Russell Westbrook takes down the Orlando Magic

Mar 29, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic guard Evan Fournier (10) drives to the basket as OKC Thunder forward Andre Roberson (21) defends during the first quarter at Amway Center. Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

The OKC Thunder Russell Westbrook came back from a 20-point deficit in the second-half to defeat the Orlando Magic 114-106.

If you need to explain to your coworker/friend/loved one why Russell Westbrook is the Most Valuable Player in the NBA this season, don’t say words. Just sit them down and make them watch the last two Oklahoma City Thunder basketball games.

For the second game in a row Westbrook put the state of Oklahoma on his back, scoring a total of 57 points while dishing out 11 assists AND grabbing 13 rebounds. It’s the most points in a triple-double in NBA history. It’s his fourth straight game with a trip-dub. And it pulled him within three games of Oscar Robertson’s historic record.

Oh and he hit this absolutely terrible/beautiful shot to send the game to overtime:

https://twitter.com/NBA_Skits/status/847261421226164226

The OKC Thunder did not deserve to win this game. After starting out on 10-2 run in the first four minutes of the game, the defense softened quicker than Kevin Durant on July 4th. From the 7:15 mark of the first quarter to the 5:05 mark of the third, Oklahoma City was outscored 70-41. In that span there was zero rim protection partnered with minimal communication off-the-ball; OKC was beating themselves on that end.

But guess who checked in for the first time at the 5:05 mark? Jerami Grant. And that’s when everything changed.

Don’t let Grant’s 0 points on 0-3 shooting fool you. Sure he looked like Andre Roberson with the ball in the last couple of minutes, but his addition into the rotation completely changed the outcome of the game.

Aaron Gordon and Bismack Biyombo were suddenly neutralized because their biggest strength was matched. Grant’s ability to hit the three stretched out Orlando’s defense, allowing Westbrook driving lanes like this:

Russell Westbrook with the thunderous slam! ✈️

pic.twitter.com/eScYVGGNhk
— NBA SKITS (@NBA_Skits) March 30, 2017

Once Grant entered the game he played 19 of a possible 22 minutes. The Thunder outscored Orlando by 30 points in those 19 minutes. This isn’t a fluke.

General game notes from each quarter

More from Thunderous Intentions

The Thunder still had a 20-18 lead at the end of the first quarter, but that’s because Westbrook played the entire frame. His seven turnovers all came in the first because his counterparts inactivity was forcing him to do too much.

Enes Kanter was absolutely worked by Bismack Biyombo in the second. Billy Donovan let his big man out to dry though, because Orlando went with a four-guard lineup surrounding Biyombo. Donovan countered with Domantas Sabonis; the Magic’s athleticism was way too much for the frontcourt duo to handle.

In the third Billy D initially didn’t change his substitution pattern. He brought in Kanter and Alex Abrines per usual, but after that the experimentation began. What resulted was a Westbrook-Oladipo-Abrines-Grant-Kanter lineup that worked beautifully, shrinking a 21-point deficit to 11 by the end of the quarter. What was surprising was how good the defense, especially in the first two minutes.

This fourth quarter/overtime analysis is brought to you by Russell Westbrook.

The win pushed the Thunder to 43-31 on the season; at the moment they sit 1/2 game out of the fifth spot in the Western Conference. The Clippers/Wizards game started exactly as I type this sentence, so we’ll update this section once that game concludes. Important to note, however, is that if LA loses Oklahoma City will move into the fifth spot by way of winning percentage.

Next up for the Thunder is a visit from the San Antonio Spurs on Friday night.