The new big three in Oklahoma City started off hot against the Knicks.
In one of the most anticipated seasons in the franchise’s history, Oklahoma City dominated the Knicks in game one, 105-84 to start 1-0 in their new chapter.
This game was huge. The first game of the season is always exciting, but this was not only the first game of the year but the season opener. The season opener to welcome in a sure-fire Hall of Famer in Carmelo Anthony, who was facing off against his old team, and perennial All-Star Paul George.
Carmelo Anthony went 8-for-20 from the floor, and 3-for-10 from deep, but fans did not care about his inefficient 22 points. The honeymoon stage was still in full bloom.
Paul George was able to give the Thunder 28 points, on a 9-for-23 shooting night, knocking down six 3-pointers but on 13 attempts (there’s that number again), and Russell Westbrook poured in a quality 21 points on his way to an efficient triple-double.
While this was not the prettiest game for George, this has to rank in his top moments.
The Oklahoma City Thunder were on primetime, on TNT national television. The team was the buzz of the offseason, with many people speculating on how good this core could be.
The city itself was buzzing, again, it was one of the most anticipated seasons in OKC Thunder history. Thanks to the move by Sam Presti to get the All-Star and aging star, the Thunder were back to being relevant for something other than getting left at the altar.