OKC Thunder defeats the LA Clippers extending their win streak to four in a row taking care of home court in the process. Three takeaways offer insight into the win.
A week ago the OKC Thunder returned home following a season-high four-game road trip and back to back losses.
They had clawed their way onto the playoff ladder with a split and were about to undertake their longest homestand in the calendar of five games.
The opponents featured two teams both in similar situations as the Thunder; vying for relevancy and jumbled in a chase pack to capture the bottom playoff seeds. A likely lottery-bound team and, a team projected to be among the favorites to win the big prize at season end. The latter of course is the Paul George led LA Clippers who fell to the OKC Thunder 118-112 in one of the most entertaining games this season.
Three takeaways offer insights into the match.
Identity of OKC Thunder is clearly defined!
In the last game the Thunder will play until after Christmas and down 18 points early it would’ve been simple to concede. Instead, the OKC Thunder played to their identity battled back, got the game into a clutch time decision and snatched the win spoiling the Paul George return to the Peake.
It was the third time in four games the Thunder came back from double-digit deficits. To that end, this past week served as notice to the league that the OKC Thunder knows precisely who they are with no lead ever safe. Moreover, they threw down the gauntlet effectively letting opponents know they better hold big leads or take your chances with us in the clutch!
George gets a warm reception at the Peake:
There were ample articles (including one from yours truly) on how Paul George would be received by Thunder Nation at the Peake on Sunday.
Warm welcome back to OKC for PG. pic.twitter.com/V2Oyh1y46V
— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) December 23, 2019
Prior to the game, it seemed even the man himself, his coach and his teammates were all putting a great deal of emphasis on how the crowd would react. Each of Montrezl Harrell, Kawhi Leonard, and Doc Rivers spoke to the situation (granted they were probably being asked about it) and each took a different approach to answer the question at hand.
Writer Mark Medina of USA Today offered the quotes in his article:
George:
"“I’ve seen it all. I’m prepared,” George said. “I’ll be ready to expect cheers or boos.”"
Kawhi:
"“If he’s hearing boos every time he touches the ball and that crowd is that aggressive, it’s just going to help him in the long run.”"
The day prior Doc Rivers joked he wondered why no one ever thinks about booing him to add some levity to the situation. And, in looking at the responses above it’s not surprising Leonard felt that way.
The soft spoken superstar is a competitive beast who uses the boos in San Antonio to fuel his efforts. Then again, Toronto gave him a glowing reception and he murdered them too – the man is simply a well tooled machine.
Gilgeous-Alexander delivers:
One game after hitting a career-high of 32 points Shai Gilgeous Alexander repeated the feat against the Clippers. It was a fitting delivery by the player who was the key in the trade that sent Paul George to the Clippers.
In addition to his scoring output, he registered three rebounds, five assists, two steals and had a point differential of plus 16. His defense was stellar and the continuing dominance of the three point guard lineup was fully evidenced in this match.
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Prior to the game especially postgame it was evident how well liked the Canadian was with his former franchise and how proud everyone is of his continued growth.
It’s also wonderful to witness from an OKC Thunder perspective as it showcases the quiet fire that burns in the youngster. He might not be an in your face type of performer but his actions speak loud and clear.
And, perhaps it’s also why so many in the fanbase hold no ill will toward Paul George. The draft closet is full, Danilo Gallinari has performed admirably and will likely be traded to add more assets or picks. But, the cherry on the trade sundae was definitely the acquisition of SGA who continues to showcase his beautiful game each and every contest.
One thing this week proved was it seemed like SGA was struggling to score recently with all the extra attention. That he has made the adjustments in season and delivered two career outings in three games speaks to his intelligence and commitment to growth.
The Thunder are off until after the holiday lacing them up next on Boxing Day when they’ll host the Memphis Grizzlies again. Wishing everyone a happy holiday.