The Thunder apparently were back home for a game against Minnesota (while I foolishly thought they were on a 7 game roadie) and it was sweet, sweet payback for a loss just a few weeks ago against a
really short handed Timberwolves team. Without Kevin Love and with a still recovering Ricky Rubio, the Thunder manhandled the T'Wolves, 106-84. KD dropped 26 in just 34 minutes, and Westbrook followed his lead with 23/8/7 line in just 30 minutes.
No more trap games for OKC...they shot 47% from the field, 55% from 3, and hit 85% of their freebies - all while holding the visitors to 43% shooting. The Thunder as a team had 2 30+ point quarters (in the 2nd and 4th) and allowed Minnesota to hit 26 points in only 1 quarter. But really...even though Nikola Pekovic and Alexey Shved both had solid games, without Love and with Rubio only playing 22 minutes, after the 1st quarter where both teams combined for 32 points, this one was pretty much over.
KMart had a solid scoring night, although his only 4 makes from the field were from long distance. He chipped in by making 7-8 free throws to push his scoring output to 19 points. The Thunder had 5 players with double digit +/- ratings, and both KD and Russ were both +21 or better. If they want to contend for a championship, they have to go out and win the games they are supposed to win. A shorthanded T'Wolves team they should beat...and I for one am glad they did.
Next up: the Los Angeles Lakers, Friday night at the Stapler in LA at 7:30pm Pacific. I can't wait or this one...if I remember right (and I surely do) the Lakers got beat up by the Thunder in last years playoffs, losing eventually 4-1 to OKC. Since Thunder kryptonite Jordan Hill is out with an injury, D12 and Pau Gasol also not suiting up, this should be an easy Thunder victory which will allow them to get the bench guys some minutes and evaluate some D-League guys. Be especially on the lookout for Russ...he loves coming home to play in LA. Until then, you know the #ThunderNationRISE.
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