Kendrick Perkins made his debut tonight against the struggling Wizards. I'm glad he got to play at least one game before the big game in Miami on Wednesday night. While he did look a bit rusty at times, he accumulated 4 points and 7 rebound in the 1st half. Serge Ibaka continued to swat away shots tying his career-high with 8 rejections.
Not only does Nick Young look like Nick Cannon with an afro, he is a chucker. It doesn't matter if he is shooting 75% or 25%, he will keep jacking up any open (or well-defended) shot that tickles his fancy.
OKC finished the half with 22 points coming on fast breaks with another 23 provided by the bench. Combine that with only 5 turnovers and the Thunder had a 19 point lead at the break.
By far the biggest moment of the game came in the middle of the 3rd quarter. Westbrook collected a loose ball and took off for the other end of the floor with Durant keeping pace right alongside him. If I was the lone man back on defense, I would be terrified. A lanky superstar running like a gazelle to my left and arguably the most athletic point guard in the NBA attacking to the right. Check out what happened next.
Overall a very good game played by the starters. All players filled their roles doing what they do best. Kevin scored (32 pts), Russell assisted (12 ast), Serge defended (8 blks), and Kendrick rebounded (9 reb). Oh, and Thabo.....well, he gave Harden some really encouraging words when he checked out.
Which reminds me, James Harden has not only hit his stride, he is playing at a high level with consistency. By now, I've said it enough but it feels good to keep reiterating it. James is filling the role the Thunder drafted him for. 16 points on better than 50% shooting is perfect. Keep it up, oh hairy one.
Daequan was really (get ready for pun)......Cooking tonight. 18 points all from 3 point land. Specialist, are we? Seriously though great spark off the bench.
Winners of 7 out of their last 8, the Thunder hope to continue this recent hot streak when they take their talents to South Beach.
Here is the box score courtesy of ESPN.
Next up: @ Miami Heat, March 16th at 7 pm CT.
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