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PORTLAND, Ore. – After the 114-94 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers in Game 2, the Oklahoma City Thunder go home in a 0-2 series hole, with Russell Westbrook taking responsibility for the poor performance better play in match 3.
"Starting with myself, I have to play better," said Westbrook. "And tonight, defeat, I'm going to take full responsibility tonight, because my way of playing was unacceptable, I'm going to get better, so I'm not worried at all. to make sure we continue to go out and lead our guys and make sure we have a chance to win the game. "
Game 2 contained standard items for Blazers who played very well: Damian Lillard was electric with 29 points; CJ McCollum scored 33 points; and, as in the first match, the Thunder has lamentably shot the ball at 3 points (5 of 28).
The scenario of the first match was centered largely on Paul George's shoulder and his difficulties in shooting the ball, but he rebounded with 27 points on 11 shots out of 20 in the second match, looking a lot more at the same time. With his rider.
That's Westbrook, though, which has not done the supplement this time. He finished his rebound after a triple-double, but with six turnovers and a few moments of looseness, including a sequence in which he shot in the ball in the second quarter, before falling back in defense Jerami Grant fouling Lillard on a 3 done – Westbrook did not have his typical impact in the second game.
There is a story between Lillard and Westbrook, the two men sharing some sad moments as long-time rivals in the division, and they still fought a bit on Tuesday. Towards the end of the second quarter, Westbrook was picking up a ball, but Lillard was trying to tie it up. Westbrook called timeout, there was a contact and Westbrook pulled back. After an examination, no personal or technical fault was assessed.
"They are both pit bulls," said McCollum. "You have competitive guys who play hard-well-known all-stars, the faces of their franchises and the stakes are high, so if you're a competitor, you're looking forward to those moments and opportunities to not just put you on the map, but you are also a team on the map. "
Lillard then dominated Westbrook in Game 2, leading the Blazers in a series of innings that culminated in a second period of 60-40. Lillard played a stellar defensive game, blocking Westbrook with a fierce physical defense, hitting the ball away in post-ups and defying Westbrook in dubious shots.
"I do not really have any choice but to accept it," said Lillard. "This team will go as far as he and Paul George."
Lillard, who hit three less in this series (nine) than the entire Thunder Team (10), was a plus-27 at-27 Westbrook. In the first game, Westbrook was able to charge the Blazers downhill, especially in transition, but he was not able to find the same type of space in the second game.
It's kind of the standard fare for Westbrook to sit on the podium and assume its responsibilities or make a proclamation after a disappointing playoff performance.
For example, after the third match against The latest series of Utah Jazz, a competition in which Ricky Rubio had 26 points, said Westbrook, "I'm going to close that, but at the next game, I guarantee you." At the next tilt, Westbrook proved to be too aggressive and made four fouls in the first half.
This series will be turned to Oklahoma City for Friday's game 3, a virtual must for the Thunder.
"They won their first two home games, they obviously wanted to steal one when we could, but stay there," said Westbrook. "We are an excellent basketball team, and a lot of great guys on this team that I trust to make shots and games on both sides of basketball, and everything will be fine."
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