Portland Takes Commanding Lead In The Series (3-1) After 111-98 Victory In OKC

Portland Takes Commanding Lead In The Series (3-1) After 111-98 Victory In OKC

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by | Apr 22, 2019 | Featured, NBA

The Thunder came into this Game 4 knowing they needed to win to tie the series. OKC came out firing on all cylinders trying to make sure they got everyone involved. Russell Westbrook was able to get his mid-range going in that first half and was getting to his spots with ease. The Trail Blazers were giving Westbrook open shots and he was taking advantage of it when the moment came. One thing that Westbrook was able to do was find his teammates in their spots and his energy never changed throughout the night. Russell Westbrook finished with 14 points, 7 assists, and 9 rebounds on the night. Westbrook and George were both in early foul trouble and were able to battle through the adversity in the first half as the game was still close. The Thunder as a whole was able to hold Damian Lillard to 7 points as he missed a lot of shots with a hand in his face. The two role players that were able to keep both teams in the mix while the stars weren’t able to get into a rhythm was Aminu for Portland (19 pts) and Schröder (17 pts) for Oklahoma City. Dennis was able to give the Thunder a lift in the scoring department while Westbrook and George were in foul trouble. Schröder has proved that he can score in the pick and roll when he gets the switch. Dennis was 50% from the field and was able to be a pest on defense as well because he was able to slow Hood and Turner when guarding them.

The second half CJ McCollum and Damian Lillard combined for 32 points. Both of them were able to hit some tough shots tonight and were able to push the pace of the game the way they wanted for Portland. It’s not a hidden secret that both Dame and Lillard are big-time shot makers but to do it on the road in a loud environment it was impressive. Lillard was able to take over in the game as he was getting to hit spots on switches and hit some big shots when given any space. Lillard finished the game with 24 points and most of the game the Trail Blazers had the lead while he was on the bench getting rest. Tonight it was all about CJ McCollum as he countered every Thunder run with a big 3 pointer or tough floater. CJ seemed unstoppable off the dribble as he was able to get to his spots and take his time waiting for the matchup he wanted on switches. Both Dame and CJ have shown a lot of maturity in this series as they have been able to play their type of game with fast pace and shooting. The NBA has caught up to their game as now it’s about the 3’s and the chip on both their shoulders are extremely big after being doubted and disrespected in the media.

 

The bright spot for this game was the fact that Paul George was able to get his offense going in the right direction. Paul finished the game with 32 points and added 10 rebounds with that as well. It’s obvious that Paul George can score on anyone on Portland and heading into Game 5 in Portland he will need to continue this to get some momentum to try to bring it back to OKC. Paul has been very impressive in the transition and also in the 3 point shooting. The Thunder need to get energy from Westbrook and feed off of George’s offensive game in Portland. George has to make it a mission to defend CJ or Damian a little bit more than the usual because they’re not backing down but they’re hitting some tough shots overall. The Thunder have been down 3-1 six times and have been able to come back and win one of the series back in 2014 against Memphis. The Thunder will need to take this one game at a time if they want to come back to OKC for Game 6. Anything is POSSIBLE especially in the NBA and when you have two MVP caliber players on the team like OKC have in Westbrook and George.

Apr 22, 2019 No Comments
OKC Thunder Storm Back Into Playoff Series Beating Portland (120-108) In Game 3

OKC Thunder Storm Back Into Playoff Series Beating Portland (120-108) In Game 3

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by | Apr 20, 2019 | Featured, NBA

The OKC Thunder were down 2-0 in the series and had the chance to come home for Game 3. The Thunder came out with the sense of urgency that any team that’s down 2-0 would. OKC was getting it going on both ends of the floor and were able to use Paul George differently tonight to guard CJ McCollum and Damian Lillard. With George defending Lillard and McCollum throughout the game, it gives the Thunder a chance to get some length on them. The first half of the game OKC was able to maintain and control the pace of the game. Both teams battled in that first half and were able to hold each other in check. It wasn’t until the 3rd quarter where OKC was able to get their offense going. The Thunder got a huge contribution from Jerami Grant who finished the game with 18 points on the night. Grant didn’t play well in Portland but made the best of the moment in OKC in front of the home crowd. Another player that was able to step up for the Thunder in that second half was Dennis Schröder who finished with 17 points off the bench. Schröder was able to get to his spots and finish at the rim with ease when the switch occurred with Enes Kanter guarding him. The role players for the Thunder showed up big time at home and made this a game that could boost their confidence moving forward.

