Thunder Dial Long Distance in Game 3, Win 120-108 at the ‘Peake
The Thunder finally found their shooting on Friday night at Chesapeake Energy Arena, taking a 120-108 victory in Game 3 to cut Portland’s series lead to 2-1. For the first time in these playoffs, the OKC offense generated more than 100 points — enjoying a renaissance from long distance by knocking down 15-of-29 (51.7%). Though the Thunder led by 10 at the break and never trailed in the second half, Damian Lillard put things in question with a masterful 25-point third quarter that led to a tie early in the fourth. However, Russell Westbrook made good on his promise of improvement, scoring 14 of his team-high 30 points in the final frame to propel the Thunder to the important win. Paul George struggled throughout, but capped the evening with an after-the-buzzer dunk for good measure.
Westbrook led the way with 30 points and 11 assists, shooting 11-of-22 from the field and 4-of-6 from three. George shot just 3-of-16, but made up for it by going 14-of-17 from the line to finish with 22 points. The duo was joined by Jerami Grant’s 18 points (4/5 3P), Dennis Schroder’s 17 points, and Steven Adams’ 10 points and seven rebounds. Lillard paced the Blazers with 32 points, but only contributed eight in quarters one, two, and four. CJ McCollum added 21 points, and Enes Kanter finished with 18.
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Russell Westbrook vs Damian Lillard: