If I haven't had the chance to remind you in person, I've been a huge fan of the Thunder this season especially since they made the deal to bring in Kendrick Perkins from the Celtics. Last night up 3 games to 1 in the series against the pesky Denver Nuggets, Durant and company showed why. Kevin Durant brought his A-game as he dropped 41 points including the final 9 for the Thunder as they came from behind to beat the Nuggets 100-97 and move on the second round.
The Nuggets were in control for most of the game and following an 8-2 late in the 4th held a 9-point lead with only 3:30 remaining. Over the final 3:30 of the game Durant outscored the Nuggets 14-6 by himself as he almost single-handedly show Denver the door. Last night Durant was the best player in the NBA which is was probably fueled by criticism stemming from OKC's game 4 loss in Denver where Durant struggled early and it appeared his running mate Russell Westbrook attempted to shoulder the load.
I am convinced the Thunder are going to become the team beat in the Western Conference as the Spurs, Lakers and Mavericks have all looked vulnerable in their round 1 series. In addition to the scoring prowess of Durant and Westbrook the twin towers of Perkins and Serge Ibaka (who is quickly becoming my favorite player) dominated the paint on defense and denied the Nuggets time and again in the game's final stages. Ibaka posted 9 blocks including one in the final seconds with the Thunder leading by 1. Durant will find some space after an inbounds on the next possession and hit a 19-foot runner to put the Thunder ahead by 3 with 12 seconds to go. Oklahoma City must now wait for the winner of the Spurs/Grizzlies series which was extended last night as the Spurs pulled in out in OT.
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