Storming start from Thunder’s Big Three
OKLAHOMA CITY — Much has changed about the Thunder. One thing hasn’t — Russell Westbrook still gets triple-doubles.
The reigning MVP had 21 points, 16 assists and 10 rebounds, and Oklahoma City beat the New York Knicks 10584 on Thursday night in their first regular-season game as All-Star additions Paul George and Carmelo Anthony combined with Westbrook to devastating effect to justify the ‘Big Three’ hype.
Anthony liked watching Westbrook’s dynamic play from a new perspective.
“You guys are used to it,” Anthony said. “I’m used to watching it. I’m used to going up against it. Now, to be on the other side of that on the same team as him, and to reap those benefits of what he can bring to the game — I’m excited about what we started out tonight, what we created tonight and where we’re headed.”
George, who was acquired in an offseason trade with the Indiana Pacers, led the Thunder with 28 points. He said he wasn’t used to getting so many open looks, but Westbrook took pressure off of him.
“It’s great,” George said. “The game comes so easy. I know I’m going to get those easy opportunities like I did tonight. It’s only going to make me better.”
Anthony, who was traded from the Knicks to the Thunder in the offseason, had 22 points against his ex-team.
“That chapter’s closed,” Anthony said. “No more Knicks talk. Just focus in on the Thunder moving forward and what we have to do.”
Kristaps Porzingis had 31 points and 12 rebounds for the Knicks. Enes Kanter, who joined the Knicks in the deal that sent Anthony to the Thunder, finished with 10 points and seven rebounds. No other New York players scored in double figures.
Anthony was impressed with Porzingis’ willingness to take charge.
“Just to see that he’s ready to take on that role — he looked aggressive tonight,” Anthony said. “He looked comfortable, felt comfortable tonight. I was happy to see that.”
George broke away for a dunk as time expired in the first half to give the Thunder a 53-42 lead. Porzingis scored 19 points before the break to keep the Knicks in it.
Kanter made three buckets early in the third quarter to keep the Knicks in it, but Westbrook found Steven Adams and Andre Roberson for back-to-back alley-oop dunks to give the Thunder a 69-52 lead.
After that, it was time for the Westbrook triple-double watch. He reached double digits in assists midway through the third quarter, then grabbed his 10th rebound with about four minutes remaining in the game.
Brotherly battle
Kanter and Adams are best friends who were known as the ‘Stache Brothers when they played together with the Thunder.
“It felt weird because he knows my moves and everything,” Kanter said. “It definitely was good to see him and come back and play against those guys.”