MINNEAPOLIS – There’s no doubt, the Thunder is searching for consistency on the defensive end of the floor. It showed on Wednesday night, even on the second night of a grueling back-to-back, that it is capable of getting stops on demand.
After surrendering 94 points through three quarters to the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Thunder held its Northwest Division rivals without a field goal for nearly six straight minutes during a pivotal 11-1 run to turn the tide. Down the stretch, behind some sharpshooting by Kevin Durant and free throws by Russell Westbrook, the Thunder sealed a 126-123 road victory.
“I’m really proud of our guys on this trip,” Head Coach Billy Donovan said after the win. “I give these guys a lot of credit for having some resiliency and perseverance to battle through it when all the time it didn’t look pretty.”
While the overall point totals allowed aren’t where the Thunder wants them to be moving forward, it took a full team effort to fight through adversity during this four-game road trip and emerge on the other side 3-1 and at 35-13 (.729) on the season.
“There are times where we show really good consistency and times where we have breakdowns,” Donovan said. “These guys aren’t robots. They’re human beings and people who try really hard and give good effort. There is still a lot of learning and growing that can go on.”
Donovan’s club got extremely efficient nights from Durant and Westbrook, with the former going for 27 points on 10-for-20 shooting, nine rebounds and five assists, including a three-pointer and a mid-range jumper with just under two minutes to go that helped keep Minnesota at bay. Westbrook nearly had a triple-double, racking up 24 points on 7-for-13 shooting, eight rebounds and 15 assists, and sealed the game at the free throw line.
In the final two minutes, Durant hit a step-up three-pointer then a 12-foot jumper off a curl, then Westbrook found Steven Adams for a cutting dunk then hit four free throws to help close out the game.
Thunder Highlights
It was the role players, however, who pitched in on the offensive end to give the Thunder some vital scoring punch. With Andre Roberson out with a knee injury, Steven Adams and Serge Ibaka in early foul trouble and Cameron Payne sustaining concussion-like symptoms in the first half, the Thunder was reeling. Fortunately, some of its veteran reserves had an answer.
“It was our will to continue to play through everything that a team can go through on a road trip,” Westbrook said. “Our bench did a great job of coming in with good energy. Nick (Collison), A-Mo (Anthony Morrow), D.J. (Augustin), guys were stepping up and taking care of business.”
Throughout the second half, Donovan’s group leaned on its role players, particularly the ever-physical, rim-present Enes Kanter. The Thunder reserve big man finished with 23 points on 10-for-16 shooting off the bench, aided by seven of his 10 rebounds coming on the offensive end. Those put-backs helped close out possessions with scores, allowing the Thunder to get back and set up defense.
“He was big and we talked about that today with the guys coming off the bench that we were going to need their energy and their effort and for them to be ready to play,” Donovan said. “I give them all credit because they all stepped up and played extremely well.”
Other key role players stepped up as well. Dion Waiters, starting in place of the injured Andre Roberson, found a way to be effective even when called upon to serve in a different role. When with the second unit, Waiters is often asked to handle the ball and facilitate for others.
While playing with Westbrook and Durant, the fourth-year shooting guard spotted up more in the corners, awaiting kick-out passes for three-point shots. He knocked down 4-of-7 looks and had a major hand in keeping the scoreboard moving.
It’s not lip service or coach speak, there’s a reason that Donovan believes that all 15 men on the roster are important to the team throughout the season. The preparation and professionalism of Nick Collison, Anthony Morrow and D.J. Augustin was on full display as each of them impacted the game in some way off the bench. Between three Collison offensive rebounds, a slick driving layup by Augustin or some incredible marksmanship from Morrow, the Thunder needed every ounce of its veteran support crew on Wednesday.
By the Numbers
4-for-7 – Three-point shooting from Dion Waiters on his way to 16 points
5 – Games this month where Russell Westbrook has registered at least 15 assists
17-for-33 – Field goal shooting numbers combined for Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook as they racked up 51 points
The Last Word
“We like to win, but at the same time know there’s room for improvement on the defensive end. We definitely take our victories and get back home, and get to the drawing board.” – point guard Russell Westbrook