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OKC Thunder use stifling D, hot shooting to best Magic, Topic: Thunder offers the goods

By Matthew Mullins

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - FEBRUARY 5: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Oklahoma City Thunder looks on during the game against the Orlando Magic on February 5, 2019 at the Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - FEBRUARY 5: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Oklahoma City Thunder looks on during the game against the Orlando Magic on February 5, 2019 at the Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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It started ugly as the OKC Thunder gave up 69 (nice) first-half points to the Orlando Magic.  Then in the second half, the Thunder D extended out to fill all the gaps that they left open early on.

In a game that saw the Magic lead by 12, the OKC Thunder responded with a barrage of superior defense and timely shooting.

Orlando was hot early but would cool late.  Evan Fournier (25 points) and Terrance Ross (26 points) were lights out (why wouldn’t they be against the Thunder?) but they wouldn’t be enough as OKC finished the third quarter on a 31-13 run (and led by 6).

Ultimately, Paul George did Paul George things (39 points on 26 shots, six of 15 from three, 15-16 from the free throw line, to go with eight boards and three steals). #MVPG indeed.

Russell Westbrook notched his seventh (SEVENTH!) straight triple-double.  This tied his career-best stretch and he is the last player to record that feat since Micheal (freaking) Jordan.  An item of interest moving forward; Russ picked up technical foul number 13 on the season.  Another 3 and he will start getting suspended a game per infraction.

Another game against a team from Florida?  “All aboard the Shredder Train!”  Dennis Schröder notched 20 points on nine of 15 shooting.  His offense helped OKC gain the lead (seriously at 90-89 and then blow this one wide open).

My name is Matthew Mullins (@mattymullspod), and on behalf of the Topic: Thunder Podcast, I will take you inside the convincing victory for the Thunder tonight.

Opening Remarks – :50

Hook Up the TiVo – 2:17

Voicemail – 15:30

Summary – 21:36

Player of the Game – 25:33

Closing Remarks – 27:37

Topic: Thunder can be found, as always by searching for “OKC Topic Thunder” on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, or anywhere else you get your podcasts. Or you can just play the audio above.

Please hit us up with feedback, we’re absolutely coachable. You can follow us @OKCTopicThunder on Twitter. Thanks for listening, and Thunder Up!

Next. Pelicans floor spacers offer intriguing deadline options. dark

Also, make sure to visit the Thunderous Intentions site frequently this week as our trade deadline series offers up tantalizing player options for Sam Presti to consider.

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