Thunder vs Nets Recap: OKC’s 2nd half takeover leads to victory, 108-96

Box Score | Nets Daily

The Thunder and Nets squared off for the first time since Oklahoma City’s miraculous comeback win in Brooklyn back in December. Similar to that game, the Thunder started off sluggish.

Lack of energy and poor shot selection found the Thunder trailing by much as 17 points in the second quarter. At halftime, Oklahoma City only scored 42 points, which was tied for their fewest amount at half this season.

However, the second half told a completely different story. Aided by a 20-6 run in the third quarter, the Thunder quickly erased that 10 point halftime deficit and took a lead of their own.

After gaining their momentum in the third quarter, the Thunder would close it out in the fourth quarter. A 14-0 run late in the fourth quarter would seal an eventual 108-96 win for the Thunder.

Major Takeaways

Russell Westbrook’s Performance

Since Monday’s game versus the Jazz, all the talk surrounding Westbrook was about his interaction with a Jazz fan. But that off-the-court distraction had no effect on his performance tonight.

Westbrook finished with his 26th triple-double of the year, posting 31 points to along with 11 assists and 12 rebounds. Also, Westbrook was very efficient, shooting over 50% both from the field and three point line.

With just under nine minutes remaining, Westbrook checked back into the game. Once in the game, Westbrook scored or assisted on all of the Thunder’s remaining field goals.

This Westbrook dance shows even he knew he had it going tonight:

Paul George’s Resurgence

It has been noted that returning from his shoulder injury, George hasn’t been shooting well. Nonetheless, tonight George shot well from both three and the field. George finished with 25 points on an efficient 9-18 from the field.

In the postgame interview, Westbrook acknowledged George’s return to great shooting, saying, “It’s great to see that especially here at home, but he’s been playing like an MVP all season long.”

Here is George himself talking about how he’s still trying to find his rhythm after the injury:

Next game: tomorrow night @ Indiana Pacers, 6PM CST