Top 10 OKC Thunder playoff games – Reminiscing the good times
By Alex Mcewen
Number 6: Game 3 vs. Lakers 2010
Sports are full of firsts, first game, first all-star appearance, first win, etc. Perhaps the most important first for a player, coach or franchise is their first playoff game. Instead of highlighting the Thunder’s first playoff game, let’s highlight the Thunder’s first playoff win.
Game Specifics
- When: April 22, 2010
- Where: Chesapeake Energy Arena, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
- Opponent: Los Angeles Lakers
- Final score: 101 – 96, Thunder win
Oklahoma City had virtually zero chance of winning this series given the Lakers talent and experience. However, OKC’s first playoff victory was a monumental milestone and deserves to be celebrated. Hence why the game ranked sixth in this countdown.
Moreover, one of the most iconic Westbrook/Thunder moments occurred in this contest. It was the 5:20 mark of the second quarter when Kobe Bryant turned the ball over. Westbrook scooped the ball up and burst down the court for an electrifying slam. The raucous crowd erupted as Oklahoma City cut the deficit to three points.
The Thunder went on to win much more than their first playoff game. Oklahoma City made a statement, displaying just how high the ceiling was for the upstart Thunder.