Business as usual

New Years Eve saw the Thunder go about their business and stay unbeaten by manhandling the Phoenix Suns 107-97, in a game that wasn't as close as the final indicates. OKC was up by as many as 22 during this game and only garbage time in the 4th quarter allowed Phoenix to whittle it down to a 10 point loss. Most encouraging about this game was the play of Russell Westbrook, who finally got his game going by going 8-14 from the field for 18 points (while only playing 25 minutes). Considering his "oh-fer" game recently and his miserable shooting to start the season in general, lets hope this game gets him back on the right track. KD had a bit of an off night (for him) scoring only 12 points after averaging 30 per thru the first 4 games, and having 5 turnovers, but he too only played 26 minutes and this was perhaps a good time and place for him to have an off night.

The bench helped out in a big way this game, with Nazr Mohammed, Nick Collison, and Eric Maynor all playing 20 or more minutes, and we actually had a Lazar Hayward sighting! He only played 12 minutes but its good to see him get some action. The depth at every position is going to be a huge deal for the Thunder as we move forward in this shortened season and getting the young guys (or maybe I should say rookies since almost everyone on this squad is youngish) some minutes early on can only help the team as the playoffs get closer. At 5-0 and with a rematch with the Mavs on the horizon, I think its safe to say the Thunder are all but a lock for the post season this year. The challenge will be can they take that next step after getting to the Western Conference Finals and make it all the way to the NBA Finals. The West is stacked with good quality teams, but I think pretty much everyone in the business assumes that OKC will be near or at the top of the pile when all is said and done. Consistency and continued development should ensure they fulfill everyone's (and their own) expectations.

Next up: a rematch with Dallas on Monday night, 01-02-2012 at 5:30pm Pacific. Buckle up...with Big D at home and the KD game winner fresh on their minds, you know this will be a heck of a game.

#BasketballNeverStops