Oklahoma City Thunder Bounce Back: Beat Blazers in Overtime 107-106

With less than 24 hours rest following a shocking defeat against the LA Clippers, the Oklahoma City Thunder bounced back and defeated the Portland Trailblazers in overtime, by a score of 107-106, in front of a sold-out crowd of 20,611. 

The Thunder never gave up. Team leaders, Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant, gave All-Star caliber performances of 28 points and 11 rebounds each, to help end a two game losing streak.

The victory was sweet for the Thunder, since it was over a Northwest Division rival.  The Thunder stayed close and battled after playing from behind throughout most of the game, until they tied it up to send it to overtime.  Only 13 total points were scored in overtime, as it was obvious that both teams were exhausted.

James Harden, who had been a no-show for the first four previous games, nailed a three-point jumper with about two minutes left in overtime to give the Thunder the lead for good.

Russell Westbrook was a key factor in the win, as he matched Durant with an All-Star caliber performance. Jeff Green showed consistency by duplicating what he did the previous night, pouring in 19 points and nine rebounds. Durant also had a game-high three blocks.

The Blazers had six players in double figures, with LaMarcus Aldridge's 22 points followed by Brandon Roy with 19.  Blazer veteran Marcus Camby had a game-high 12 rebounds.  The Thunder out-rebounded a much taller and more physical Blazer team led by Camby and Aldridge. 

It was obvious after last night's game that the Thunder will need a taller and more physical lineup each night, in order to compete with their taller and more physical Western Conference foes. The Thunder also need another consistent outside shooter to knock down jumpers to take pressure off of Durant and also open-up the middle. 

Second-year center Serge Ibaka came off the bench for the Thunder to chip-in with 11 points, seven rebounds and two blocks in 30 minutes of play, but the Thunder will need help from the rookie seven-footer Cole Aldridge and the veteran Nenad Krstic if they plan to compete with the Lakers. 

The win was a sweet victory for the Thunder as they head home to face the Celtics on Sunday.  “We needed it a lot,” Durant said. “It was kind of like a monkey off our backs once the buzzer sounded."