An impressive fourth period by Russell Westbrook and Co. propelled the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 118-109 win over LeBron’s Cavaliers on Thursday night inside the Chesapeake Energy Arena. Granted, the Cavs were on the second night of a road back to back and third game in four nights, but it was still a very encouraging sign for the Thunder’s development to make the plays as a ‘team’ down the stretch.
Russell Westbrook notched his 26th triple double of the season and in my vision was excellent down the stretch as Oladipo, Adams, and others all made plays which contributed to the win. I thought it was the best game of the season to date in which Westbrook, Adams, and Oladipo all played at close to their optimal level on the same night.
Westbrook’s line was 29 points, 12 rebounds, and 11 assists and it was a pleasure to watch him dual with Kyrie Irving through the course of the night.
Adams was superb with 20 points and 13 rebounds as this was the Steven Adams who burst onto the national last year during post season. A very good sign for Adams and the Thunder as I think one of the big deals in Saturday night’s game against the Warriors is for Adams to stay out of foul trouble and stay on the floor. If this happens—I think OKC has a chance to win the game.
Victor Oladipo was excellent as well scoring 23 points coupled with 7 rebounds and 3 assists. There was an easy flow synergy between Westbrook and Oladipo and if the two can continue to make this work on most nights the Thunder are an interesting basketball team with the possibility of playing some high level basketball.
Andre Roberson was very solid again and if this is the Roberson we see cutting without the ball OKC is a much, much better. Sabonis made some rookie mistakes, but he showed some bright spots as well.
Cam Payne played by far his best game of the season and one of his best games as an NBA player scoring 15 points in 13 minutes. This is what OKC needs from Payne on a consistent basis especially with Enes Kanter not available.
Jerami Grant and Joff Lauvergne made solid contributions and will be counted on heavily on Saturday night as Billy Donovan will have to play multiple small ball sets at times in the game. Alex Abrines had a surprisingly impressive dunk, but what the Thunder will need from he and Morrow versus the Warriors are some threes. A team has to make threes to hang with the Warriors.
OKC improves to 31-23 and sets the stage for the much anticipated return of Durant to Oklahoma City.