Remember just about 10 days ago when Russell Westbrook looked off a wide open Serge Ibaka and instead air balled a contested long two pointer? Well, Westbrook didn't do that today. It wasn't Serge Ibaka, but it was Anthony Morrow instead. Westbrook broke down the defense, saw the help coming, and swung it to his right to a wide open and red-hot Anthony Morrow. Morrow didn't disappoint as he smoothly drilled a dagger that put OKC up seven. It was a good sign for a Thunder team needing help wherever it can find it. Westbrook showed faith in his teammates while not just relying on his own great abilities. Oklahoma City had to have this one, as New Orleans plays the Denver Nuggets tonight.
Enes Kanter continued his great play since joining the Thunder. He was the de facto power forward today with Serge Ibaka sidelined with knee soreness. Steven Adams got the start at center, and the unique offensive ability of Kanter allowed the combo to work. Kanter started slow, but finished 7 of 16 with 18 points and 18 rebounds in 37 minutes. Steven Adams also recorded a double-double, putting in 14 points and 11 rebounds. Adams did a respectable job on Pau Gasol (who finished with 20 points and eight rebounds), and the Thunder frontline was much more capable than the previous meeting when Adams was out with a broken hand.
A key moment in the game came when Adams fouled out, and Scott Brooks elected to throw in Andre Roberson at matchup nightmare Nikola Mirotic. With Kevin Durant missing, Mirotic caused a lot of problems for the Thunder, finishing with 27 points. Roberson was able to bother him for a possession, and more importantly, found value on the other and his weaker end. D.J. Augustin got in the paint and found a cutting Roberson for a big layup. Roberson isn't as good of a shooter, or quite as good of a defender as Thabo Sefelosha was, but he definitely is a better finisher and rebounder and he continues to show that.
The lineup of Westbrook-Waiters-Morrow-Roberson-Kanter had all the offense for the Thunder. D.J. Augustin continues to show his value. Many Thunder fans are absolutely thrilled with the addition of Augustin for Reggie Jackson. Mostly, Augustin plays like he wants to be there, and his ability to space the floor is a much better option to play alongside Westbrook than Jackson.
Next up for the Thunder, they will head to Dallas to take on the Mavericks who are coming off a thrashing of the Los Angeles Clippers. If Oklahoma City has any chance of being something other than an eighth seed, let alone making the playoffs, tomorrow is a must-win game.