NEW ORLEANS – Anthony Davis put the ball on the floor, and for the New Orleans Pelicans center it only takes one or two dribbles to get from the perimeter to the rim. That’s why on Easter Sunday, Thunder guards like Russell Westbrook were quick to snap into the lane, derailing those long dribbles by sticking a hand in as the ball bounced high back up to Davis’ midsection. The result was a disruptive defensive performance by the Thunder to force 21 turnovers, and eventually a 109-104 victory.
The Thunder had three previous cracks at this type of game - a scrap-and-claw battle between two Western Conference foes in practically must-win situations to secure playoff berths and positioning.