The Oklahoma City Thunder came into this game 2-1 since signing Corey Brewer off waivers before the Houston game. The great thing about his signing is that he has fit in like he’s played alongside OKC’s big 3 all year. Brewer has been able to defend and knock down big shots when they are given to him. The biggest part of this little stretch is the fact you can see the trust Russell Westbrook has in him already. Russell Westbrook’s one of the best leaders in the NBA and he hasn’t got that credit especially with a brand new team from last season. In the game, tonight against the Kings Westbrook continued that leadership being vocal on the defensive and offensive end for OKC. Russell Westbrook was able to control the tempo of the game and was able to get his teammates involved without forcing the issue. The Kings had no answer for Russell Westbrook in the point guard matchup. The Kings had Fox guarding Westbrook all night which was a huge mistake because Russ has proved that if he gets a mismatch he’s taking them to the post. The biggest improvement in Westbrook’s game this season has been his midrange. Westbrook knows his sweet spots and also knows when to go in and be aggressive or settle for the midrange. He made the Kings pay tonight as his stat line spoke for itself with 17 points, 11 assists, 10 rebounds. When Westbrook has his hands all over the game like tonight it’s tough to beat OKC.
Russell Westbrook set the tone as his superstar teammates Paul George and Carmelo Anthony both dropped 21 points on the night. The ball movement tonight was extremely impressive and they were able to dissect the defense that the Kings were throwing at them. The Kings were so worried about the paint and not giving up easy ones to Steven Adams that they left OKC’s shooters wide open daring them to shoot. The growth of PG, Melo, and Russ has been very noticeable especially since people thought it wouldn’t work but night in and out they’re showing how much fun they’re having with each other. With OKC’s Big 3 doing their scoring on a regular people like Corey Brewer get to shine now as he’s capitalized on the open shots given to him. Brewer has made a huge impact on the defensive and offensive end since joining the team. Brewer had 16 points tonight and ever since he’s been in the starting lineup everything has clicked for OKC.
The Kings had a great overall performance as a team and kept fighting but even though had 5 players in double figures it wasn’t enough. Sacramento has a great team that’s on the rise for years to come but the loss to OKC showed that they still have a lot more work to do. The Thunder play in Atlanta tomorrow and will try to continue this winning streak that they’re on. The Thunder have been able to find their rhythm against these teams that they’re supposed to win against. These games will build the chemistry and it will also help build the confidence of players as well.
Photo: Sue Ogrocki, AP
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