The summer of 2017 was quite an eventful period for the Oklahoma City Thunder. After they failed to advance past the first round of the playoffs last season, the Thunder decided to make some notable roster changes during the offseason. And they did so. Oklahoma acquired Paul George and Carmelo Anthony and the two of them, alongside Russell Westbrook, seem to be one of the most interesting groups in the NBA.
On Thursday night, the Thunder played their first game of the 2017-18 season as they hosted Carmelo Anthony's former team - the New York Knicks.
It was a much-anticipated game for the home crowd, as they were anxious to see their new team together on the court. Chesapeake Energy Arena in downtown Oklahoma was fully packed on Thursday with more than 18,000 hyped and energetic fans in the stands.
Thunder blow out the Knicks
The home team started off the game better, as they opened up the first quarter with an early 20-12 lead. The score was 27-24 for the Thunder after the first period of the game. The Knicks managed to get back in the game, as they regained the lead at 36-35 early in the third period. But it was all Thunder after that. Oklahoma held a 53-42 lead at halftime and didn't look back after that. They went on to outscore New York 26-17 in the third period and, heading into the fourth quarter, the Thunder were in front 79-59.
The home squad had no trouble in finishing out this game and they ended up with a convincing, 105-84 win.
OKC played great defense in this one as they held the Knicks to just 40.5 percent shooting from the field. It was a great team victory for the home squad, considering they finished the game with 26 team assists while forcing New York into 25 turnovers.
The Knicks connected on just seven of their 24 three-point attempts for the night.
Great game for Paul George
Thunder's new addition, Paul George, was the leading scorer on Thursday night as he finished the game with 28 points. He played a game-high 39 minutes and also added six rebounds. Russell Westbrook was also great with 20 points, 16 assists and 10 rebounds.
Carmelo Anthony contributed with 22 points for Oklahoma.
The lone bright spot for the Knicks in this game was Kristaps Porzingis. Porzingis finished the game with game-high 31 points, and also added 12 rebounds. Enes Kanter scored 10 points and pulled down seven rebounds, while Courtney Lee added nine points, three assists and two rebounds for the Knicks.
