Thunder cruise past the Wizards, 114-98
For some reason, this game had the feeling of being a moderately dangerous matchup for the Thunder, with the Wizards getting players back healthy and of course, the potential weekend distraction ahead for OKC.
Instead, it turned out to be just one of those remarkably unremarkable we’re-just-better-than-you kind of games. Basically from tipoff the Thunder asserted themselves, holding a double-digit lead throughout most of the game. If the Wizards cut it to seven, it was back to 11 some 30 seconds later. Whether it was Kevin Durant (28-9-4), Russell Westbrook (17-13-11) or Serge Ibaka (19 and 10 rebounds), the Thunder got production when and where they needed. It was an efficient, balance, complete performance, on both ends.
I’m not going to go as far to say the Thunder have turned some sort of imaginary defensive corner, but there’s no question their last two games have been considerably better. They’ve guarded the 3-point line well, rebounded, and done basic defensive things, like, try. There were certainly some lulls tonight, with the Wizards having their way in the paint for points of the first half, but especially in the late third and fourth, the Thunder played much more consistently on that end.
So… what else…? A pass hit Nick Collison in the face. That was something. Oh, right. The Wizards. There’s not much to be said about this, because the Wizards are sort of saying it themselves with the way they’ve played this season, but once again, Westbrook badly outplayed Wall.
It was evident early that Westbrook had heavy interest in triple-doubling again, his 26th time of his career and seventh of the season. He was assertive and aggressive, attacking Wall in the post and looking to set up teammates as much as possible. Westbrook ran the game, and when he does, the Thunder seem to just score without much effort.
As noted by Bill Haiston of the Tulsa World, this time last season, the Thunder were 25-25, having lost to the Pelicans on that Anthony Davis’ buzzer-beater. This season through 50 games, they’re 37-13. Obviously we all know the reasons why, but like Westbrook said, “We definitely enjoy winning.”
NOTES:
- Any time Westbrook and Wall match up, Westbrook just completely outplays him. You think it’s Westbrook’s way of saying, “Heh, you really gonna go play with THAT guy?” Triple-doubles in both matchups against the Wizards this season.
- Ibaka had a nice one. There’s been a lot of talk about him “regressing,” which statistically, sure. But I think Ibaka has been very solid the last month or so. He’s not swatting shots everywhere, and he’s not consistently having big scoring nights, but I think Ibaka has focused on being more solid, and more disciplined. To me, he looks like a guy completely unaware of his numbers and focused on doing what he needs to help the Thunder.
- Westbrook had not only another triple-double (again, seventh of the season and second straight), but did it again under 30 minutes. I don’t know who has the most sub-30 triple-doubles, but I assume Westbrook is near the the top.
- First half shooting for the starters: 7-9, 5-8, 6-9, 2-3… 1-7. That last one was Dion Waiters.
- Early post-up work for Durant and Westbrook got the Thunder offense going. The Wizards elected not to double anything, and both just had their way.
- Westbrook was asked about his post-game, um, postgame, and he said it’s just something he goes to when the matchup dictates. But it certainly seemed intentional tonight with the way the Thunder attacked the Wizards.
- Steven Adams and Marcin Gortat were after each other basically from tipoff, and it finally culminated in double techs in the third quarter. Though I’m not sure I’ve ever seen Adams quite that angry about a tussle. He was legit mad about it.
- Everybody’s been feeling a little Dion lately, and he apparently was too, coming out to fire a ridiculous early clock long 2 in the third possession.
- Speaking of, Durant was FEELING that eurostep from Westbrook in the third quarter. Gave an extended shimmy-shake at midcourt after it.
- Postgame, Durant and Westbrook both finished dressing simultaneously, so it was a pick’em for the media. Most gravitated to Durant as Westbrook started slipping out from behind, but Durant just ended it saying, “He’s the one that got the triple-double. I’m outta here.” So it was Russ we got.
- Waiters didn’t shoot it well, but I thought he was decent. He works defensively. He made both Wall and Beal work to get shots, and made some good decisions offensively. I’m sliding into the camp that he should potentially start when Andre Roberson comes back for a couple reasons: 1) Waiters plays his best when he plays with Westbrook and Durant; 2) Waiters with the starters is a productive lineup; and 3) Roberson playing with the second unit could actually be helpful, considering that unit’s big issue is defense. I’m not all the way on this train, but I think it’ll be interesting to watch how this goes the next couple weeks.
- Donovan on Waiters maybe staying the starter: “We’ll have to see. All that depends on when Andre gets back, how long it takes him. He’s going to be out a few weeks before he’s reevaluated. Don’t know how long that’ll be. Then Andre is going to have to work to get his rhythm. I think sometimes when a guy is coming of an injury just to plug him back in there may not be fair to Andre until he gets more comfortable.”
