The Thunder were coming into this game after the battle against the Trail Blazers on Tuesday. Russell Westbrook let it be known in that game that he’s not worried about his percentages as long as the team is winning. Russell Westbrook continued that greatness tonight against the New Orleans Pelicans as he put his team in position to win from the very start. It should be noted that the New Orleans Pelicans were playing without Anthony Davis who’s out with a finger injury. Oklahoma City was able to take advantage of the lack of post defense with Davis out as Steven Adams was in attack mode. It was great to see a battle between Steven Adams and Jahlil Okafor in the paint but Adams was able to get the advantage because his team won. Steven Adams was able to score effectively in the paint on the pick and roll with Westbrook. Both Westbrook and Adams have developed that chemistry over the last few seasons and it was on full display. Steven Adams finished with 20 points and 13 rebounds on the night and was a huge force in the paint distracting what the Pelicans wanted to do on the night. Jahlil Okafor was the bright spot for the Pelicans as he was able to roll to the basket and used his unique footwork to guide him to his 18 points on the night. Another player that stepped up for the Pelicans late was Jrue Holiday he finished the game with 22 points and made it tough for the Thunder at the end of the game. If Holiday got hot early in the game anything could have been possible for the Pelicans.
Russell Westbrook has been the ultimate leader and has been a force to be reckoned with on the defensive end. Westbrook has used his defense to open up his offensive game and get his teammates involved more. Westbrook’s leading the NBA in steals and was able to use those steals in the passing lanes to get assists and easy baskets on the night. People won’t talk about how great of a teammate Westbrook really is because they think it’s all about the stats to him but his sacrifice has helped Paul George emerge. Westbrook has been a great teammate and has been able to use other parts of his game to stay engaged in the action on the court. Westbrook notched his 15th triple-double of the season tonight as he finished with 23 points, 16 assists, and 17 rebounds. The triple doubles have been within the game flow and Westbrook starting the fast break after grabbing a rebound is something the opposition doesn’t want to see especially when they’re as fast as Westbrook. In college, Westbrook was known for his defense and he’s reminding everyone in the NBA that he can get it done on both sides of the ball at his position.
Paul George on the night that he was named an NBA All-Star starter for the Western Conference put up 23 points. Paul was able to use his defense to create his offense as well and has shown the NBA that he’s back to PG-13. Paul George has one of the best crossover dribbles with the combination of the step-back jumper and makes it look extremely easy. When George’s in a groove like he’s been lately it feels like anything that he puts up will instantly go in. Some of the clutch moments for George this season and even late in this game show that he needs to be in the MVP discussion and Defensive Player of the Year discussion. Paul George was able to make some timely buckets and was able to slow down Hill and Holiday in that second half. A lot of people in the NBA will give respect to Paul George for being one of the best two-way players and tonight he was able to show that when he’s in a zone he can take over a game just like Westbrook. The Thunder Big 3 of Westbrook, George, and Adams are special when they play like this and all 3 of them should be in high consideration for the NBA All-Star Game in Charlotte in February.
The Thunder play against the Milwaukee Bucks next on Sunday as they try to make it 5 wins in a row against the best team in the Eastern Conference.
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