Thunder keep the party going against the Pacers, 105-92
And here’s what Russell Westbrook did.
It was a 9-0 run on three straight 3s — D.J. Augustin, Anthony Morrow and Dion Waiters even — to take an 80-69 lead to 89-69 within seconds, putting the Pacers away as the Thunder rolled to their seventh straight win.
And the energy in the building and on the bench was unmistakable.
“That’s the first time I’ve done anything like that,” Enes Kanter said. “It must be the culture of this team. It’s an unbelievable feeling. I’ve played basketball a long time. I’ve never seen anything like that on a team.”
The Thunder flexed their muscles again, overwhelming an inferior opponent as Westbrook tripled-doubled in just 28 minutes. It was another near flawless performance — Westbrook running the game, Kanter finishing in the paint, Serge Ibaka beasting everyone and the bench producing. Westbrook was headed for a monster triple-double, but the bench put things away where he wasn’t needed anymore.
“The spirit,” Westbrook said. “We have great team spirit right now. Our spirit is very high and everybody wants each individual to do well. Everybody knows what the task at hands in we’re just taking it one day at a time.”
The impressive nature of the way the Thunder have won these seven straight is what catches the eye. They’ve won by an average of 15.6 points a game, with the only game decided by 10 or less being the Charlotte game. They’re straight running teams out of the building. Westbrook is hitting a different kind of stratosphere, finding this insane balance between crazy and calm. One possession he’s attacking end to end, the next he’s running slick pick-and-roll with a perfect pocket pass. It’s peak Westbrook. He’s tapping into his true potential, blending scoring and distribution to near perfection.
“He’s been on a run for a while,” Scott Brooks said. “He’s taken it to another level, no question.”
But what stands out most is the way the Thunder are coming together. It starts with Westbrook, assuming a leadership role in integrating the new pieces, specifically Kanter. Westbrook is committed to taking charge of huddles and being a vocal leader, and one that isn’t one his teammates for something they’ve done wrong. His maturity is showing, with him understanding the influence he has on his team.
Now, obviously, the relevant footnote to it all is the competition. During the seven-game streak, the Thunder have only played three playoff teams (Clippers, Mavs and Grizzlies) and all were at home. They’re beating up on teams they should, and really just kind of reminding us of the team they’re capable of being. It’s nothing all that new, except for the fact there are fresh faces and the promise of one Kevin Durant waiting to return in a couple weeks.
The good news is that the focus has transitioned from merely making the playoffs to back on what it was always supposed to be: winning the playoffs. And with the evolution of Westbrook combined with the formidable depth and obvious chemistry, the Thunder appear to be taking very positive steps in that direction.
NOTES:
- Westbrook February update: 29.5 points, 8.2 rebounds and 10.1 assists in 34.2 minutes a game.
- This was Westbrook’s third triple-double of the season. And he’s had four other games where he was a rebound or an assist away from a triple-double.
- Westbrook: “Just learning. I am taking what the defense gives me. There are different opportunities to take different shots and make different pases. My job is to come out and find a way to lead us. If it’s scoring, it is scoring. If it is rebounding, it is rebounding. If it’s passing, it is passing.”
- Serge Ibaka’s rebirth continues: 23 points, 10 rebounds and three blocks in 29 minutes.
- Kanter’s third game: not a double-double. How dare he. He only got 15 and five rebounds.
- Dion Waiters had a weird game. He had 14 points, but on 5-18 shooting. He hit four 3s, but also missed a point blank freebie. I’m so confused by Dion Waiters.
- Also: Waiters hit the top of the backboard with a corner 3 attempt. That is all.
- Mitch McGary gets rim-checked at least three times every pregame.
- McGary in 19 minutes: nine points and eight rebounds. And a hundred wind sprints.
- The Thunder’s starting small forward didn’t score a point. That doesn’t happen very often.
- Is it just me or does Nick Collison look like he’s healthier and playing with a lot more athleticism and energy?
- Advance scouting report for every team: Hey, the Thunder are going to run Horns with a pick-and-pop for Serge Ibaka on the opening play. And more than likely, he’s going to make it.
- Durant walked through the hallway pregame wearing a red track suit and a walking boot. This concludes your Kevin Durant update.
- Long debate in the locker room pregame: Did Nick Collison like or dislike Boyhood? I didn’t have a chance to ask him, but I’m putting my money on dislike. Tune in soon for the answer.
Next up: At the Suns on Thursday
