Thunder begin NBA title quest

Online Photo

 

Kevin Durant is averaging 42 points per game.

Granted, the Oklahoma City Thunder has only played one game this year, but Kevin Durant kicked off his season just like he ended the last one.

The Thunder opened their season on the road this year, playing in Salt Lake City, Utah against the Utah Jazz. The game was close throughout the first quarter, but the Thunder were able to open up a nine-point lead by halftime.

The Jazz would battle back in the second half though, and had a chance to send the game into overtime – but Gordon Hayward’s 3-point attempt fell short as time expired.

“The Thunder got off to a great start tonight; they had me a little worried down the stretch, but for the first game I was very pleased with how they played,” junior Casey Covalt said.

Durant did not have a great night from the field, shooting only 9-24, but made the most of his opportunities to go to the free-throw line, netting 22 free throws on 24 attempts.

Just as last season ended with Russell Westbrook out of the starting lineup, the 2013 season kicked off with Westbrook sidelined due to injuries. Westbrook is still undergoing treatment to further repair the knee he injured during the playoffs last year.

Reggie Jackson assumed the starting point guard role this year, a role forced upon him in the middle of the playoffs last year.

“I’m excited to see the improvements Reggie has made this year,” senior Blain Elliot said. “After having the experience of playing in the playoffs last year, I think he will have a great year this season, whether in a starting role, or backing up Westbrook.”

The Thunder got off to a slow start in the first quarter, trailing the Jazz 21-12 with just under five minutes left. A dunk by Durant off an assist from Thabo Sefolosha sparked a run that would help the Thunder tie the game up at 29 after one quarter of play.

Streaking into the second quarter, the Thunder were able to build a nine-point halftime lead.

The Thunder were outscored in both the third and the fourth quarter by the Jazz, but had built enough of a lead going into the break that they were able to hold on for the win.

Durant scored 42 of the Thunder’s 101 points. Reggie Jackson and Sefolosha both added 14 points, while Serge Ibaka added eight points and 10 rebounds in 35 minutes of action.

Many of the Thunder’s young players and rookies saw time during the game. Oklahoma City’s first-round draft pick, big man Steven Adams, played just under 19 minutes. He scored two points and pulled down three rebounds.

“I’m curious to how Steven Adams develops this year,” Men’s Basketball Graduate Assistant Brandon Troutman said. “He could be a great backup for Perkins this year, and hopefully they can get him some minutes in important games to get him some experience.”

Jeremy Lamb played 18 minutes in Wednesday’s game against the Jazz. Lamb only averaged 6.4 minutes per game last year. Lamb also spent time on the Thunder’s developmental league team – the Tulsa 66ers – last year, but is expected to make an impact for the Thunder this season.

Lamb was a key piece in the James Harden trade, and is now expected to step into a bigger role since the departure of last year’s back up shooting guard Kevin Martin.

“I like Jeremy Lamb a lot, he is athletic and can shoot the ball too,” Covalt said. “He may not be James Harden, but he adds value to the team off the bench this year.”

Perry Jones, who also spent time last year developing his game with the 66ers, saw seven minutes of action Wednesday. He scored three points and had two rebounds.

Overall the Thunder shot well Wednesday night, hitting 40 percent from the field and 88 percent from the free throw line.

“The only thing that worries me about the Thunder this year is that they don’t have a proven third scorer on the roster,” Troutman said. “Sure Durant is going to score his share of points, and when Westbrook is back he is also a great scorer, but to be successful in the NBA now you have to have three guys who can really score.”

Troutman made some predictions of possible difficulties the Thunder could face.

“The Thunder will struggle if Durant and Westbrook both have off-nights,” Troutman said. “I’m looking forward to seeing who steps up into a scoring role this year though – it could be Ibaka or it could even be Lamb.”

Hasheem Thabeet was suspended for Wednesday’s game after head-butting New Orleans Pelicans’ player Greg Stiemsma in the final pre-season game.

The Thunder will be in action tonight against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

NBA action returns to Oklahoma City Sunday, Nov. 3 as the Thunder host the Phoenix Suns.

“The NBA in Oklahoma City is one of my favorite things about the area,” Elliot said. “There just seems to be a buzz around the city during the season, plus it brings a lot of recognition to the city.”

With the win over the Jazz, the Thunder have a chance to go undefeated for the year.  One down, 83 more to go.