Thunder stomp the Jazz, 113-91
With about eight minutes left, it became pretty obvious what was happening. The tension was building, the anticipation almost to much to take.
Josh Huestis was about to get his first NBA minutes.
That’s a way to say, the Thunder absolutely pummeled the Jazz tonight, flexing an impressive focus with the Spurs coming to town on Saturday. Because we all remember what happened the last time the Thunder were about to play the Spurs.
There were a few moments where it appeared to be tricky. Most of the first half it stayed within six points, until the late second quarter burst took the lead to 11 headed to halftime. Then a 12-0 run out of the gate spaced it out. The entire third quarter was quite the malaise, with the Jazz chipping away with a little 14-3 run, and then the Thunder responding with a couple steals from Kevin Durant that led to Dion Waiters dunks, and a Durant 3 to end the quarter to put OKC back up 21.
Really, that 3 by Durant ended the game right there. And it also gave him 20 points, making it 57 straight games hitting that number. He finished with 20 points.
Also: Russell Westbrook *only* got 15 points, seven rebounds and nine assists, due to only playing 27 minutes after sitting the entire fourth quarter.
This is the part where I look for a takeaway, and, well, I’m not sure there is one other than the Thunder impressively keep it rolling. That’s six straight, and within those six games they’re playing in a way that’s especially encouraging. They’ve won both ways, by blowing opponents out, and by finding a way in a close game. The defense has very clearly picked up, which is really what takes this team from good to potentially great.
What looms ahead are the Spurs, in a game that will again tell us a few things. And what’s interesting about this one compared to the meeting two weeks ago is the Thunder are playing well. When they traveled to San Antonio they were still mid-spiral, and while that game actually went a long way in snapping them out of it, they weren’t anywhere near what they are now.
NOTES:
- When Huestis got up to check in with five minutes left, Kevin Durant completely freaked out. Jumped off the bench and gave him a huge chest bump. It was nice to see.
- Huestis missed two free throws, but next possession, came back and drilled a wing 3. You can imagine how the bench reacted.
- It’s really hard not to play the what-if game about Rodney Hood and Mitch McGary.
- I’ve watched Trey Lyles play a lot this year, and for some reason every time I’m surprised when he shoots right handed.
- Another nice game from Dion Waiters: 17 points on 6-12 shooting. A good amount of it came in garbage time, though. Still: I thought Waiters played very solid defensively and was opportunistic offensively.
- Did you know: In March KD is averaging 6.8 assists a game.
- Fun fact: Since Trevor Booker said Enes Kanter gets stats and the L as always, OKC is 4-0 against Utah with a winning margin of 54 points.
- Also, you know what I always found about Booker’s statement? He said “as always.” And before Kanter was with OKC, that “as always” was with, you know, Booker and the Jazz.
- Thought Andre Roberson was exceptional on Gordon Hayward tonight.
- Serge Ibaka’s line doesn’t knock you back at all — 10 points, three rebounds in 27 minutes — but I thought he played a very solid game. Moved the ball, made quick decisions, was very active.
- The Thunder made it six seasons since 2009-10 with a winning percentage of at least 50 wins. Only the Spurs have more in the NBA in that span (seven seasons).
- Kanter started out 0-5 and really just couldn’t get anything to drop. Then he proceeded to make his next six shots to finish up with 16 points on 6-11 shooting plus seven rebounds.
- It’s absolutely time to start talking about him winning Sixth Man of the Year. Jamal Crawford is a good candidate, but so many numbers are backing Kanter. Per minute, he’s a monster and if you look at his defensive numbers the last few weeks, they’re quietly impressive.
Next up: Home against the Spurs on Saturday
