Subscribe
Follow Us
OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma City Thunder have gone from a near train wreck to the hottest team in the league. With their 124-107 victory Wednesday over Toronto, the Thunder have now won six consecutive games. That is the longest current win streak in the league.
“It feels great,” Thunder guard Raymond Felton said. “When you are winning, it’s always good. But at the same time, I knew we were always going to weather that storm. It was early, we’re a new team, we’re all trying to figure out how to play with each other, how to play together,”
With its win over the Raptors, the Thunder (20-15) now own victories over the teams with the four of the top six records in the NBA (Golden State, Houston, Toronto, San Antonio).
Russell Westbrook led the charge with 30 points, 13 assists and eight rebounds. Carmelo Anthony and Steven Adams each had 18 points.
But it was Paul George who was on fire. He racked up a game-high 33 points and shot 7 of 10 from 3-point range.
“It feels good,” George said. “Being in a rhythm, just taking good shots in the offense. But it definitely feels good when you get shots to go down.”
The Thunder are back at home Friday when they host the Milwaukee Bucks. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m.
PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Westbrook was named the Western Conference Player of the Week Tuesday. The honor comes from games played Dec. 18-24.
During that time span, the Thunder were undefeated with a 4-0 record. That includes going 3-0 at home and winning by a margin of 11.5 points a game.
Westbrook averaged 29.8 points on .598 percent shooting (49-82 FGs) to go along with 9.0 rebounds, 9.5 assists and 2.50 steals in 34.5 minutes.
“One thing about me is I impact the game in different ways,” Westbrook said Monday night. “Shooting is not the only way, scoring is not the only way to impact the game. Defend, rebound, make plays for my teammates, leadership, all aspects. I feel like I’m a guy who does everything on the floor at all times, and that’s what I lean on.”
Westbrook has 11 triple-doubles on the season. His latest came December 23 in Utah. He now has 90 for his career.
While Westbrook is known for his triple-doubles and offensive explosion, it's his defense that has taken a step up in many areas. Last week he led the NBA in loose balls recovered (13) and tied for second with teammate Paul George in deflections (24).
“I’m coming, you know?” Westbrook said. “That’s what I bring to the table. Once I hit the floor, it’s non-stop.”
This is the 16th time in his career Westbrook has been named Western Conference Player of the Week.
NEW UNIFORMS
On Tuesday, NIKE released their newest alternate NBA jerseys throughout the NBA. It has been labeled the City Edition.
For Oklahoma City, the City uniform is black and gray with red and blue stripes. It’s supposed to represent the city and Thunder fan base.
However, of the 26 uniforms that have been released to the public so far, Oklahoma City may be the plainest and most unspectacular.
Yet, when Felton was asked about the jersey, his only issue came with the timing of the release.
“They’re cool,” Felton said. “They should have had them for Christmas, but you know. I don’t got anything to say about that. I wanted to wear them on Christmas day. I am looking forward to seeing them though. They look pretty nice from seeing the pictures. I am looking forward to seeing them in person.”
PG13 CROSSOVER
Since Paul George has been in the NBA, he has crafted a particular crossover dribble that is unique to him. At 6-foot-9, the Thunder forward is very deliberate when he pulls it out.
Because the speed of the crossover dribble can be slower than most others in the NBA, George says it gives him an advantage over his defenders.
“It’s more so just changing speeds,” George said. “I’m not fast or explosive guy. So it’s just about changing speed. Going at wither a slower pace or going at a fast pace then slowing it down with the behind the back. It’s just all about changing speeds.”
