Hot shooting from the Thunder helps lead to a win in Washington
By Justin Batiste
After defeating the Washington Wizards tonight, 134-111, the Oklahoma City Thunder now improve to 4-4 and are 10thin the west. To start the game, this game seemed like it was going to be a close one all throughout, closing out the first quarter 35-30, Thunder. Then, the Thunder dominated the second quarter, outscoring the Wizards 44-20.
Tonight, the Thunder did an excellent job of forcing turnovers, allowing them to play to their strength, which is transition offense. Russell Westbrook and the Thunder are at their best whenever they’re able to get out in the open court. The Thunder forced the Wizards to turn the ball over 19 times. 13 of these turnovers were steals.
Offensively, the Thunder couldn’t seem to miss, shooting better than 50% from the field (57%) and almost 50% from three (46.9%). Westbrook did a fine job of facilitating the offense tonight, if he wasn’t dropping the ball off to center, Steven Adams for a layup, he was finding his teammates for three point shots. Westbrook finished the game with 12 assists and 23 points. Co-star, Paul George finished the game with 17 points, 4-6 from three and 7 assist.
If the Thunder can find a way to be one of the best defensive and three point shooting teams in the NBA, along with bench production and all-stars Westbrook and George leading the way, this team can become dangerous throughout the season.
Tonight was a glimpse of what this Thunder team can do when playing up to their capabilities. Every player for the Thunder is capable of having a stat line like tonight multiple times throughout the season, some can perhaps even average their tonight stats. Next the Thunder (4-4) will host the Pelicans (4-4) at home, 8:00 pm, ET, and the Wizards (1-7) will host the New York Knicks (3-6) Sunday, 6:00 PM, ET.
