Player Grades: OKC Thunder 3-0 vs Blazers behind Russell Westbrook historic triple-double

OKC Thunder Best Reserve:

Deonte Burton had a stellar performance coming back from the G-league only three games ago. He aided the Thunder offense with 18 points in 26 minutes on 7-of-9 shooting with 2 blocks during what could have been a very vulnerable time with Dennis Schroder absent.

Best Opponent:

Damian Lillard led Portland in scoring with 31 points as well as 7 rebounds and 6 assists. He shot 9-of-22 in the field, with OKC’s defense forcing some tough shots. However, he went 10-of-11 at the free throw line to compensate.

Final Thoughts

Tonight’s game could have gone far different with OKC Thunder in a vulnerable spot lacking Grant and Schroder. However, the OKC bench combined for 35 points to help fill in the gaps. Another historical game for OKC kept the winning streak alive, and the team stays undefeated versus Portland.

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Portland made a comeback in the third quarter, closing the lead to only five points. OKC finished strong and kept Portland winless when trailing their opponents going into the fourth, 0-22.

Despite low scoring from Adams, and having no Grant OKC kept the paint score close (42-50)

I mentioned in my game preview that defensive rebounding would be important considering Portland averages 14.4 second chance points. OKC clinched 38 defensive rebounds, only allowing 10 offensive boards for Portland.

OKC recovered well on turned-over possessions, allowing a mere 13 points off their 12 turnovers while converting for 20 points off Portland’s 13 turnovers.

OKC outshot Portland from the perimeter shooting 45.7 percent compared to Portland’s 37.9 percent.

OKC advanced their winning streak to four consecutive games, and have lost just once in their last 11 games.

For the full box score visit this ESPN link, and watch for the Topic: Thunder podcast crew as they provide the postgame analysis.