The OKC Thunder return to action Thursday night when they travel to Sacramento. Another matchup with the Golden State Warriors caps off their first calendar week post-All-Star Break.
OKC Thunder @ Sacramento Kings – Thursday, February 22nd
Season series tied 1-1.
Sacramento won the first game back in November by a score of 94-86. They were led by Buddy Hield’s 21 points. It was an ugly game for the Thunder, who were playing some of their worst basketball of the season, dropping their 3rd straight game. They finished shooting just 33% from the field while allowing the Kings to shoot 48%. Not a lot can be taken from this game as Russell Westbrook, Paul George and Carmelo Anthony went 15-54 from the field.
Oklahoma City played much better in their second matchup, winning 95-88. They barely outshot the Kings (41.9% to 39.3%); the big factor was that the Thunder out-rebounded the Kings 74-52. The OKC Thunder were led by Russell Westbrook, who nearly recorded a quadruple-double with 19 points, 16 rebounds, 9 assists and 10 turnovers. Anthony added 20 points, 9 rebounds and 2 blocks while George added 18 points and 5 assists. The only things keeping this game from being a blowout were too many turnovers and poor free throw shooting.
Prediction
As we all know the Thunder have struggled against mediocre teams this season. But with a week off to rest and refocus, I would expect OKC to come out with energy and desire to start off strong as they make their way to the Playoffs.
The Kings on the other hand, are tied for the 4th worst record in the League. They have the young talent to keep up with most teams for two or three quarters, but not enough experience to maintain for 48 minutes.
Oklahoma City will start off hot but the Kings will make it a game by halftime. Both teams will go back-and-forth in the 3rd, only for the OKC Thunder to pull away in the 4th.
Score: Thunder 108 – Kings 97
OKC Thunder @ Golden State Warriors – Saturday, February 24th
Thunder lead season series 2-0.
OKC took care of the first meeting in Oklahoma City with a huge 108-91 blowout. Russell Westbrook led the charge, finishing the night one assist shy of a triple double (34 points, 10 rebounds, 9 assists and 4 steals). Paul George chipped in 20 points, 9 rebounds and 4 steals while Carmelo was adequate with 22 points. The Warriors were never really able to get going, as OKC’s defense held Golden State’s Big Four in check.
Maybe the bigger story was Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant’s mini-altercation. Kevin tried to cross over Russ – the reigning MVP proceeded to knock the ball out. Russ then shook his head, saying something to KD. Durant responded and the two went forehead-to-forehead before being separated and drawing double techs. This seemed to fuel Westbrook and the Thunder even more as they went on another run, never looking back.
The Thunder once again came to play in the two teams’ second meeting of the season, this time in Oakland. Their 125-105 victory – without Andre Roberson – signified this team still is capable of competing even without a marquee defender. Josh Huestis drew the start and was magnificent guarding Klay Thompson.
According to head coach Steve Kerr, the Warriors were ready for the All-Star Break. They looked like it as they didn’t show much energy or fight compared to OKC. Even Oklahoma City’s bench showed up, with Jerami Grant and Patrick Patterson both playing exceptionally well.
With both teams rested and a game back in, both teams should be ready to compete in a closely contested primetime affair.
Prediction
Last game Josh Huestis got the start and played some some tremendous defense. But can he do it again? Will Westbrook defend at this high of a level again? In both games Russell kept Stephen Curry relatively in check. What about Draymond Green. Will he be a non-factor once again? Can OKC’s bench contribute enough? These are all incredibly important questions going in, many of which won’t be answered until the final buzzer sounds.
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This game will be close with a lot of lead changes going into halftime. Russell and Kevin will both get hot in the 2nd half, yet the Thunder will pull out a hard fought contest for their third straight victory against the Warriors.
Thunder 110 – Warriors 105