Thunder vs. Cavaliers, final result: OKC's defensive bluffing Cleveland, 100-83

box score | Fear of the sword

The Thunder of Oklahoma City beat the Cleveland Cavaliers at home, 100-83. Cleveland, already devoid of star striker Kevin Love, also learned that Kyle Korver was going to be sent to Utah and he did not do what was necessary. Although his presence probably would not have mattered, it made the Cleveland fight even more difficult against a team from Thunder seeking to recover after losing to Denver.

The Thunder came out cold and reckless in the first quarter, falling behind. However, OKC reacted to a bumpy first half in which, after failing at double digits, they finally found a way to put the ball in the basket. The Thunder finished the second quarter on a 13-5 record, crowned by a Jerami Grant 3 points, which led to a 47-47 tie at the half.

Russell Westbrook rebounded well after the Denver fiasco, once again achieving the triple triple doubled in the middle of the third quarter. Russ concluded with one of these types of statistics: 23 points, 15 assists, 19 rebounds and 2 steals. This type of exit shows Westbrook's unique value. In addition, it gives an insight: when he tries to regain rebounds and put the other players forward (and his teammates have missed at least half a dozen open eyes on his passes), the Westbrook energy is almost always ends in positive. However, when he tries to shoot down, it ends up in disaster, as we have seen against the Nuggets.

More than anything, this victory gave the impression that the Thunder was playing against itself – a version of who he is against who he wants to be. Even if the final score does not support it, after the sloppy 1st quarter quarterback, OKC was determined to pursue a specific goal, to put the ball in the post, to create open looks for the shooters and to ensure a consistent defense. And they remained attached to it all along. Although the shots did not fall tonight (6-27 out of three), this should augur well that the looks they created were both intentional and open.

OKC then plays with the Hawks, where they will once again have the chance to test this new attack model.

Quick shots

• Jerami Grant's strong performance – 21 points, 5 boards, 4 blocks – is the consistent consistency that OKC needs at the forward attacker's position, at least in attack. Better yet, he is becoming more comfortable in the finishing games, than it is Westbrook, George, Adams or someone who prepares him.

• Steven Adams spent a relatively quiet night, but his tasks were largely to slow Tristan Thompson, which he did with shovels. Thompson in 35 minutes scored 4 points and 2 rebounds.

• Along with Westbrook, Paul George spent most of the night recalling his match (only two attempts at 3 points!) And sought to help his teammates to better organize.
• Thunder's defense was largely in full swing after the first quarter and in the second half held Cleveland at 36 points on a 35% and 23% on three shots. OKC continues to challenge the blows on the perimeter while protecting the paint well. They recorded 11 blocks in the night, an impressive feat against a team consisting of Thompson and Larry Nance Jr., one of whom was this bad boy from Deonte Burton:

• Speaking of Deonte, another strong exit. In 16 minutes, Burton finished with 8 points, 2 rebounds and 2 blocks on 3-6 shots, and I think what really helped him in his performance is that he does not have a lot of lost moves. It moves the ball if it does not look open or on the driving lane, but if there is room, it has a first explosive step (and last step) that helps it to finish.

• The team has been working really, really, REALLY hard to get Alex Abrines started, and I'm applauding that after Abrines missed so much time and he has not looked like in a while. It is unfortunate that he just did not find the range, he misses several very open looks and he finishes 1-8 out of three.
• Westbrook: A career in 107 triple-doubles, placing Jason Kidd tied for 3rd place overall. Next step: Magic Johnson at 138.

Next game: Atlanta Hawks vs Friday, November 30 at 7 pm CST