Russell Westbrook and the Thunder hadn’t experienced much recent success against the Portland Trail Blazers coming into the 2018-19 campaign. That has since changed.
After the Thunder swept the season series against the Trail Blazers during the 2012-13 season, Portland had gone 14-6 against Oklahoma City since that season.
Following a 129-121 win over the Trail Blazers on Thursday night, the Thunder defeated their division rivals in each of the four meetings this season, including two rare wins in Portland.
Since the All-Star break, the Thunder haven’t played well. Prior to Thursday, the team had posted just a 2-5 record and were in a bit of a rut. But as Westbrook said after the win, if they can play the right way, they always have a chance to win.
We already know we have a chance to win a game. Coming into every night, we know we got a good team. When we play our best, and the other team plays their best, I’ll pick us every time.
Westbrook continued his resurgence on offense in the win. The former MVP recorded 37 points on 14-of-28 shooting from the field, including 5-of-8 from 3-point range. Since Feb. 14, Westbrook is averaging 32.1 points per game while he has shot 37.9 percent from beyond the arc.
With Westbrook finding his way offensively, and with Paul George working his way back from a shoulder injury, it appears the Thunder may be beginning to peak at the right time. The team has 17 games left before the postseason so it will be crucial to get everybody ready.
OKC returns to action Friday night against the Los Angeles Clippers.
