|
 "You can't let Kanter, who just manhandled us, come off the bench
and get 21 and 8 and five offensive rebounds," Denver coach Michael
Malone said.
"Literally, I think Kanter was the MVP tonight. He dominated us.
Every time we play this team he dominates us. We just have to get in
the weight room and get a little stronger."
Russell Westbrook scored 30 points on 11 of 17 shooting. He also
collected 12 assists and nine rebounds.
Forward Kevin Durant added 26 points and 10 assists. Forward Serge
Ibaka scored 19 points as the Thunder improved to 21-10.
Forward Kenneth Faried led the Nuggets with 25 points and 11
rebounds. Guard Will Barton came off the bench to score 19 points
while center Joffrey Lauvergne collected 18 points.
"I do think we're capable of being better," Thunder coach Billy
Donovan said.
"I think we've shown that. I think the concentration, the focus and
just the will to defend at the level I think we're capable of
defending has to be an area we continue to grow and get better at."
Oklahoma City found themselves getting off to a slow start for the
second successive game, as they were unable to contain Faried, who
had 10 points and three offensive rebounds in the game's first six
minutes.
[to top of second column] |
The Nuggets also attempted to make Durant a non-factor by double
teaming him each time he touched the ball near the paint. He was
forced to pass the ball or take bad shots.
Westbrook and Ibaka picked up the slack as they accounted for 28
first-half points, even though they still trailed 61-53 at halftime.
Durant finally figured out the Denver defense in the third quarter
as he scored 12 points to give the Thunder a one-point advantage
heading into the fourth.
"You can game plan all you want," Malone said.
"Kevin Durant is one of the best players in the world. Russell
Westbrook is one of the top guards in the world.
"They took it to another level."
[© 2015 Thomson Reuters. All rights
reserved.]
Copyright 2015 Reuters. All rights reserved. This material may not be published,
broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
 |
