With two strikes against them before tip-off, the Thunder struck out quickly against a motivated Jazz squad. Utah enacted revenge for the whupping given by Oklahoma City earlier in the month and cruised to a twenty-point win.
Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook provided the only highlights for the visitors but also contributed to the biggest downfall in defeat. The duo poured in 49 points, 18 rebounds, and seven assists on the good side before commiting a combined nine turnovers, only three less than the Jazz had all night.
OKC is still growing as a team and learning to play Coach Brooks' style so the bumps in the road will be there. Losing a key defender in Desmond Mason and traveling to Utah set things up poorly for the Thunder, as did the two lone victories against winning clubs coming in.
Brooks went in a different direction, opting to start another young player instead of a veteran. Rookie Kyle Weaver achieved his first career start and further showed how much OKC is building for the future. It is not a permanent move per the Thunder but it didn't go without notice.
Unfortunately, the Jazz were ungracious hosts and never trailed after a close opening quarter. Utah used an overpowering inside game to take over the contest, and an 11-0 run early in the second quarter helped their cause.
Oklahoma City has one more road game before a couple of interesting home match-ups to start Februrary. One thing to watch is how the Thunder try to curb the turnovers by playing different lineups. I expect Nenad Krstic to be a big part, starting with tomorrow's game against Sacramento, a team filled with a number of skilled post players.
Tune in for Carbert's preview of his hometown Kings, in what shapes up to be a very winnable game for OKC.
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