The OKC Thunder claimed a much-needed win on the strength of a vintage triple-double by Russell Westbrook and a rare strong outing by the bench. Put the emphasis on the bench, specifically their work on the defensive end. The reserves’ defense was key for Oklahoma City as Jerami Grant and Patrick Patterson both held their own in the absence of Steven Adams, who sprained his ankle halfway through the game.
Grant and Patterson combined for 25 points and finished with a +/- of 17 and 15 respectively in 20 minutes of play. Nick Collison also got into the act, scoring seven points and grabbing two rebounds in seven minutes on the floor.