Damian Lillard was shut down that 1st half as he was held to 4 points. When the 3rd quarter arrived it became Dame Time as he was able to score anyway he wanted against the Thunder. Lillard had 25 points in the 3rd quarter alone and was able to hit tough shots and layups against the Thunder defense. This stretch from Lillard came after Westbrook apparently “Rocking The Baby” celebration. Lillard has shown that he can score whenever he needs too in tough moments. Damian Lillard and Westbrook were engaged in some trash talk that fueled both of them on the night. Lillard was able to finish the game with 32 points and didn’t have too much from his running mate CJ McCollum who was being guarded by Paul George all night. The Thunder made it tough on Lillard and McCollum all night defensively and forced them into tough shots.

Russell Westbrook was able to be the man of his word that everyone in Oklahoma City knew he would be. Westbrook had 33 points, 11 assists, and 5 rebounds on the night against Portlands defense. Westbrook was able to get to the paint whenever he wanted too and was able to dominate against Lillard on the block. You know it’s Westbrooks night when he’s “Rocking The Baby” multiple times as he was letting Damian Lillard know that he’s here and this is his city. When Westbrook takes over a game like he did tonight it opens up everything else for his teammates to get involved. The Thunder were able to get shots off turnovers and they made their 3 pointers something they didn’t do in Portland. The Thunder shot 51% as a team from behind the arc and were able to get behind the crowd energy in Chesapeake. Another reason why Russell Westbrook was able to flourish was that Paul George was able to defend and give him more opportunity on other ends. Paul finished with 22 points on the night and played an amazing game where he was defending at a high level and also George was able to get whatever he wanted from the field. Both Russ and PG didn’t get the calls they’re used to getting but made the best of the situation.

Both teams did some trash talking at the end of the game as Easter Sunday’s about to become a huge game for both of these franchises.

Apr 20, 2019 No Comments
Russell Westbrook Makes Hist0ry In OKC’s Victory Over The Detroit Pistons (123-110)

Russell Westbrook Makes Hist0ry In OKC’s Victory Over The Detroit Pistons (123-110)

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by | Apr 6, 2019 | Featured, NBA

The Oklahoma City Thunder came into this game against the Detroit Pistons trying to climb up in the playoff race. Russell Westbrook’s 20-20-20 night on Tuesday has seemed to inspire the team to play on another level now. The Thunder came out tonight against the Detroit Pistons and attacked every moment they got the chance. Russell Westbrook was able to be a magician out there with some of the passes that he dished out getting his teammates open. Westbrook has been the ultimate leader and it’s been on full display this season for anyone that hasn’t noticed. Tonight the Pistons tried to put Reggie Jackson and Bruce Brown on Russell Westbrook as it didn’t work much at all. Westbrook was able to turn his defense into offense while creating for himself and others. Westbrook became the 1st player in NBA History to average a triple-double 3 seasons in a row. This is a huge accomplishment and Westbrook has used his individual accolades to bring the team together as one.

 

This Thunder team is extremely close and they have been able to grow a brotherhood on and off the court. Westbrook made it tough on his opponent and made the Pistons pay for every time they sagged on defense against him. One thing about Russell Westbrook that stands out is his willingness to let Paul George eat just as much and share the spotlight. Westbrook and George have been able to grow on and off the court which has worked wonders for the Thunder. Paul George was able to shine tonight as he finished with game with 30 points and was able to get great looks. The Pistons didn’t have a true small forward that could guard Paul George because they got rid of Tobias Harris in that trade. Paul George was able to get whatever looks he wanted and was able to attack the paint with ease as Drummond was in foul trouble. Paul George has been on a mission all year long and he’s been able to use the energy that Westbrook puts out to match that tit for tat. The Thunder are at their best when Paul and Russell are in the passing lanes trying to disrupt the other team on the offensive end. Paul George and Russell Westbrook have played at an all-time high and the team will go where they lead.

