The Los Angeles Clippers and Oklahoma City Thunder will do battle today as the only two undefeated sides left in the Western Conference and the chance to keep that streak alive. Follow all the live highlights, scores, and action on The Roar from 1:30pm (AEDT).
The Clippers are playing their third game in four days after wins on the road against the Suns and the Jazz earlier in the week.
Led by Chris Paul, Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan, the Clippers have been a force to reckoned with in the paint and around the basket, but their defence has been the standout.
They’ve kept their opposition to just 42.6 per cent from the field in their opening three games, conceding 93 points per game in the process.
While LA has been impressive, all eyes are on Thunder’s unstoppable force Russell Westbrook.
Westbrook has broken a plethora of records on his way to a pair of triple-doubles in OKC’s undefeated three-match run.
He became the first player since legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar back in 1975 to score a triple-double that included 50 points.
He comfortably leads the league in scoring and is the MVP favourite just one week into the new season.
“He’s an unbelievable player. Just the impact he has on the game from so many different areas. Just the pressure he puts on defenses just alone is crazy,” said Clippers forward Blake Griffin.
“You see what Russ is doing. You see that they have guys that are very capable. So that part, you look forward to a game like that.”
It’s not just a one-man show though, Vic Oladipo and big man Steven Adams both average double figures in the scoring column and have been causing havoc under the basket with rebounds, giving Westbrook those second chance points.
Both sides have had a fairly easy run so far, facing just one team inside the top eight of the conference from their six combined games.
This will be the first real test of the season and a gauge as to where they could be standing when the playoffs come around.
Prediction
Westbrook has been setting the NBA on fire in the early goings of the season and the Thunder are subsequently looking like one of the toughest teams in the league.
They’ll be pushing for a top playoffs spot at the pointy end of the season, but the Clippers are in the same boat.
LA have looked the better overall side so after the opening week, but the Westbrook one man show is nearly unstoppable.
The Clippers might take this in front of the home crowd and keep the undefeated streak running, but only just.
Clippers to win by 2
Spyros Antoniou
Roar Pro
Hi Connor, Westbrook was +12 however he had 10 turnovers. He shot 8 more shots than the other 4 starters combine. I know is by far there best player, but do you think shooting in this high volume will be good for the team in the long run?
Connor Bennett
Editor
Westbrook didn't quite pull out another triple-double, but he still lead the game with 35 points, the only player on his team to reach double figures, with six rebounds, five assists and three steals to top it off. Chris Paul was the best of the beaten bunch, knocking team highs in points (15), rebounds (11), assists (9) and steals (6).
Scott Pryde
Expert
And we will be live for that one as well! Can not wait.
Connor Bennett
Editor
Te Rangatira
Guest
OKC V GSW ...... Can't wait
Connor Bennett
Editor
FULLTIME Westbrook throws the second free throw wide to kill the time and the clock runs out on the Clippers. OKC keep the undefeated streak alive and end the Clippers same run of wins. A tight affair in the end that seesawed in every possible direction before Oklahoma could hold on to win by just two points. The Thunder take outright top spot in the Western Conference now. Clippers – 83 Thunder – 85
Scott Pryde
Expert
Westbrook did not even try to hit that second free throw. He might as well have dropped the ball and walked away. Dumb play from the Clippers in the last couple of seconds. Pumped for tomorrow's clash. KD vs Russ. Oh yeah.
Connor Bennett
Editor
Q4' Westbrook takes the intentional foul with under one second left on the clock and he'll take to the line with the game all but in the bag. Clippers – 83 Thunder – 85
Connor Bennett
Editor
Q4' Paul to Redick... but he loses it trying to pass. Thunder give it straight back!! What is happening. DeAndre Jordan makes the layup through traffic!! Frenetic play. Clippers – 83 Thunder – 85
Connor Bennett
Editor
Q4' 18.7 seconds left. The Clippers have to be quick here on this possession. Clippers – 81 Thunder – 85
Connor Bennett
Editor
Q4' Thunder winding down the clock as much as possible before making the play. Westbrook with the ball of course... plays the screen, and hits the mid-range jumper!! Westbrook breaks the lead out to four points!! Clippers – 81 Thunder – 85
Connor Bennett
Editor
Q4' 38 seconds left in the game, Thunder up by two!! OKC have possession and a chance to take that lead beyond one basket. Then those intentional fouls might be coming into play. Clippers – 81 Thunder – 83
Connor Bennett
Editor
Q4' Loose ball from Crawford... and Westbrook pounces on the steal. Runs away with it and SLAMS HOME THE ONE-HANDED DUNK!! Huge play. But LA return serve with three!! This game is on a knifes edge. Clippers – 81 Thunder – 83
Scott Pryde
Expert
OT then anyone?
Connor Bennett
Editor
Q4' Timeout called with 1:22 left on the clock. Shaping up to be a thrilling finish inside the Staples Centre!! Clippers – 78 Thunder – 81
Connor Bennett
Editor
Q4' Westbrook runs all around Griffin to hit the layup and push the home side just a little bit further onto the back foot. Clippers – 78 Thunder – 81
Connor Bennett
Editor
Q4' Griffin with the mid-range jumper but it comes off the rim. Thunder looking to extend the lead with 3 minutes left on the clock. Westbrook misses the field goal now and LA can take it back up. They miss again!! The field goal percentages have been terrible today. Clippers – 78 Thunder – 79
Scott Pryde
Expert
This is going to be some sort of finish.
Connor Bennett
Editor
Q4' DOMANTAS SABONIS!!! Big three for OKC and they take the lead late in the final quarter. Clippers – 78 Thunder – 79
Connor Bennett
Editor
Q4' Jordon goes for the big back handed alley-oop under the basket, but he's fouled by Westbrook on his way down and will go to the line. It was an audacious attempt and he'll probably be happy to get the foul. Misses both!! Poor shooting. Clippers – 78 Thunder – 76