 |
| NBA.com |
Thunder's previous game: The Thunder are coming off a blow out 122-105 win against the LA Lakers. A game that would've put the Lakers back over .500, Oklahoma City managed to put them back under .500.
 |
| Photo by Layne Murdoch/NBAE via Getty Images |
Russell Westbrook led the charge once again, posting thirty seven points on 15-29 from the field, adding ten rebounds as well for another double-double. The Honey-Badger has elevated his play as of late, showing his maturation as a player and leader. He's averaging 29.3 points on 51% shooting in the last ten games, dominating anyone who attempts to guard him.
On another note, Kevin Durant hasn't been himself lately. He can't seem to find his shot or make easy baskets. KD posted twenty six points against the Lakers, but doing so while going just 9-22 from the field. The free throw line has continued to be KD's friend through this rough stretch, though. He was 7-8 from the line last Tuesday night against the Lakers, and was still rebounding pretty well - grabbing 9 boards.
 |
| AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki |
Oklahoma City's bench was the difference in the seventeen point blow out win, totaling thirty nine points in the contest. Derek Fisher finally made an impact on a game, after being signed by the Thunder last march. D-Fish nailed three of his four shots, going 2-2 from beyond the arc, for ten points. He did so in limited time as well, as he only played eighteen minutes coming off the bench.
Back up point guard, and second year sophomore Reggie Jackson came up clutch last Tuesday night. Oklahoma City was blowing another double-digit lead in the fourth, allowing the Lakers to get as close as six at one point, before Reggie Jackson caught fire. He scored a team-high eight of his ten points in the fourth quarter, nailing four of his five shots, and essentially winning the game for the Thunder by helping them extend their lead back out to double-digits, and to win the game 122-105.
Last meeting with Knicks: Since this is the first meeting between the teams this season, you'd have to go back to January of 2012, where the Thunder used a big first half, out scoring the Knicks 70-47, to win the game 92-104.
 |
| NBA.com |
Kevin Durant had an extremely efficient gaming, going 10-13 from the field for twenty eight points. KD wasn't the only one shooting over 50% for twenty points though, this is when the big three were still together. James Harden had a twenty four point game on 8-12 shooting himself, giving one of his outings that won him the Sixth Man of the Year award.
Of course, there was Russell Westbrook, who shot right at 50%(6-12) from the field for twenty one points, to go along with his near triple double - eight rebounds and eight assists. Oklahoma City almost threw their twenty seven point lead going in the fourth quarter. The Knicks attempted to make a run, and did just that - out scoring the Thunder 27-14 in the quarter, but were never able to bring the game back within double-digits.
Thunder Essentials:
Limit the role players - No one can stop Carmelo Anthony, he can score when he wants and how he wants, but limiting the players around him is what is important. Making sure people like Steve Novak, Jason Kidd, and J.R. Smith, aren't as effective will be key for success tonight.
Defend the three ball - New York is one of the best three point shooting teams in the league, averaging 37% from deep. The Knicks can catch fire from beyond the arc at any time. They have so many weapons from deep it will be hard to not get sucked into Raymond Felton and Melo's driving abilities. The Thunder needs to contest every shot from outside and limit the Knicks' ball movement.
Attack the offensive glass - Serge Ibaka needs be huge tonight if the Thunder want to win in MSG. He needs to attack the offensive glass mercilessly, as well as capitalize on second chance points. If you can dominate the Knicks inside, you can dominate them anywhere.
No comments:
Post a Comment