Views from OKC is a daily diary about the current state of the OKC Thunder. Today we look at why a resting Russell Westbrook is a good thing.
Last night was glorious. The OKC Thunder scored 100 points in an NBA game without Russell Westbrook. After months of hearing how this team would be terrible without him, the Thunder played a solid team game without their superstar (and two other starters for that matter).
Six players scored in double-figures. Eight of the ten players who received playing time recorded an assist, including six from both Semaj Christon and Victor Oladipo. Speaking of Oladipo…
Oladipo’s game-winning shot is the non-Russell Westbrook highlight of the season for the Thunder. All year we’ve worried about both Oladipo and Steven Adams‘ extensions; to this day nobody is sure whether or not those will be deemed good contracts. But seeing the crown jewel of the Serge Ibaka trade step up for 20 points, 6 assists and 9 rebounds while throwing in a game-winner makes that particular contract a bit more attractive. Speaking of the Serge Ibaka trade…
More from Thunderous Intentions
- Stealing one player from every Southwest Division team for the OKC Thunder
- Should the OKC Thunder chase after a disgruntled hometown hero?
- 3 OKC Thunder players who can step up in Aleksej Pokusevski’s absence
- Aleksej Pokusevski sidelined approximately 6 weeks with ankle injury
- Damian Lillard does not fit with the OKC Thunder
Domantas Sabonis‘ return to the starting lineup was one of his most impressive performances of the season. It’s obvious that moving him to the bench has pushed him to compete, and he came out last night more aggressive than we’ve ever seen. Sabonis shot a career-high 16 attempts from the field AND a career-high 6 free throws while grabbing 9 rebounds as well.
Seeing performances like this without Westbrook, Taj Gibson and Andre Roberson is the best thing that could have happened to the Thunder. Now they understand what they are capable even without the Most Valuable Player this season. That doesn’t even take into account the much needed rest that three of the Thunder’s best players received.
It’s the role players who are going to win a playoff series, not Russell Westbrook. Playing 48 minutes, scoring 100 points and walking away with a road win proved they don’t need Russ to be effective. Buckle up folks, because last night made these playoffs that much more interesting.