OKC Thunder: It was ugly, but it was a win – Topic: Thunder podcast

The OKC Thunder expanded the win streak to six in a row with the victory in Cleveland. It sure wasn’t pretty, but it’s still a ‘W’. The Topic: Thunder crew break it down.

In a game in which neither team shot over 42 percent from the field or 29 percent from deep, the OKC Thunder found a way to outlast the Cleveland Cavaliers, 95-86. Playing without Russell Westbrook, the Thunder uglied up the game and kept the Cavs at bay long enough to come out victorious.

The acquisition of Dennis Schroder looks more and more like a win for OKC with every passing game. The point guard from Germany finished the game with 28 points and seven rebounds, seemingly attacking the paint at will. His ability to get inside opened up the game for the rest of his teammates.

Paul George had what many would consider a mediocre game. Instead of forcing the issue like he has in games that Westbrook has missed, he instead let the game come to him. Jerami Grant continued his double-digit scoring barrage, netting 12 points and eight rebounds, while providing spacing from the PF position (nearly 49 percent from deep over the past five games).

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For Cleveland, George Hill was a late scratch due to shoulder stiffness and Cedi Osman left after 5 minutes of action due to back spasms. Because of this, rookie Collin Sexton got the first start of his young career. And he made the most of it, scoring a team-high 15 points on 7-14 shooting from the field. Tristan Thompson grabbed 15 boards to go along with 10 points, and Jordan Clarkson nearly had a triple double, with 11 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists.

The game itself was a mess, marred by poor shooting, sloppy play-making, and more poor shooting. But in the end, OKC did what they had to do and came out in the win column, 95-86. It’s back home for OKC to face the Houston Rockets tomorrow.

The Topic: Thunder Podcast will walk you through the game that may have blinded you, if it wasn’t for the bright W in the win column. Enjoy.

1:20 – Game review

7:49- Team stats

11:10 – Player of the game

14:19 – Best unit

16:20 – Looking ahead

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