Two of the most dynamic players in the NBA hit the court in Milwaukee on Halloween night. Both Russell Westbrook and Giannis Antetokounmpo are scary (excuse the pun) in the way they attack the basket, slicing past helpless defenders at will. And while each is an elite finisher, Westbrook has developed an impressive rapport with teammate Steven Adams in the paint, which was on full display tonight.
Oklahoma City jumped out to a 31-23 lead in the opening frame. Antetokounmpo had 10 points, along with three rebounds and three assists, but picked up his third foul early in the second quarter.
The Bucks didn’t stand a chance without him. The Thunder extended the lead to 18 points in his absence (though Antetokounmpo did return briefly just before halftime). Tempers boiled over with 5:05 left in the second period as Steven Adams and Kris Middleton got into a heated altercation under the basket. Both were assessed technical fouls.
The Thunder maintained momentum in the second-half, running away with a comfortable 19 point win.
Thunder Game MVP
Russell Westbrook nearly notched his fourth triple-double of the season (12 points/10 rebounds/nine assists), but sat out the entire fourth quarter. Westbrook was electric to watch last season, but the lack of talent around him forced him to shoot too many contested pull-up jumpers.
With the additions of Paul George and Carmelo Anthony, he’s now kicking the ball out for open shots or pulling the ball back to set up the half-court offense. Incorporating this style of play and developing these habits now will pay dividends down the road when the game slows down in the post-season.
Rest of Thunder starters
Just the mere presence of Paul George and Carmelo Anthony makes Westbrook a more cerebral player, which, combined with his athleticism, makes him nearly unstoppable. George was hitting from deep, knocking down 4-8 three-point shots, on his way to a 20-point night. Carmelo Anthony had 17 points and eight rebounds.
Steven Adams (14 points/11 rebounds) was marvelous around the basket, scoring on dunks, layups, and baby hook shots. For a seven-foot, 250-pound center, Adams has incredible hands as Westbrook commonly found him for alley-oops, drop-offs, and darts in the lane. Andre Roberson chipped in nine points and three rebounds.
Thunder bench
The Thunder bench got an extended run in the second-half. Jerami Grant had 17 points, while Raymond Felton contributed nine points and six assists. Patrick Patterson and Alex Abrinres had six points each.
Final thoughts
Despite battling foul trouble and a one-sided Thunder victory, Giannis Antetokounmpo finished the game with 28 points and eight rebounds in just 28 minutes.
The game turned in the second quarter when he left the court, because the Bucks just don't have enough talent to last long stretches without Antetokounmpo on the floor. Like Westbrook last year, it's going to be a one-man show for Antetokounmpo all season, but hopefully the Bucks' front office can surround him with talent soon like the Thunder did with their superstar.
