Thunder/76ers Recap

Not every game is the same...and its the NBA, no one takes any nights off.  Regardless of what your record is, or the record of the team you might be facing, anyone can beat anyone on a given night.  Great times find a way to win.  And the Thunder right now are a great team.  After not playing inspired basketball in the first half, they found a way to win in and ended up putting a 109-85 victory on the Philadelphia 76ers Friday night.  Largely due to to the play of Russ Westbrook.

For the 3rd night in a row, Russ shot better than his season average from the field (going 10-17, including 4-4 from 3) and added 3 boards, 5 dimes, and a steal.  His speed in the open court made a huge difference, and maybe going up against another former UCLA baller in Jrue Holiday brought out a more efficient side of Westbrook.  There were the 6 turnovers yes...but hard to find much fault in play that resulted in a +12 rating and a 24 point blowout win.  For all of his flaws as a player (and yes there are still those) Russell competes every night.  And his best is better than a a lot of other guys bests for real.  The whole team's defense was the key in the 2nd half, as they not only scored 63 points in the 3rd & 4th quarters, but also only gave up 43 total to the visitors and held them to 40.5% shooting for the game.  THAT will get it done.

4 Thunder players were in double digits, with the usual suspects being KD, Martin, and Ibaka (as well as Russ).  KD did his thing, as usual, putting up 26 on a meager 15 shots from the field.  The guys greatness is almost a foregone conclusion at this point, and when he has a bad night or doesn't put up a highlight dunk or doesn't drop a "Sportscenter" gem that's when we take notice.  Ibaka came through with another double double, grabbing 10 boards and 3 steals to go along with his 15 points.  Ibaka's development is going to be huge in getting the Thunder back to the NBA Finals, and I'm glad to see him taking that next step (especially in the absence of one James Harden).

KMart had a nice bounce back game, dropping 16 including 4 3 pointers in 31 minutes of play.  The rest of the bench performed well in limited minutes also, with Thabeet rising and surprising with 7 boards, 2 steals, and a block in only 17 minutes.  Heck, even Reggie Jackson managed a +12 in only 14 minutes of court time.  So all in all....not a bad effort at home from the defending Western Conference champs.

They are going to need to string together some even better basketball though, as 20 of their 32 games so far have been at home.  As all hoopheads know, the road is where champions are made.  But they are 8-4 so far, which will certainly get the job done if they keep it up.  Next up for OKC - the Toronto Raptors on Sunday morning...in fact, I think that game is going on right now.  So I'm guessing if I turn on NBA TV, I will be watching the #ThunderNationRISE.