For me, this was a big game for several reasons.
1) A chance to clinch a playoff spot. While some teams are still fighting for the oh-so-cherished playoff position, OKC is enjoying a healthy grip on the 4th spot in the West. I may be taking it for granted but it was to be expected. I am treating it the way the Lakers or the Celtics might view the scenario. Yeah, it's great that the Thunder are in, but nothing to write home about.
2) I consider Portland a rival. Along with Dallas and for some reason the Hornets. Dallas is a rival for obvious reasons and the Hornets situation is like showing off your hot new girlfriend to your ex. It feels awesome. At least I have been told. Moving right along.
3) Lastly, it was a chance to tighten the stranglehold (thank you, Ted Nugent) that OKC has on the Northwest Division. Sort of a, "Hey, our division dominance is clear. Learn to love it."
The match-up that I highlighted was going to be Serge Ibaka vs. Lamarcus Aldridge. Unfortunately, Lamarcus started at center against the slower but stronger Kendrick Perkins. While it seems this could benefit the Thunder, Lamarcus is much quicker than Perkins and he pulls our big man farther away from the paint to about the free throw line.
Portland had Gerald Wallace guarding KD. At times, KD was completely blanketed by Wallace's persistence. That suffocation led to an offensive foul or 2 and really made Durant's night much more difficult. If you remember, he usually spent his trips to Portland abusing Batum. Well, the change worked out very well for Nate McMillan. Wallace dropped 40 on nearly 60% shooting.
Durant on the other hand was held to 21 points on less than 33% shooting. Well played, Nate. However, Durant did accumulate 5 blocks on Wallace but nothing could slow him down.
By the way, since when did Russell Westbrook have the hidden ability to knock down big shots from beyond the arc?
If I was a career 27% three point shooter, I don't think I would have the....erhmm.....guts to shoot 5 of them in one game. But, I guess when you are feeling it, might as well let them fly. And they kept dropping through the net, his last one sealing the game for OKC.
Thabo's hapless attempt at offense gave Portland a power-play every time he was on the court. For those who are confused, we might as well have been playing a man down.
Still, OKC was able to secure a playoff spot with a quality win. It's nice to know that they don't have to play their best game to win against playoff teams.
Here is the box score courtesy of ESPN.
Next up: Golden State Warriors, March 29 at 7 pm CT.
No comments:
Post a Comment