The OKC Thunder got back on track with a 110-104 win over the slumping Los Angeles Clippers. TI presents 3 takeaways from the win.
After dropping two tough decisions on the road to the New Orleans Pelicans and Denver Nuggets, the OKC Thunder bounced back with a 110-104 win over the Los Angeles Clippers. The Thunder used its trademark defense to stifle the Clippers 12th ranked offense, dominating the turnover battle en-route to the win.
Paul George continued his excellent form posting 33 points (11-19 from the field, 5-9 from three, 6-8 from the line), seven rebounds and six assists while Russell Westbrook excelled in the passing lanes going for six steals. He had another tough shooting night going 4-17 from the field but finished with 13 points, nine assists, 12 rebounds and six steals.
However, Jerami Grant was the team’s x-factor.
The 25 year-old was spectacular on both ends of the floor, blocking Marcin Gortat twice inside the games first three minutes then proceeding to hit a number of tough jumpers over Clipper defenders. Grant filled the box score finishing with 18 points (8-11 from the field, 1-3 from three, 1-3 from the line), four rebounds, one assist, two steals and three blocks, providing the spark OKC has been missing in recent outings.
While OKC were fantastic for much of the night, Danilo Gallinari continues to be a major thorn in the Thunder’s side. The Italian exploded for 28 points, seven rebounds, two assists and two steals on 10-16 shooting, 4-6 from 3-point range and 4-5 from the line to keep the Clippers in the game. Oklahoma City locked down defensively to overcome the Italian’s big night but he remains a major issue for the Thunder’s frontcourt rotation.
With the win, OKC moved to 18-10 on the season and sit wedged in the third spot. Here are three takeaways from the win.
Source: “Los Angeles” – Google News