Thunder win in overtime over Wizards, 126-115
Finally, the 1979 Bullets vs Sonics rematch we’ve all been waiting for!
Oh wait…
The Thunder win in overtime against the Wizards at home bumping their record to 12-8. Westbrook shot a fairly inefficient 12-of-35, but he definitely gets a pass tonight. Russ scored 14 points in the fourth quarter, sent the game into overtime hitting a clutch three-pointer to tie the game with 8 seconds left in the fourth and then single-handedly outscored the Wizards in overtime 14-10.
Russ scored his fourth straight triple-double tonight, his ninth of the season. 28 points in just the fourth quarter and overtime? That’s absurd. He completely redeemed his first three quarters of poor shooting by playing like he was possessed. This season is the Russell Westbrook show for the Thunder and that’s okay. This team will only go as far as Russell Westbrook can take them.
Scott Brooks returned tonight for the first time and got a standing ovation. Russ gave him a pre-game and post-game hug. The pollen levels in the arena suddenly starting rising and everyone teared up from the allergies. It was weird.
Oladipo had 25 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists and 1 steal tonight. Is it too early to say he’s the second best player on this team? Because he’s the second best player on this team.
The Thunder were -1 tonight in the rebounding category and were -4 for points in the paint. Getting outrebounded and outscored in the paint usually results in a loss for this team, especially given that the Wizards had seven players scoring in double-digits. However, the Thunder hustled tonight and scored 25 points on the fast break, the Wizards only had 5 fast break points. This game was a lot closer than it should’ve been, but a win is a win.
NOTES:
- The Thunder are starting to show signs of looking comfortable on the offensive end. Morrow, Lauvergne, Grant and Enes are all contributing. It’s really nice to see. It’s also worth repeating that Cameron Payne should be a huge positive for this bench when he returns.
- OKC went incredibly small to close the game with Christon, Westbrook, Oladipo, Roberson and Grant. That was weird Billy, but I liked it. Whatever works.
- Solid games from Roberson, Adams and Kanter. All three players shot efficiently and scored in double-digits. Roberson shot 2-of-3 from downtown and is starting to bring the ball up the court more often. Is this real life?
- Bradley Beal would be an all-star if the Wizards were a good team. He’s been on a tear as of late and had 31 points tonight.
- Tomas Satoransky is an NBA player. That’s news to me.
- Sabonis was great tonight and shot a perfect 5-of-5. He had 10 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block and 2 steals. He played in the fourth and his contribution was especially felt when was switched onto John Wall in an isolation play and held his own. He had a really nice block on Gortat. Joffrey could easily be slotted in that starting spot, but Sabonis is the long term Power Forward for this team. It makes sense to give Sabonis that spot so he can consistently start to produce at this level and get over the rookie hump of fouling incessantly. Domas has a great feel for the game for a rookie and is one the bright spots for the Thunder’s future
- The Thunder get a nice 3 day break. Roberson and Grant should do nothing but work on their free throws before teams start intentionally fouling the Thunder Small Forwards.
- Russell Westbrook is good at basketball.
Next up: Home against the Pelicans on Sunday
