Game Preview: OKC Thunder play hosts to the Atlanta Hawks

The OKC Thunder look to make it three on end, welcoming the Atlanta Hawks to Chesapeake Arena.

The OKC Thunder are rolling. After dismantling an undermanned Utah Jazz outfit 107-79 last time out, the Thunder’s confidence appears to be soaring. Russell Westbrook was at his wonderful best, pacing the Thunder with 24 points (8-11 FG, 4-4 FT), 10 rebounds, 7 assists and 4 steals in 27 minutes. Russ was engaged right from the get-go, disrupting Utah’s offense and playing the passing lanes which resulted in a season high four steals.

More encouraging though was the play of Paul George and Carmelo Anthony. Both struggled mightily in the first half but lead a 3rd quarter charge in which OKC outscored the Jazz 34-23. PG13’s poster on Derrick Favors sent the Thunder’s bench into a frenzy.

This reaction echoed Steven Adams comments a few games back when he mentioned Oklahoma City getting back to enjoying basketball and playing together. From a fan standpoint, this is a step in the right direction.

The Atlanta Hawks arrive into Oklahoma City on the back of a 105-95 home loss to the Indiana Pacers. Center Miles Plumlee and rookie power forward John Collins had their best games in Hawks uniforms, destroying Indiana in the pick and roll. Plumlee and Collins combined for 28 points, shooting 10-13 from the field, including an impressive reverse dunk from Plumlee.

Ultimately, the Hawks offense was unable to keep up with the Pacers as Indiana made baskets consistently in key moments. The Hawks sit at the bottom of the Eastern conference, winning a meagre five of their last 20 games and a 3-13 away record.