With OKC backed into a virtual must-win, Russell Westbrook cranked up his intensity Friday night, scoring 33 points and aiming plenty of trash talk at Blazers star Damian Lillard as the Thunder took Game 3.
Russell Westbrook called his play in Game 2 "unacceptable."
Damian Lillard drops 25 points in the third quarter, and 23 of them came after Russell Westbrook rocked the baby.
Things are heating up: Westbrook swats Lillard and yells to the crowd, then Dame has something to say back and now they're talking. Next possession, Westbrook scores over Lillard for an and-1 and very demonstrably rocks the baby as Lillard smiles at him.
Damian Lillard took a blow to the midsection and is in some pain on the court. Might've gotten the wind knocked out of him. Picked up his second foul late in the first on the play, too.
Enes Kanter hears some pretty solid cheers as his name is called in starting lineups. Puts a hand up to acknowledge it.
Russillo on all the early first round NBA playoff action including why he's worried about Westbrook and a Ceruti "Magic Minute", plus a life advice revisit with Frank.
Zach talks to Dan Devine of The Ringer about Thunder-Blazers (3:00), James Harden carving up Utah (27:09), Dan worrying about the Celtics (45:43), and much more.
Lengthy post-practice strategy discussion with Paul George and a most of the Thunder coaches, including Billy Donovan. Going on about 20 minutes. Looked very productive and interactive. And George then in his availability George seemed to hint some matchup adjustments are coming.
CJ McCollum had 33 points, Damian Lillard added 29 and the Portland Trail Blazers took a 2-0 lead in their first-round playoff series against the Oklahoma City Thunder with a 114-94 victory on Tuesday night.
| TEAM | W | L | PCT | GB | STRK |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Denver | 54 | 28 | .659 | - | W1 |
| Portland | 53 | 29 | .646 | 1 | W3 |
| Utah | 50 | 32 | .610 | 4 | L1 |
| Oklahoma City | 49 | 33 | .598 | 5 | W5 |
| Minnesota | 36 | 46 | .439 | 18 | L3 |
| RD(PK) | PLAYER | POS | SCHOOL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1(24) | Anfernee Simons | SG |
| YEAR | W | L | PCT |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018-19 | 53 | 29 | .646 |
| 2017-18 | 49 | 33 | .598 |
| 2016-17 | 41 | 41 | .500 |
| 2015-16 | 44 | 38 | .537 |
| 2014-15 | 51 | 31 | .622 |
