Last night, the Oklahoma City Thunder lost for the second time this season in Dallas against the Mavericks, 103-105 the final score.
If the first half has been a balanced battle between two solid teams, then we can not say the same for the second part of the game. In fact, the second half has been a roller-coaster of emotions, missing shots (many), sloppy offenses, good defenses, and runs. All of it translated in an old-fashioned game decided by the last shot. Unfortunately for the Thunder, Westbrook missed that last shot, and the Thunder lost their 13th game of the season.
Five Thoughts:
- Westbrook will be Westbrook
Forever and ever.
- Paul George
Despite not shooting the ball particularly well from behind the arc, Paul George has been once again a force on offense. He finished with thirty-six points (12-24 FG, 3-11 3PT, 9-12 FT), five rebounds, two steals, and three turnovers. He led the way for Oklahoma City in the final minutes of the game before the collective team breakdown. George contributed to the breakdown by committing three questionable fouls that helped the Mavs to cut the lead. Also his execution hasn’t been great in the last two minutes.
- Offensive blackouts
In the third quarter Oklahoma City scored one point in the first six minutes and a half of playing time. All the starters were on the floor but nobody was able to score a field-goal. It’s not the first time when the Thunder go scoreless for a too long stretch of time during a game. The defense kept the team in the game, but to be an elite team in a tough Western Conference, it’s unacceptable to be scoreless for almost seven minutes in a quarter.
- Clutch issues
Once again the Thunder weren’t able to win a game which came down to the wire. Oklahoma City led by six point with less than two minutes to go, but questionable fouls and turnovers, helped the Mavs to win the game. The Thunder are now 2-5 in the month of December in games decided by four points or less, and 6-12 so far this season when the game is within five points in the last five minutes.
- Bench production
The second unit played an important role to bring the Thunder back into the game during the first minutes of the fourth quarter. All the players coming from the bench contributed on both ends of the floor. Dennis as always led the way with points and game control, but it was nice to see Patterson hitting some shots, Noel and Felton fighting on defense, and Diallo being always active. The bench scored a total thirty-seven points, which has been pretty unusual so far this season.
Up Next:
The Thunder will play tonight at home against the Dallas Mavericks. Tip-off 7 pm CT
Photo: Glenn James: NBAE via Getty Images.
Good 5 thoughts. Just hope The Thunder pulls it out tonight.