who had the go ahead bucket. he was at 29.2 ppg a month ago now is down to 27.7 ppg, if he keeps playing like this he could loose the scoring title to lebron, and i cant stand lebron. he isnt attacking the basket or getting to the free throw line like last year either. also you dont need your best player struggling going into the playoffs, thats not a good sign. im just saying after last year this season is a little disapointing as far as durants play goes, the team is playing great but he hasnt had the same impact as last year.
J5 :
russokc :
J5 :@russokc
Not necessarliy
I don’t think we shut the starters down. Perkins needs as many minutes with the starting lineup as possible.
I think the team would benefit more from a week of rest and practice.
Is fatigue an issue? Why is it suddenly so important to get rest? They will have 3-4 days off from the end of the season until the playoff start. Remember, Perkins has only played 7 games with this team. He needs to game-speed reps with the starting unit.
Fatigue is not necessarily an issue, but there is no question that the Thunder (as with any NBA team) plays considerably better after extended rest periods, this will especially be true going into the playoffs were some of the guys will be logging 40+ mins a game.
Also, don't discount the fact that every player on the roster will almost certainly have some kind of nagging injury that they've been playing on all season. Having the ability to take some time off and come into the playoffs at 100% is invaluable. I'm sure Perk's knees could do with a week or two of rest too.
With the hectic NBA schedule teams actually have little time for meaningful practice time in between games, a week off would give them that opportunity.
And don't forget... the Nuggets (or whoever we face in the 1st round) won't have the luxury of giving their players an extra week off.
If we rest them for the last 3 games, Perk will have had 14 starts with the team.
@J5
only reason why i think we shouldn't rest the guys. I hope they don't do any thing in the off season and take it off. Remember those legs(Westbrook, and Durant) have been putting in work since first day of training camp OF LAST SEASON. (They spent all of May and June preparing for the Worlds, then the Worlds during July and August.) they've only really had about a months worth to rest.
russokc :
J5 :@russokc
I don’t think we shut the starters down. Perkins needs as many minutes with the starting lineup as possible.
I think the team would benefit more from a week of rest and practice.
Is fatigue an issue? Why is it suddenly so important to get rest? They will have 3-4 days off from the end of the season until the playoff start. Remember, Perkins has only played 7 games with this team. He needs to game-speed reps with the starting unit.
I was complaining at the game about how much Thabo played compared to Harden and then I looked at the box score: Thabo 18 mins, Harden 25 mins. It was just so brutal watching Thabo on offense that it seemed like forever. I'd like to see Harden consistently get 30 mins with Thabo around 15. I like Maynor and Cook between 12-15 (both played 14 last night). Brooks is definitely do his best job of using our players well this season at the right time.
J5 :@russokc
I don’t think we shut the starters down. Perkins needs as many minutes with the starting lineup as possible.
I think the team would benefit more from a week of rest and practice.
@Thunder405
I really would like to see Harden get the ball more late in the game (and all the time). He has the ability to break his man down, get in the lane, and either create his own shot or dish it out.
@J5
lol, that will probably happen until he retires, maybe even after that
TaoMaas :
Bryan :I heard the Celtics are not real happy with that Jeff Green guy. I wonder if he would be had for cheap….. *ducks and runs for cover
I’d take Jeff Green back in a heartbeat, if the price were right. I think that would allow us to start Harden (unless Thabo’s defense was specifically needed), then play a combination of Maynor, Cook, Thabo, Green, or Robinson to go along with Nick/Nazr on our 2nd team.
No way I want Jeff Green back. Not because I don't think he is a good player, but I don't ever want to see Jeff Green debates on this site again! He STILL gets brought up on here two to three times a week, and he's not even in our conference anymore!
Bryan :I heard the Celtics are not real happy with that Jeff Green guy. I wonder if he would be had for cheap….. *ducks and runs for cover
I'd take Jeff Green back in a heartbeat, if the price were right. I think that would allow us to start Harden (unless Thabo's defense was specifically needed), then play a combination of Maynor, Cook, Thabo, Green, or Robinson to go along with Nick/Nazr on our 2nd team.
@russokc
I don't think we shut the starters down. Perkins needs as many minutes with the starting lineup as possible.
i doubt green would sign here, i guess it depends on how hurt his feelings were, but i doubt we offer him a contract, plenty of better 3 point shooting players available
TaoMaas :
russokc : Also, Durant could spend some time with Perkin’s teaching him how to make a Free Throw!!Thoughts?
My thoughts are, “YES! Perk definitely needs a few free throw pointers!” lol I think he might take it better if those tips came from Collison or Mohammed, though.
If Ray Allen, one of the best free throw shooters of all-time, couldn't help Perk in Boston, what chance does KD have!
@Thunder405
I'd agree with you there.
Westbrook was obviously very cautious about driving to the basket because of the 5 fouls. My guess would have been Maynor would have played the end of the game had Russ not started hitting threes.
Bryan :
I heard the Celtics are not real happy with that Jeff Green guy. I wonder if he would be had for cheap….. *ducks and runs for cover
Haha, how much of a zen master would presti be if he pulled off re-signing green for a 6th man on a good contract as well as getting ibaka and harden... small chance, but i don't leave anything out of Yoda's capabilities. you never know.
