The Oklahoma City Thunder traveled to Indiana Wednesday night Dec.13 and picked up a huge 100-95 win over the Pacers with a strong defensive effort and 29 points from their bench. The Thunder shot 40.9 percent as a team while their Big 3 shot an abysmal 10 of 45. Pacer's top scorer and all-star hopeful Victor Oladipo had a rough night shooting just 9 of 26.
Despite a poor shooting night, Russell Westbrook notched his 9th triple-double of the season with 10 points, 17 rebounds and 12 assists (much of which came in the first half). Paul George's return was greeted with jeers and a consistent booing throughout the first half.
Both teams played a very physical game as the referees stood by for much of the game allowing the two explosive teams to run at each other.
Steven Adams entering All-Star conversation
The fifth-year center out of Pitt is having the best season of his career and his play is improving by the week. Adams carried the Thunder to the win with 23 points and 13 rebounds. This was his 4th double-double in the past 6 games (and 9th of the season) while averaging a steal and a block through this stretch. His presence and strength in the pick and roll game with Russell Westbrook is among the best in the NBA while effectively creating space for the likes of Paul George and Carmelo Anthony to find open shots.
He may also be the most easy going and fun loving player in the NBA. In his post-match interview after being voted the Player of the Game, Adams said that "Obviously getting the win was great but I'm just happy to see the guys smiling and having fun again".
Defense and Bench step up for OKC
The Oklahoma City bench stepped up today to score 29 points and played solid defense throughout their limited time on the floor with a combined three steals and three blocks.
Patrick Patterson hit two clutch 3-pointers at the start of the fourth quarter before the Pacers caught fire to nearly send the game into overtime. Josh Huestis nearly had the most important play of the game in taking a charge with less than two minutes to play however the referees reviewed the call and wrongly re-ruled it a blocking foul.
Alex Abrines growing as a player
Alex Abrines is no longer only a catch and shoot 3-point threat as OKC has mostly used him in the past. He has bulked up considerably and begun driving the lane in recent weeks. Today he tipped in a blown layup from Westbrook to give the Thunder a three-point lead with 15 seconds left to play. He still has much to learn on the defensive side as the ball and his late game foul in the paint made it a 1 possession game again inside the final minute.
The Thunder (13-14) travel to Philadelphia on Friday to take on the 76ers, (14-13) looking to make it back to .500.
