Westbrook’s huge triple double, Kyrie’s clutch three and Curry finding some form are just some of the stories from Saturday’s NBA action.
Russell Westbrook drops 51 to lead OKC to a win
The Oklahoma City Thunder needed overtime to get past the Phoenix Suns 113-110. Again the Thunder were led by star guard Russell Westbrook who scored 51 and added 13 rebounds and ten assists for his first triple double for the season.
The Phoenix Suns made the Thunder work all night leading for most of the game, Despite a career high scoring night from TJ Warren it was not enough to stop the red hot Westbrook.
Cavaliers win Eastern Conference finals rematch
The Cleveland Cavaliers took a trip to Toronto to face off against fellow Eastern Conference powerhouse in the Toronto Raptors coming away with a three points win 94-91.
Cleveland led for the majority of the game but a strong fourth quarter from the Raptors put a quick scare in the team. Kyle Lowry gave the Raptors the lead with two minutes left. Toronto were unable to capitalise on the lead and missed the final five shot attempts to finish the game.
Cleveland were again led by LeBron James and running mate Kyrie Irving who had 21 points and 26 respectively. Demar Derozan continued his hot shooting form, scoring 32 points, These two teams have started to form quite a rivalry since last season when they faced off in the Eastern Conference finals but again the Cavaliers had the Raptors’ number.
Warriors get their first win of the season
Despite another big night from New Orleans Pelicans star Anthony Davis, the Golden State Warriors put their big loss to the San Antonio Spurs in the rearview mirror with a solid win 122-114.
Anthony Davis was again a star for the Pelicans scoring 45 points but his lack of support was again a glaring weakness in the loss.
Anthony Davis was being doubled and triple teamed almost from the tip off. Kevin Durant played the starring role for the Warriors, scoring 30 points and adding 17 rebounds but the Warriors still looked far from the dominant team they are meant to be.
Their defensive ferocity has not quite got there yet and new cantre Zaza Pachulia seems to be struggling early on. The Warriors can be happy with the rebounding performance which although they did not win the battle of the boards they were a lot better than they were in the opening game.
Nets shock the Pacers
Led by a near triple double from Jeremy Lin, the Brooklyn Nets shocked the Indiana Pacers 103-94. Lin had 21 points nine rebounds and nine assists in the win against the much fancied Indiana Pacers.
Brook Lopez added 25 points for the Nets giving their new coach his first career win. Indiana were led by Paul George who had 25 points but a 31-15 run from the Nets in the fourth quarter snuffed out any chance for a win from the Pacers.
Scores from around the league
Cleveland Cavaliers 94
Toronto Raptors 91
Orlando Magic 82
Detroit Pistons 108
Indiana Pacers 94
Brooklyn Nets 103
Charlotte Hornets 97
Miami Heat 91
Phoenix Suns 110
Oklahoma City Thunder 113
Houston Rockets 106
Dallas Mavericks 98
Los Angeles Lakers 89
Utah Jazz 96
Golden State Warriors 122
New Orleans Pelicans 114
Spyros Antoniou
Roar Pro
I agree, Westbrook needs a lot of help ,even that they won their first three games, however, was against the 76ers,Suns, and Lakers . Three of the worst teams in the previous years. Also, Russ put two triple-doubles in a row. I don't know if he can do that for 82 games, because if they need him against those teams imagine against better teams. Next two games are against the Clippers and Warriors. Two real test even that is too early in the season.
Sam Walker
Roar Guru
Sorry all had a busy weekend after i posted this (which is also why i missed yesterday's write up) so my apologies. The Thunder have a chance to make the playoffs but they really need Russ to have some more solid support, as we have seen he can do it all but night in night out just wears a guy down, Think the Cavaliers in LeBron's first season in the NBA and then throw him out West where it is a bloodbath at the pointy end of the season. Westbrook can play the point fairly easily what his issue is one he has no scorers around him and two when he does (KD in recent years) he gets this superiority complex about him and it can be difficult to be around. Thunder will be fighting for a spot i think but whether they can do damage in the playoffs is a big unknown.
Spyros Antoniou
Roar Pro
Scott, I agree with your point , without Durant and Ibaka you can't wait for a lot good things to happened. -Adams ,Oledipo, and Kanter are solid players but not stars. Also, Sabonis who has a lot of potential does not have the experience. Maybe Sam Presti makes a trade that makes them more respectable.
Scott Pryde
Expert
It would help if he had someone else who could consistently put up shots.
Scott Pryde
Expert
They are gonna struggle Spyros - Apart from Westbrook they have absolutely nothing - he will get them some wins, but I doubt it will be enough to qualify.
Nate
Guest
Westbrook needs to learn to play point guard. He can't be taking more than 40 shots per game every game.....
Spyros Antoniou
Roar Pro
Hi Sam, Do you think the Oklahoma Thunder will make the playoffs easy, considering that both first win was tied against very moderate opponents?