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.
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