Bryan :
One thing I really liked about this game is that it was the first time Perkins seemed to really enjoy playing with the Thunder. He finally looked like part of the team.
His best game for the Thunder so far....
As much as I love this win, I think we were a little lucky to be honest. I didn't like our last couple of possessions. We didn't have good flow within the offense. No screens, no movement. Just standing and watching. We were lucky that Westbrook knocked down a couple 3's in a row. Not sure if he could do that again. We were out of our offensive sets and were just flat out fortunate. I thought.
I would like to see either Westbrook, Durant or Harden get to the lane and dish it out for a nice wide open jumper by any of our shooters instead of watching the bombs drop by Westbrook. Don't get me wrong, I loved it but honestly thought we got lucky. Thoughts anyone?
I heard the Celtics are not real happy with that Jeff Green guy. I wonder if he would be had for cheap..... *ducks and runs for cover
One thing that really confused me about this game is that Brooks had an obvious chance to play small ball and didn't take it. Wallace is a baaaad match up for Serge.
Obviously you want our best shot blocker on the floor. But if his man is going to draw him away from the basket all night, why not throw something else at the problem.
We just need one good stretch PF on the roster that can play some physical defense on the perimeter....... don't know who that would be, tho.
TaoMaas :
russokc : Also, Durant could spend some time with Perkin’s teaching him how to make a Free Throw!!
Thoughts?
My thoughts are, “YES! Perk definitely needs a few free throw pointers!” lol I think he might take it better if those tips came from Collison or Mohammed, though.
You could be right there, or even his little buddy - Ibaka. Maybe they should lock him in a room for a week until he can shoot 10 straight free throws!
One thing I really liked about this game is that it was the first time Perkins seemed to really enjoy playing with the Thunder. He finally looked like part of the team.
russokc : Also, Durant could spend some time with Perkin’s teaching him how to make a Free Throw!!
Thoughts?
My thoughts are, "YES! Perk definitely needs a few free throw pointers!" lol I think he might take it better if those tips came from Collison or Mohammed, though.
I think I'd prefer us to finish in the 4th spot than try to push for the 3rd. Even though Denver could be scary, I'd rather play an aging Spurs team with injuries who are ending the season poorly, than an on fire Laker's team.
Also, the later we play the Lakers the greater chance that one of their main players picks up an injury and Kobe starts to show wear from playing 40+ mins for 2 straight series.
Lastly, if we're not pushing for 3rd (assuming we keep the 4 game lead) we can completely shut down our 5 starters for the last 3-4 games and give them an extended period of time to rest up and heal before the playoffs.
This will also give Nate a few games to get some mins and get his game fitness before the playoffs. Also, Durant could spend some time with Perkin's teaching him how to make a Free Throw!!
Thoughts?
http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/03/28/2137216/for-chicago-bulls-derrick-rose.html
Daniel Hawaii : It was frustrating to see Wallace burn Ibaka. Clearly, Wallace was too quick for Serge. Isn’t that what Thabo’s for? To guard the opponent’s best wing player?
I think this might become the Thunder's MO...to let one player have a monster night while they shut everyone else down. When you stop and think about it, that's a pretty good recipe for success...Opponents:1 win and 4 fail. Thunder: 1 fail and 4 wins.
Mark! :
John :
steve.thunderfan :@justin If that’s true, I’d like to think we fans in the Arena had something to do with the no-call. The Boo session through the entire TV timeout was epic. I can’t remember ever seeing a game that went to commercial and the boos were still coming down when it came back. Epic..
I’m still hoarse.
Me too!
That was awesome! We started out pissed but by the end it was just kind of funny. Half the people around me were lauging but we still sounded pissed with the boos. That was great. I really do think it sends a message too. I loved that. Def need to pull that out again in the playoffs.
I hate Russell Westbrook...
I love Russell Westbrook...
I hate Russell Westbrook...
I LOVE RUSSELL WESTBROOK!!!
It's infuriating how Russ absolutely REFUSES to pass the ball to anybody for the length of the entire shot clock at the end of games.
But then he hits a huge shot and I can't help but love him again.
Great win against a playoff opponent. We botched several fast breaks (especially in the first half), Durant and Harden struggled and Wallace went off for 40 and we still won by 9.
I would've liked to see Thabo on Wallace to see if he could've slowed him down. I thought it was at least worth a try, but it never happened. It was frustrating to see Wallace burn Ibaka. Clearly, Wallace was too quick for Serge. Isn't that what Thabo's for? To guard the opponent's best wing player? He certainly isn't on our team for his offense.
Man, if not for that 2-point loss to the Raptors, we'd be riding a 10-game winning streak right now!
John :
steve.thunderfan :@justin If that’s true, I’d like to think we fans in the Arena had something to do with the no-call. The Boo session through the entire TV timeout was epic. I can’t remember ever seeing a game that went to commercial and the boos were still coming down when it came back. Epic..
I’m still hoarse.
Me too!