 

The Pistons didn’t have an answer for the Thunder on the defensive end but they had Blake Griffin. Tonight it seemed as though Blake Griffin couldn’t be stopped especially with Steven Adams in foul trouble. Blake has been able to improve his inside and outside game over time while it’s paid off. Griffin was giving the Thunder some problems in the paint and he was able to do some damage. Blake finished with 47 points on the night but it wasn’t enough to get the win. The Pistons were able to hang in there for a little bit but the Thunder had the mismatch with Paul and Russell and they used it to their advantage. The Thunder will try to get another win as they go on the road against the Timberwolves.

Apr 6, 2019 No Comments
Trey Burke’s 25 Points Lift Mavericks To Victory Over The OKC Thunder (106-103)

Trey Burke’s 25 Points Lift Mavericks To Victory Over The OKC Thunder (106-103)

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by | Apr 1, 2019 | Featured, NBA

The Thunder came into this game knowing that the Mavericks would be without star rookie Luka Doncic. The Mavericks played as if Luka was never missing from the game. This could be Dirk Nowitzki’s last game in Oklahoma City and the Mavericks played with a little more effort to make it happen. In Dirk’s career, he’s had some big games against the Thunder and was able to leave the OKC crowd with a couple of moments today. Dirk finished the game with 7 points and a season-high 13 rebounds in the game today. Dirk will be remembered for his memorable one-legged jumper that he has patented throughout his career. The Thunder got down early in the game and it seemed as if they couldn’t catch a break every time they got within one point or if they had a lead. OKC played amazing defense throughout the night. Also, they were able to execute plays the way they were supposed too but the Mavs hit some tough shots. Trey Burke was the bright spot in this game today for the Mavericks as he was able to hit some tough shots from the perimeter and he was attacking as well. Burke finished with 25 points on the night and he was able to create for the Mavs as well finishing with 8 assists. Another player who stepped up for the Mavericks was Jalen Brunson as he added 18 points to help Dallas get this victory. Brunson was able to slash to the basket and forced the Thunder to defend him throughout as he reminded people of a JJ Barea. The Mavericks shot 42.5% from the field and were able to get a lot of tough shots to fall on today. The Thunder players were draped all over the Mavs players but they hit tough shots and got the Thunder in foul trouble.

 

 

The Thunder were able to get back into the game multiple times as Russell Westbrook led the charger. When Westbrook puts his mind to it to take over a game he’s completely unstoppable. Offensively Russell Westbrook was able to do everything in his power to put the Thunder in a position to win at the end of the game. Westbrook finished with 25 points, 11 assists, and 11 rebounds for another triple-double. Westbrook has been able to impose his will on this team and continues to give that spark that they need. People jump on Westbrook about his shooting but it’s better to have someone that will shoot and not be too passive. Westbrook has been able to create for teammates and play within the game. Westbrook also doesn’t get enough credit for how much he’s helped, Paul George and Steven Adams. Today against the Mavericks was a perfect example because George finished with 27 points and Steven finished with 20 points and 15 rebounds. Paul has acknowledged that his shoulder’s banged up but that hasn’t stopped him and he proved that today against the Mavs with Justin Jackson guarding him. Paul has still been an MVP candidate and he’s been able to defend at a high level while banged up. The Mavs didn’t defend Westbrook or George any special way today they missed shots that they usually make on the regular. Steven Adams was able to be a beast in the paint today for the Thunder and should be a mismatch on a nightly basis with the center position becoming more extinct. The Thunder had multiple chances in this game today and they missed a couple of open looks that led to the loss today against the Mavericks.

 

The Thunder beat themselves today and will have the Lakers coming to town on Tuesday as they look to bounce back after tonight.

Apr 1, 2019 No Comments