The Oklahoma City Thunder have won six games in a row en route to a 43-29 record, which is currently good enough for fourth in the Western Conference. Their latest win may have been their most impressive in a while, as they came up with a 132-125 victory over the Toronto Raptors in the hostile environment of the Air Canada Centre.
In the game, Russell Westbrook notched a triple-double in the victory with 37 points, 13 rebounds, and 14 assists on 15-22 shooting to help the Thunder give the Raptors their first loss of the season when they have the lead heading into the fourth quarter (98-97). Westbrook put in 17 of his 37 points in the fourth and final quarter, putting the team on his back and willing them to their sixth straight victory.
After the game, Westbrook was asked about his performance, and he noted that this time of the year means he's got to take his game up a notch.
Per Erik Horne of the Oklahoman:
“I am a man on a mission,” said Westbrook. “We've got to take care of business. This time of year, you've got to turn it up a notch.”
Russell Westbrook in @FOXSportsOK postgame: "I am a man on a mission. We've got to take care of business. This time of year, you've got to turn it up a notch."
— Erik Horne (@ErikkHorne) March 18, 2018
Westbrook has certainly taken his performance up a notch the last five games with five consecutive triple-doubles, averaging 24.6 points, 11.4 rebounds, and 11.6 assists per game on 51.6 percent shooting, all of which have been Thunder victories.
With Oklahoma City in an absolute dogfight for a playoff spot in the tightly-contested Western Conference, every win and loss could have significant implications on seeding. The Thunder have struggled at times this season, but they're catching fire at the right time. We'll see if they can continue this level of play as the regular season winds down.
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