The OKC Thunder used their final regular season game to get playing time for the Nick Collison and Josh Huestis’ of the team.
With Russell Westbrook resting last night in Minnesota, the fans got a chance to watch him for a half tonight in their last regular season game. The team and fans were rewarded with the presence of Oscar Robertson – the first player ever in the NBA to average a triple double.
The OKC Thunder honored Westbrook with a rousing tribute video before tipoff against the Denver Nuggets. To say that as fans we’ve witnessed the greatness that Westbrook has achieved is a humbling experience. The impact that Westbrook has had on his team and on the league is large enough to go even go past figures and advanced metrics — in fact it may be immeasurable.
The fans in the Chesapeake arena were cognizant of the moment tonight as together they made this special night into something unforgettable. This achievement of Russell Westbrook’s isn’t his alone. The Thunder as an organization, especially the players, gave Westbrook THEIR best possible environment to allow this season to happen.
Now they journey into the postseason looking to conquer the next challenge of this season. This historic season, however it ends, will be revered by basketball fans for generations to come. The Thunder should breathe a little and revel in the aftermath. If only for a brief moment.
MUST READ: Russell Westbrook honored prior to regular season finale
Oh yeah about the game…
The Thunder seemed to be stuck in moment during the early minutes of the game as they went almost three minutes without a made shot. They were pressing early which is understandable given the events prior to tip off. Victor Oladipo’s free throw ended the Nuggets 8-0 run to begin the game.
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The Thunder began to find a groove once Steven Adams knocked down a push shot assisted by Oladipo. They outscored the Nuggets 26-25 in the quarter. Westbrook was looking to pass early on even in his brief stint on the floor. In his total 15 minutes he dished out 8 assists and shot 2-8 from the field with 5 points.
One of his assists was to Alex Abrines who hit a corner 3 to tie James Harden for the most 3-pointers for a rookie with 93. Abrines went on to make number 94 — passing Harden. The Spaniard Sniper finished 3-6 from the field.
The second half saw both teams relent on defense a bit, but it hurt the Thunder more than the Nuggets. Denver outscored OKC in the half 55-41. Oklahoma city allowed Jamal Murray to go for 15 points alone. OKC went 1-12 on 3-pointers in the half as well.
Josh Huestis, who had a productive first half (7 points 3 blocks, 2 assists and 2 rebounds), played nine minutes in the second half and scored zero points.