On Wednesday night against the Rockets, we got a glimpse of what the Westbrook-Oladipo backcourt can look like when they play in balance with synergy making each of their games better. Tonight inside the Chesapeake Energy Arena, we collectively sneaked another look at what could become one of the league’s best backcourts both offensively and defensively. For whatever it’s worth, OKC took care of the under talented Nets 124-105 to improve to 8-5 on the season.
Against the Rockets, Westbrook and Oladipo went for a combined 59 points. Tonight it was another high level performance by the backcourt duo as they went for 56 points. Even more to the point, both were extremely efficient with their shots.
Westbrook triple doubled going 30-11-13 on a 13-21 night. Oladipo mini tripled doubled with 26-5-6 while hitting 11 of his 17 shots. In his last two games, Oladipo is a combined 23-35 for 55 points. Not to be too much of Captain Obvious here, but when Victor Oladipo brings this level game to the arena with Russell Westbrook, the Thunder have a chance to be pretty good. When he doesn’t bring his ‘A’ game, Westbrook has to do too much and the Thunder lose their ball movement becoming too one dimensional.
In all, the Thunder had six players in double figures. Steven Adams had a solid night with 15 points, 6 boards, and two blocked shots. Enes Kanter scored 13 points in thirteen minutes. Jofferey Lauvernge had his Thunder career high scoring 13 points on a 6-9 night. Alex Abrines had an alpha shooting flash in the first half hitting three bombs in a row then went fizz in the second half.
A decent game by Andre Roberson even though he was somewhat plagued with foul trouble. Domas Sabonis had a tough shooting night, but as always if you watch his game closely he does a lot of little things right which help the team. My bullishness on Sabonis remains intact.
The Thunder improve to 8-5 and in these last two games have gotten themselves pointed back in the right direction.
Not really much to add because the Nets are team with not much overall talent which the Thunder should beat at home and did.
I’m anxious to see Cam Payne added to the mix of guards on this team. Westbrook, Oladipo, Roberson, and Payne will be a compelling guard foursome to watch as Christon’s minutes become sparse when Payne gets a clean slate of health. You would think Billy Donovan could throw some small ball lineups out there which could hang with any team in the league running the very mobile Adams as the lone big. I’m hopeful Payne is only a couple more weeks away from returning.
Very solid season so far for the Thunder, take away the disappointing home loss to the Orlando Magic and they’re 9-4 and one of the surprise teams in the league.
Next up, Indiana Pacers at the Peake on Sunday evening.
Victor Oladipo Media Day Interview–September 23, 2016