DENVER – The Thunder's offense had the efficient numbers and splash plays in the first half, but there was something missing that emerged early in the third quarter against the Nuggets.
Before an 11-0 third quarter run, the Thunder's offense had the advantage. Forty percent on 3-pointers, including two each from Russell Westbrook and Josh Huestis. Carmelo Anthony was skipping cross-court bounce passes to Alex Abrines on the break. It still could have been crisper.
In the Thunder's 96-86 win, OKC played some unorthodox lineups, out of necessity, continuity and for the sake of experiment. All worked.