I definitely think the top 4 seeds in the west are set, but there is possibility for a complete reshuffle at the bottom, because those 4 teams have a lot of games with each other and there are only 3.5 games separating 5-8.
NOR has 3 of their final 8 games within the 5-8 seeds: vPOR vMEM & @MEM
POR has 2 of their final 9 within the 5-8: @NOR vMEM plus they have games @Spurs vOKC vDAL & vLAL, so 6 of their final 9 are against West playoff teams
MEM has 3 of their final 8 games within the 5-8: @NOR vNOR @POR and the rest of their schedule is the easiest of the 4 teams.
DEN doesn't play any of the 4 teams, but they have a pretty tough set of games remaining including @LAL @DAL vOKC @OKC as four of their final 9 opponents.
Anyway, I don't think the bottom half is settled yet. I am still hoping that NOR can handle their business and the top half of the West can give DEN & POR enough losses for the Hornets to sneak into the 5. A bit unlikely perhaps, but not impossible.
My observations:
Refs were terrible. Russ was clutch. LMA is super tall. Collison might be the best tall guy defender that is short that I've seen. Serge never has his jersey tucked in for very long (maybe he's trying to show off his 8 pack). Gerald Wallace was money. He was also holding and hugging KD like a long lost lover. Hope KD isn't pregnant from it. Sat 2 rows off the floor behind the Portland bench. Got a quick dirty look from Nate McMillan when I politely asked he move over so my wife could take a pic of Russ shooting a freebie. One of the bench players laughed. Those seats are awesome. Yay for my wife's job. Perkins is TOUGH. You could tell the Portland guards were looking around for his screens and clinched a bit when they were about to smash into him. The game is so very fast. Maynor and Russ are the same height, but Maynor looks so much shorter. Thabo doesn't miss ..... in warm ups. Crowd was awesome in the second half. Booing refs is fun. Serge looked like he wanted to punch Wallace after being torched time and again. Perkins looked like he wanted to punch Serge for the same reason. Nick Collison was really coaching up Serge right before he came in late in the 4th. He was giving him specific things to do on LMA. Thabo did the same. Great teammates.
Tweeted Rumble pregame that my preggers wife would like to get a pic. He tweeted back that he would try. He found us in the first. He was obviously looking for us. Love Rumble. That kind of stuff is indicative of a first friggin class org.
craziest thing about Russell Westbrook is that since the All-Star break he is 6th in the league from 3 from the players that have shot 25 or more 3s!
@walrusmuse
yeah i have season tickets so ill have playoff tickets
@clarkem
@ath
thanks guys.
@cdspark
Oklahoma City Thunder only have 10 game left
And finally the Magic Numbers left to worry about
With 11 games to go, Oklahoma City has the following to:
Clinch 7th 2 (Memphis)
Clinch 6th 3 (New Orleans) ( actually 2, we have tie breaker)
Clinch 5th 4 (Portland) (This is actually 3, we have the tie breaker)
Clinch 4th 6 (Denver)
Dallas has a magic number of 7 to clinch the 3 seed
Goodnight DT
@John
old joke:
When is a singer not a singer?
When he's a little hoarse.
HAHAHAHA!
(*ahem*)
in other words, looks like the final 8 in the West are likely set
the top four seeds are probably exactly in the final order already
but 5-8 may see some re-arranging over the next few weeks...
(or maybe just 6-8... Denver may have a lock on #5 at this point)
@John
I won't even be able to talk tomorrow. The back to back blocks by the bash bros leading to Russ's runout were the types of plays that win playoff games. And games like this confirm our homecourt advantage. Try to come into Loud City and take one, Western Conference. I dare you.
with their loss tonight, I'd say the Suns are out of it -- no playoffs this year
maybe not mathematically impossible yet, but practically... no way
and the Rockets are about to fall off the hunt too
You'd think that Memphis, with Gay out, would start to falter, but they had a great win tonight against the Spurs. So... unless the Grizz melt down really badly, I think the Rockets won't make it either.
justin :Anyone watch the two blocks towards the end again? Perkins very clearly fouled Wallace…
ooops quoted the wrong one duh
justin :Our point differential is now higher than it was last season for the first time all season, as well.
Obviously he didn't "clearly" foul him or the referees would have made the call.
steve.thunderfan :@justin
If that’s true, I’d like to think we fans in the Arena had something to do with the no-call. The Boo session through the entire TV timeout was epic. I can’t remember ever seeing a game that went to commercial and the boos were still coming down when it came back. Epic..
I'm still hoarse.
The threes by Westbrook helped the team significantly, but cost him a bit. From http://www.nba.com/games/20110327/POROKC/gameinfo.html?ls=gt2hp0021001092?ls=iref:nbahpt1
NOTABLE: Westbrook pledged to donate $1,000.00 for every point he scored tonight to Direct Relief International for the people of Japan, so with his 28 points Westbrook gives $28,000.00 to the effort.
and, if not for that stupid loss to the Raptors....
we'd have 11 straight wins
oh well, still a great March
8)
lately, we've won:
9 of 10 (0.900)
12 of 14 (0.857)
pretty dang good!