OKLAHOMA CITY — While most of the sports-watching world was preparing to watch the Super Bowl, the Oklahoma City Thunder were busy putting the finishing touches on another bad loss.
Facing an L.A. Laker squad they had pummeled twice before, the Thunder found themselves on the losing end of a 108-104 defeat.
The loss was the fourth in a row for the Thunder (30-24), all to teams they were favored to beat.
Despite that, Oklahoma City's Russell Westbrook said now is the time he relishes being part of the Thunder organization because anybody can show resolve during good times, but it’s how players respond to adversity is what interest the reigning MVP.
“We lost four in a row, that’s where we are at,” Westbrook said. “But the best part about this league is you get to play again. Adversity is great. For me personally, I love adversity. It gives you an opportunity to bring your teammates together, bring everybody together.”
Westbrook led the Thunder with 36 points, nine assists, five rebounds and seven turnovers. Paul George added 26 points while Carmelo Anthony chipped in for 10 points and 13 rebounds.
But it was the youngest team in the league who made fewer mistakes down the stretch and were able to hold off the Thunder.
Brook Lopez paced L.A. with 20 points and five assists. Julius Randle added 19 points and Brandon Ingram scored 16 points on 7 of 13 shooting.
The four-game losing streak ties their longest stretch of the season. All have occurred since the season-ending injury to shooting guard Andre Roberson Jan. 27.
But Westbrook believes the Thunder were built to overcome tough times.
“Throughout the season there is going to be a lot of ups and downs,” Westbrook said. “But we never flinch. That is the one thing about this organization, about our team, we never flinch based on what’s going on. We are always going to stay together.”
Oklahoma City travels to Golden State Tuesday for another match up with the Warriors. The Thunder won the first encounter back in November.
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