Hope, in the form of Russell Westbrook, returned Sunday night in the Thunder’s 103-96 win against the Phoenix Suns in the Thunder’s home opener. It was announced Westbrook was medically cleared to play early Sunday morning, and he didn’t disappoint.
The Oklahoma City Thunder wrapped up their preseason schedule last week as they looked to gear up for their two game road trip against Northwest Division rivals to start the season. It’s odd to see a team only one year removed from the mountain top of the Western Conference start off the season on a mini-road trip. Then again, the Thunder aren’t your usual title contender.
The Thunder weren’t crisp. They weren’t cohesive. Looking at a box score lends one to believe someone subtracted turnovers from the final tally. However, it all came down to one factor last night. The Oklahoma City Thunder have Kevin Durant and the Utah Jazz do not.
Jazz guard Alec Burks did his best approximation of Durant in the second half dropping in 18 of his 23 points. Still, Kevin Durant just ate the Jazz team alive from the line going 22-24 on free throw attempts.
Durant’s ability to generate easy points while the Jazz had to grind their way to score was the difference maker. The fact remains. That’s not a recipe for a deep playoff run if you’re the Thunder.
Good things happened. Reggie Jackson played well overall again tonight. Thabo Sefolosha had timely hoops. The Thunder had active hands for at least three quarters of action. They pick pocketed the young Jazz 15 times in the season opener.
