Thunderous Intentions
Fansided

OKC Thunder Hold Off Utah Jazz: 30th Triple-Double for Westbrook

By Rich Condon

Feb 28, 2017; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Doug McDermott (25) and Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) celebrate against the Utah Jazz during the second quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 28, 2017; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Doug McDermott (25) and Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) celebrate against the Utah Jazz during the second quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /
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The OKC Thunder were able to hold off a late rally from the Utah Jazz on Tuesday, defeating the division leaders 109-106.

It was a surreal first half for the OKC Thunder, as the team started a perfect 12-12 from three point land. The entire team simply couldn’t miss in the first half. Russell Westbrook fueled the Thunder’s offensive escapades with his 30th triple-double of the season. Westbrook finished with 43 points, 10 assists, and 11 rebounds.

Must Read: Dispelling the myths and appreciating Russell Westbrook for who he is

109. 149. Final. 106. 118

Perimeter Prowess:

In addition, Alex Abrines continued to fill in for the injured Victor Oladipo, scoring 11 points on a perfect 4-4 from the field, 3 of which were from long range. Andre Roberson made life hell for Gordan Hayward, as he held the All-Star to a rough 7-17 for the night.

The real story of the night, however, was the stellar play of the OKC Thunder bench. Most notably, the performances of Enes Kanter and new Thunder Buddy – Dougie McThunder-Buckets. Doug McDermott had his best game in an OKC Thunder uniform, scoring 16 points on 6-11 shooting (4-6 from three) in 25 minutes off the bench. Kanter chipped in 15 points and 9 rebounds. As a unit, the bench combined for 48 points.

Related: Doug McDermott Player Profile

Jazz Keep it Close:

Despite the surreal start to the game, the Jazz were never out of the game. Especially relevant were the 14 turnovers forced by the Jazz. The Thunder finished the evening shooting 51.3 percent from the field and 68.2 percent from the field.

They finished with a plus 9 advantage on the boards, having out-rebounded the Jazz, 42-33. Furthermore, they also moved the ball reasonably well on the evening, resulting in 20 assists on 39 made baskets. Finally, the OKC Thunder ran circles around the Jazz in transition, finishing with a 22-6 advantage in fast break points.

Related: Oklahoma City Thunder Trade Grade: Adding and Keeping Talent

Feb 28, 2017; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) reacts after being fouled on the go ahead basket against the Utah Jazz during the fourth quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 28, 2017; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) reacts after being fouled on the go ahead basket against the Utah Jazz during the fourth quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /

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In addition, the pace of the game was an important part of the OKC Thunder’s victory. Utah ranks last in the NBA with 93 possessions a game. Consequentially, speeding the game up was obviously a big key for the Thunder.

With the win, the OKC Thunder improve to 35-25 on the season. As a result of the win, the OKC Thunder are two games behind Utah for first in the Northwest Division. They remain a game behind Memphis for the 6th seed in the West.

The team is off tomorrow before traveling to  Portland to face the Trail Blazers on Thursday.

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