Oct

29

Thunder Season Opener A Success, Bounce Kings 102-89

Posted by Stephen Rhodes under NBA Game Recap 

Most seasons, the Oklahoma City Thunder have a lousy season opener – meaning they usually lose. But this season, with an improved lineup, they got a gift – the Sacramento Kings as their opponent. And rest assured, Kevin Durant and Jeff Green took advantage of the situation as they combined for 49 points, leading Oklahoma to an impressive 102-89 win over Sacramento at the Ford Center.

The Thunder shot 67% in the opening quarter and matched their highest output in any quarter from last season as they blasted to a 39-22 advantage; meanwhile, the second quarter was dead-even as both teams scored 29 apiece, with the Thunder maintaining a 17-point lead at 68-51 going into the third quarter. Oklahoma City would pad their advantage in the third period and would hang on for the win.

Three Thunder players scored 20 or more points each, led by Durant with 25 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists and a block while Green added 24 with 8 rebounds, 2 assists, a steal and 3 blocks; Nenad Krstic chipped in 20 with 7 rebounds and a block. Russell Westbrook notched a double-double, scoring 14 with 7 rebounds and 13 assists.

Sacramento’s high scorer was Kevin Martin with 27 points (including three 3-pointers), 4 rebounds, 4 assists,  and 3 steals while rookie Omri Casspi added 15 from off the bench, along with 3 rebounds, a steal and a block. Oklahoma City (1-0) plays again on Friday when they travel to Detroit to take on the Pistons while Sacramento (0-1) travels to the Big Easy to take on the New Orleans Hornets – also on Friday night.


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