OKC Thunder 109 — Charlotte Hornets 95
It should have been relatively easy and it was. OKC’s Thunder took care of business and disposed of a Charlotte club missing Al Jefferson, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, and Jeremy Lamb. Charlotte matters weren’t helped any when Nicholas Batum didn’t return for the second half as his injured toe caused a second half DNP as well.
OKC’s Thunder coasted to a take care of business 109-95 win in extending its win streak to six games and improving overall to 32-12. With Kevin Durant, the Thunder is 29-8 for the season.
Durant was excellent in the first period scoring fifteen points and setting the tone for a no nonsense night from OKC’s starters. On the night, Durant went 26 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists. He set the tone and his team followed.
Russell Westbrook continued his shooting slump of sorts, yet filled his blue collar line which I love so much with a 16, 7, and 15 night. Three more rebounds and he would have had his fifth triple double of the season. But he and Durant both sat the fourth period and there was no triple double on this night–just a win and some much deserved rest.
Unlike last night in Denver, it was an overall good team performance. Six Thunder players in double figures. A 10 point, 10 rebound double-double by Steven Adams. Serge Ibaka chipping in with 14 points, 8 rebounds. Some nice overall team things from Andre Roberson including a beautiful corner three. All in all the starting unit scored 70 points and continued their mostly solid play since Durant’s return from the toe strain.
Kyle Singler and OKC’s bench up next. OKC’s bench scored 39 as a unit and was in reality led by Kyle Singler’s efficient high energy game which included 11 points, 4-4 from the field, and 3-3 from beyond the arc. He added energy and efficiency to the bench on this night and is my No. 1 Star of the Game. Good for Kyle Singler as he continues his rebound from what looked like an early season disaster flameout back to being a nice role player who’s steadily beginning to look like the guy who played for Coach K in Durham. I’m sincerely happy for Kyle Singler. I loved watching him play at Duke. It was the biggest smile I’ve seen from him all season.
Enes Kanter was good as well with a 12 point, 8 rebound night. Rookie Cam Payne did some good things and some rookie things, but overall, I thought he was okay. Dion Waiters had his second straight bad shooting night and three turnovers, yet mitigated some of that by dishing three assists. Mitch McGary played and scored four points.
OKC’s ball movement was again excellent which resulted in 28 assists. Nick Collison, DJ Augustin, and Anthony Morrow were DNPs.
OKC got it’s six straight win, played relatively well, and rested the two stars in the fourth.
A good night in OKC for basketball following a day in which oil closed at $26 dollars a barrel for it’s lowest price since 2003.
Dallas Mavs in Dallas on Friday.
My favorite scene from Gorky Park other than the sables being set free.