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.
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