The Oklahoma City Thunder lost last night to the Dallas Mavericks in Dallas and were looking for revenge. Russell Westbrook came out and set the tone for tonight immediately from the tip. Westbrook was coming into tonight’s game after having a decent shooting performance the night before and made the Mavs pay. Westbrook was able to bully anyone that was guarding him in the post and made the most of every possession. When Westbrook gets in the zone that he was in tonight he’s completely unguardable. The Mavericks were throwing everyone at Westbrook tonight and it didn’t matter. Westbrook spoke highly of himself being one of the best point guards if not the best and was punishing anyone guarding him.
The Mavs had Smith Jr, Barea, and Harris guarding him and he was able to have his way using the glass with the bank shot or just going to the hole with ease. Westbrook finished the game with 32 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists on the night. The Thunder defense played a big part in the margin of victory as the Thunder had 13 steals and were able to turn those steals into points. When Paul George and Russell Westbrook get into those passing lanes other teams are forced to adjust their game and that’s what happened tonight. Paul George used those steals and his defense to get his game going as well as he finished with 22 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 steals on the night. Paul George was able to get his shot when he wanted and was taking it personal with his matchup against Luka tonight as he wanted to put a stop to his offensive explosions of late. Luka was able to finish with 17 points but it was Harrison Barnes who caught fire tonight for the Mavericks. Barnes had 25 points on the night and was the only bright spot as he came out firing in the 3rd quarter. The Mavericks were able to get it down to at least 11 points but the Thunder had too much momentum and firepower tonight.
The Thunder had 6 players in double figures tonight and were able to get anything they wanted in the paint. The Mavericks were in foul trouble for their interior players and OKC took advantage of that right away. The Thunder will be hitting the road in LA and Portland before they come back home on the 6th to play the Wizards.
Photo Credit: Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman
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