OKC pulls out a tough one

By Addam Francisco

It wasn't pretty, but a wins a win. Friday night in the tundra of Oklahoma City, the Thunder beat the Detroit Pistons 103-87. In the much anticipated matchup up of former Thunder guard Reggie Jackson and Russell Westbrook which resulted in a sub-par game from the both of them. 

Thunder guard Russell Westbrook. Torrey Purvey/InsideThunder.com

Kevin Durant jumped out to a quick start, scoring double figures in just the first quarter and Detroit seemed to recognize that early in the game. Going into the half the Pistons seemed to have our number, with a 55-48 lead. 

However, in the second half, well third quarter KD decided to take matters into his own hands, scoring double figures yet again in a quarter, along with grabbing rebounds. Russell tried to get things going offensively, but the referees didn't seem too fond of his trademarked physical play by fouling him out mid-way through the fourth quarter. Russell finished with just 14 points, 5 assists, and 11 turnovers which he was clearly upset about following the game when he walked off the court, into the locker room immediately following the conclusion. KD made up for that though, scoring 34 points and collecting 13 rebounds and also shot a perfect 10-for-10 from the free throw line. 

Andre Drummond, who typically averages 18.1 points and 17.8 rebounds, finished with just 15 points and 7 rebounds off 7-of-16 shooting. Who can we thank for that? Steven Adams, who finished with only 8 points, but 13 rebounds and numerous defensive stops. Andre Roberson, who may be the most criticized player on this team finished with the usual, 2 points but what some fans and critics don't want to acknowledge is his 8 rebounds... FROM THE SHOOTING GUARD POSITION. Also, his plus/minus was the highest on the team at +20, which shows his value to this team. He doesn't show up as much in the stat books, but he does the intangible things that help this Thunder engine run. 

Next up for OKC will be the (11-7) Atlanta Hawks in Atlanta at 8 p.m. EST. Let see if Russ can bounce back from this individually frustrating game as he faces former Thunder teammate Thabo Sefolosha.