Westbrook Explodes for 40, Thunder Ties Series

The NBA Western Conference Finals best of seven series is now knotted at 2-2 after the Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the San Antonio Spurs Tuesday night 105-92.

The win was the Thunders’ second straight after losing the first two games at San Antonio. The series now moves back to San Antonio for Game 5 on Thursday night.

The Thunder has one of the NBA’s most explosive guards in Russell Westbrook. It seems as if in every game the Thunder plays you can determine early if Westbrook has his “A” game.

On the other hand, will he have an off night by following each bad decision with yet another in an attempt to play himself out of his problems and questionable shots.

On Tuesday night, NBA fans had the pleasure, with the exception of those from San Antonio, to see the best of Russell. The point guard for Oklahoma City could do no wrong.

Westbrook’s teammate Kevin Durant said it was fun to observe. He said Westbrook was focused on each defensive possession and had great poise on offense.

Westbrook became the first NBA players since 1989 to scored 40 points, hand out 10 assists and make 5 steals in a postseason games. The last player to accomplish that was Michael Jordan.

The manner in which he plays means Westbrook will always have critics, those people convinced he first is not a point guard and secondly is the biggest obstacle Durant faced each night.

Regardless of what his critics think or say, Westbrook can use his strength, size and athleticism to dominate his opponent. As good as Tony Parker is, he often looked to be helpless trying to attack or guard Westbrook.

Westbrook was so good he even overshadowed the 22 points Durant scored by halftime on 9 of 11 shooting to start the game.

Some believe Westbrook cuts the oxygen line of Durant at times. However, in this game, it was Durant’s efficient shooting in the first half combined with Westbrook’s superior play in the second that led to the Thunder tying the series.

Their coach Scott Brooks said the two players had to learn at 20 years of age how to lead an NBA team. That was five years ago and now the two have matured in such a way that it would not be surprising to see them defeat the Spurs and move on to the NBA Finals.

Some will tell you that the return of Serge Ibaka has given the Thunder the boost they need. Those people would be right as his presence has changes how San Antonio executes its offense.

However, both Durant and Westbrook have found themselves as well. The two combined for just 30 points during Game 2, but combined for 71 in Game 4.

Westbrook’s 40 points was higher than the starting five for San Antonio with 39.

However, one can never forget Ibaka. He might not score like Durant and Westbrook, but he ties the team together. With Ibaka in Oklahoma City’s lineup, the team has won 12 of their past 14 games against San Antonio, including 7 straight.

The series is now a best of 3 with San Antonio still holding the edge with 2 of the 3 games at home. However, the Thunder is rolling and Westbrook is leading the charge.