With Turkish club team Fenerbahce Ulker in town on Friday night, the Thunder had athletic mismatches all over the floor. But none was more obvious than at the point guard spot.
The Thunder started 6-foot-3 Russell Westbrook. Fenerbahce started 6-foot-2 Kostas Sloukas. They were close in height, but not in size, strength, quickness or leaping ability.
“And he basically was isolated one-on-one,” Thunder coach Billy Donovan said.
So midway through the third quarter, the Thunder completely cleared the right side of the floor for Westbrook. Starting out on the wing, he backed Sloukas deep into lane, then bullied right through him with a couple power dribbles, a quick spin and an easy finger roll.