By Michael Doutey
The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Washington Wizards 121-112 Thursday night in OKC. The Thunder used a big scoring night from Russell Westbrook to fend off the Wizards comeback attempt lead by Bradley Beal, who scored 41 points. The Thunder used their defense to set up their offense to combat the runs the Wizards made in the second half. With tonight’s win, OKC extends their win streak to six games in a row and the Thunder are really feeling good about themselves as they enter a tough upcoming six game stretch. Here are tonight’s observations after another impressive Thunder win.
1. Russ’ Monster 4th Quarter
The Thunder were reeling a little in the fourth quarter. The Wizards cut the lead to three with just under nine minutes to play in the game. Enter Russell Westbrook. Russ scored 21 of his 46 points in the fourth quarter, including shooting 9-11 from the field. The Thunder really got out in transition and Russ was able to beat everyone down the floor and score at the rim. That helped Russ get in a good scoring rhythm, as he was able to knock down a few open jumpers as well. Russ’ scoring outburts was huge for the Thunder as OKC was able fend off a few fourth quarter rallys from the Wizards.
2. Thunder Forcing Turnovers
The Thunder did allow 112 points tonight, including 41 from Brad Beal. But OKC did play some really good defense at times. The Thunder allowed just 40 opening half points. Some of that was because the Wizards missed a few shots, but OKC really got after the Wizards and their length bothered them. OKC forced 23 Wizards turnovers and turned that into 36 points. Paul George was really good on defense, wreaking havoc and gathered four steals. Andre Roberson also had four steals. Steven Adams and Russell Westbrook each had three steals as well. Scott Brooks talked about that in the postgame tonight.
“Yeah, transition was definitely a problem. A lot of it was fueled by our turnovers. We had a lot of turnovers tonight, yeah 23 for 36 points. That is one of the things that they do. Westbrook is as quick as you get, and when they get a turnover they convert it into buckets. That was one of our things, we have to take care of the basketball and we did not do a good job of that tonight.”
Scotty also had some interesting things to say about Paul George’s defense.
“He can guard one through five, even when we are big, that’s an advantage of a guy like him. He is one of the best in the league. Guarding anyone on the floor is what makes him, well not an All-Star, but we all know he is. He’s the best two-way player in basketball.”
3. T-Ferg Getting More Minutes
Last June when the Thunder were going through the draft process, Terrance Ferguson had “Thunder draftee” written all over him. He was long, supremely athletic, had a great attitude and was a willing defender. So, to me, when the Thunder drafted him it really wasn’t a surprise. However, I thought that he would be a G-Leaguer for sure. He seemed like a project, being that he had just turned 19 years old. But right now, Ferguson is getting real NBA minutes and has seemingly forced his way onto the floor and sent Alex Abrines to the bench. Heck, Billy D even let Ferguson close the game out with the starters. Terrance really played well tonight, scoring 11 points off the bench, shooting 4-8 from the field and 3-6 from deep. You can see his confidence growing with every play he makes. He has shown good instincts on defense and he did a nice job of that again in his minutes tonight.
4. New Jersey Unvielded
The Thunder wore their “City” jersey’s for the first time tonight. I think most everyone disapproved of the new uni’s. Well, almost everyone. Paul George said he was a fan, but he is a Nike athlete and he is not going to say anything bad about the jersey he wears, especially if one of his biggest sponsors makes it. Anyways, here are a couple looks at the new look “City” jersey’s. I will admit I liked the blue sleeves with the gray, but that’s about it. 
5. Thunder Gaining Ground
While the Thunder won tonight, the fourth seeded Minnesota Timberwolves lost to Golden State. OKC moves to 28-20 on the season and the Timberwolves drop to 31-20. OKC and Minnesota are now tied (tiebreaker goes to Minny) in the loss column. The Thunder are just a game-and-a-half back of the T-Wolves and remain a full three games back of the San Antonio Spurs, who currently occupy the third seed in the West. With lots of season left, the Thunder are in position to make a push for the three seed. OKC is trending up, now 15-0 when all starters play since December 1st. OKC needs to maintain this play if they hope to make a serious run at the three or four seed.
The Thunder are off tomorrow and will be in Detroit on Saturday. Tip is set for 4 p.m. inside the Little Caesars Arena.
