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OKC Thunder fall to Trail Blazers despite Westbrook’s heroics

By Rich Condon

Mar 7, 2017; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) reacts after being fouled on a shot against the Portland Trail Blazers during the second quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 7, 2017; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) reacts after being fouled on a shot against the Portland Trail Blazers during the second quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 7, 2017; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Allen Crabbe (23) drives to the basket in front of Oklahoma City Thunder guard Alex Abrines (8) during the fourth quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 7, 2017; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Allen Crabbe (23) drives to the basket in front of Oklahoma City Thunder guard Alex Abrines (8) during the fourth quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /

The OKC Thunder were defeated by the Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday night 126-121 despite a career high 58 points from Russell Westbrook.

That’s five of the last six games for the OKC Thunder in which Russell Westbrook has scored at least 40 points. During that stretch, OKC is 2-4. The only other positive to be taken away from the Thunder tonight was the tough play of newly acquired Taj Gibson. Gibson put forth a scrappy effort on the defensive end and on the boards, battling almost the entire time he was on the court.

Victor Oladipo returned after missing the previous six games with a back injury. Dipo looked a little rusty despite scoring 16 points on an efficient 5-9 shooting from the field. The only other OKC player to finish with double-digits in scoring was Enes Kanter with 11 points.

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The OKC Thunder got off to a torrid start, setting a season-high with 40 1st-quarter points on 75 percent shooting from the field. They ended the first frame ahead by 11 points, but the Blazers quickly closed the gap. By the eight minute mark of the second quarter, the Thunder had only scored four more points. Neither side played a particularly inspiring brand of defense, as evidenced by both teams tying with 50 points each in the paint.

The OKC Thunder made Allen Crabbe look like one of the league’s marquee marksmen this evening. Crabbe, who has struggled to live up to his hefty contract extension this year, paced Portland with 23 points. He shot 5-7 from three point range.

Furthermore, Portland played a beautiful team game on offense. As a result, 7 of their 9 players finished with double-digit points. Conversely, only 16 of OKC’s 44 made field goals were assisted upon. Damian Lillard added 22 points, and C.J. McCollum chipped in 21.

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What’s Next for the OKC Thunder

Russell Westbrook finished the night shooting 21-39 for 58 points and 9 assists. 21-39. As a team OKC shot 44-85. The other eleven players on the team combined to shoot 23-46. That’s not going to win ballgames in the NBA.

The Thunder have lost their last four games, dropping to 35-29 on the season. They’re still the 7th seed of the Western Conference. Despite the recent skid, the OKC Thunder still remain 5.5 games ahead of the 8th seed Denver Nuggets, and are still a game behind Memphis for the 6th seed.

The Thunder have Wednesday off before they face their current first round opponent, the San Antonio Spurs at the Peake on Thursday.

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