OKC Thunder 99 — Miami Heat 74
I’ve been watching the Democratic Presidential Debate since the conclusion of the Thunder-Heat game, so I didn’t listen to any of Billy Donovan’s presser on this one. Don’t think I need to because my guess is he’s a fairly happy coach with good things to say after this Thunder win.
Even though Miami was missing point guard Goran Dragic in this one, I’d probably rate this as one of OKC’s top six or seven wins on the season as far as level of play and quality of opponent.
This game was clearly a tale of two halves, but what’s impressive is OKC won both halves even though they struggled shooting the ball in the second quarter.
First half was played at Miami’s grinding tempo which isn’t really conducive to how the Thunder like to play, but what the Thunder will see some of if they make a deep run in this post season. Despite a choppy second period–OKC led 44-42 at the half.
Second half was a different story as OKC got out in transition and won the third period by a 31-16 count. The game was essentially over entering the fourth, but OKC kept the pressure on and finished with a second half win of 55-32 over the deliberate Heat who are not in their comfort zone playing at a faster pace game.
The 74 points by Miami was their lowest output of the season, and the lowest point total OKC has allowed this season.
All of the things which have limited the Thunder at times were all positives tonight against a pretty good ball club. The ball continued to move for OKC and the improvement in this facet of the Thunder game is becoming more noticeable every game. On the night, OKC garnered 24 assists versus 14 turnovers, and it would have been higher if not for the poor second quarter shooting performance.
OKC’s defense and energy were good as well. From the opening possession when Andre Roberson went into full dive mode to create a jump ball, which in turn created a turnover on the pursuant jump ball. Little things, getting dirty, scratching, clawing, bleeding for that extra inch. Those are the work ethic plays Jeff van Gundy was alluding to the other night.
Plus, OKC’s defense was good from its two stars…Durant and Westbrook. They got after it defensively. They led by example on both ends. Again with the caps….THIS IS A HINT OF WHAT OKC CAN BE IF THEY PLAY THE RIGHT WAY. Great game by the stars.
Westbrook collected his fifth triple double of the season. It’s the kind of line I love from Westbrook with 13 points, 10 rebounds, and 15 assists. Combined Westbrook and Durant had 18 assists. Kevin Durant led OKC with 24 points and 10 rebounds
On this night, both Serge Ibaka and Dion Waiters were making their shots to the tune of 15-27 from the field. Ibaka scored 19 points, Waiters added 18 points. It marks the third straight game in which Dion Waiters was efficient. Keep it up, Dion.
OKC’s bench scored 31 on the night and was +23 on the night. Another game in which there was a nice blend of starters and bench units pulling it together on the same night.
My No. 1 Star is the team. I thought it was an excellent team win as OKC won its fourth straight and improved to 30-12.
Good win for OKC. Improved team play on several different fronts. Not only that—it appears Golden State might be coming back down to earth.
All in all a good week-end for the OKC Thunder.
Mike Jackson
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