Somebody beats the Wiz
After three quarters, it was Oklahoma City 76, Washington 76; it had been just that kind of game, back and forth, for 36 minutes, and remained so for a few minutes more. And once again, the Thunder defense turned impenetrable when it had to. Finishing games properly, last year a rarity, is now almost expected. It was 110-98 at the horn.
Washington did come up with plenty of shots, a benefit of having reeled in 13 offensive rebounds, though not a lot of those shots dropped: 37 of 92, for 40.2 percent. The Wizards did drain eight treys in 18 tries, and all five starters scored in double figures: Antawn Jamison hit for 28, and Gilbert Arenas added 24 more. I am persuaded that this is a lot better team than their lowly record would suggest, and maybe they’ll turn the corner after the first of the year.
At least they won’t have to face the Thunder again. OKC shot an unheard-of 54.4 percent, and after a treyless night in New Jersey they hit 10 of 18 from beyond the arc. Radio guy Matt Pinto noted that every time Russell Westbrook nails the double-double — he had 11 points and 10 assists tonight — the Thunder win. (Backup PG Eric Maynor sparkled in relief, scoring seven and pulling off two steals.) Jeff Green, who’s had a couple of off nights, was on, rolling up 18, and Kevin Durant matched his uniform with 35.
So that’s nine road wins in sixteen tries. (Last year, long-suffering fans will recall that the ninth road win never showed up at all.) The next test is at home on New Year’s Eve, against the Jazz.
