Thunder final score: Thunder blows out Bobcats, 114-69

Box Score

Rufus on Fire Quick Recap

The Oklahoma City Thunder came out firing tonight as they handed the Charlotte Bobcats one of the worst losses in NBA history. Kevin Durant led the Thunder with 18 points, as six Thunder players scored in double figures tonight.

A year off from the worst season in NBA history, the Charlotte Bobcats were 7-6 entering tonight's game. Their 7 wins totaling the total amount of wins they had all of last year's lockout shortened season. Tonight they looked as their past season self, struggling against the hometown Thunder team. Jeffery Taylor led the Bobcats with 10 points.

What is your initial reaction to tonight's result?

Not only was tonight a blowout win, but it was one of the most lopsided games in NBA history. The Thunder led 64-24 at the half, good for the fifth-biggest halftime lead in NBA history. This allowed Scott Brooks to only play the starters for 5 minutes in the second half before being pulled for the night. Giving the stars to rest and some of the young prospects a chance to get out on the court.

To put it in perspective, this game got so out of hand that the Thunder didn't even get to pad the stat sheet, at least the starters didnt. Hasheem Thabeet scored a career high 13 points, on his way to a double double with 10 rebounds.

What was, overall, the main reason why the Thunder won?

The Thunder's defense simply shut down the young Bobcats. Even though OKC was hot tonight, there's not a single team in the NBA that can win with a 24 point half. The Thunder bottled up Charlotte's two young guns, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, and Kemba Walker, as they shot a combined 3-15 FG, for 8 points.

What was a key statistic to understanding the game?

The Bobcats only scored 24 points in the opening half. Yes, you read that right, 24. The Thunder bottled up the Bobcats with tough defense throughout the night, only allowing them to shoot 29% percent from the field (compared to the Thunder shooting 51%).

OKC also dominated the boards, out rebounding Charlotte 54-37, with OKC's starters outrebounding Charlotte's starters 28-16. However, if you really want to get a understanding of the game, then simply look no farther than the minutes played. Haseem Thabeet, Reggie Jackson, and Perry Jones III all had more minutes than Serge Ibaka.

What does this game mean to the Thunder tonight and going forward?

The Thunder's rookies got their first extended action of the season tonight, which is a good sign for anyone hoping to see them in the in the lineup later in the year. The Thunder starters got a rest, which they'll need before they take on former Thunder James Harden in what is sure to be an emotional game on Wednesday. If the Thunder can defend the way they did tonight, Harden's homecoming is sure to be a sour one.

Rufus on Fire

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Dara's Awards

Thunder Wonder: Kevin Durant, 18 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 blocks

Thunder Down Under: Hasheem Thabeet, 13 points, 10 rebounds

Thunder Blunder: Jeremy Lamb, 3 points, 0-5 FG

Thunder Plunderer: Bismack Biyombo, DNP.

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Next game: vs Houston Rockets on Wednesday, Nov. 28 @ 7 CDT

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