Oklahoma City Thunder 115 — Indiana Pacers 111
Good game in Indianapolis last night as the Thunder held on to eke out their fourth straight win in a span of six days. For a while it appeared OKC would choke away a ten point fourth period lead, but a Paul George missed three at the end allowed OKC to secure a nice road win.
As I watched the Spurs beat the Warriors last night it seems clear to me why both of these teams would beat the Thunder in a seven game series. Namely–much better team defense, both smarter teams, plus both possess a mental toughness I just don’t see in the Thunder. BTW–it was a great game to watch in San Antonio last night as it was played at playoff-like intensity with the Spurs winning 87-79. It was all about defense on both ends. Defense wins championships and that’s why there’s a significant gap between OKC and the Warriors, Spurs, and Cavs.
But on a more positive note—OKC has appeared to steady itself from the onslaught of personal tragedies which beset the team coming out of the All-Star break.
Kevin Durant was really good last night going 33 points, 13 rebounds, and 8 assists. He’s my No. 1 Star of the Game. Westbrook had a 14-11-14 triple double which is his 14th of the season. But here’s what I’d say to that as a Thunder fan/blogger—I’d trade two-thirds of those triple doubles for a Russell Westbrook who would make better decisions in the second half of fourth periods. Another words, a closer. Nobody writes too much of this in the local OKC media because I guess that Thunder media guy lurking at the pressers and in the locker room only wants Nick Gallo like questions asked. I guess if you ask too tough a question he’ll strip the local guys of their Junior Cub Thunder Reporter press credentials. That must be it.
But I’ll write this and some might say no way, but Russell Westbrook has yet to prove to me he can close by himself in post season in his career to date. He needs a co-pilot like Harden, Derek Fisher, or Reggie Jackson to come out of the bullpen and get the last three outs. I could care less what the numbers show during the first forty-two minutes of a game, it’s in those last six minutes in which NBA games are decided.
Which brings me to Randy Foye. He played well again last night and garnered 29 minutes while Cam Payne struggled playing ten minutes and Dion Waiters had a very tough evening in 18 minutes. I still don’t think Foye is a player who gets the Thunder to the next tier of team above them, but I’m a fair guy and he deserves a nod for his positive play these last few games.
Enes Kanter was great night and his play has been trending as well. Another double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds. I have no idea what is going on with Serge Ibaka, but again, I’m a fair guy and Kanter deserves a positive mention for his play of late.
So–OKC has now won four games in a row and has climbed to 8-8 since the All-Star break.
I have a confession, as I was watching the Warriors-Spurs game last night I visualized Durant playing Harrison Barnes’ minutes last night and if that would have been enough for the Warriors on a night when Steph Curry and Klay Thompson couldn’t find the bottom of the basket. I’m almost fairly certain that same thought crossed Warriors’ GM Bob Meyers mind as well.
Another observation from that game was LaMarcus Aldridge has found his comfort zone with the Spurs which isn’t good news for OKC in a second round matchup.
But in closing—it’s good to see OKC competing better and winning games again. The reality is OKC is the fourth best team in the league and will not have home court advantage in either the second or third round of post season against two teams who have yet to lose a single game on their home courts this season.
Houston Rockets in town on Tuesday night. Maybe Presti could talk Morey into a deal with Ibaka, Waiters, Payne, and McGary going to the Rockets for a co-pilot named James Harden. Just a thought. Because in essence the first trade didn’t work for either team big picture.
Mike Jackson