Quarter by Quarter observations

First Quarter

 With Luis Scola out due to injury Carl Landry is going to have to step up and play big minutes, in the previous matchup Scola and Landry provided a ton of efficient offense so having one out is big. With Krstic out Thomas has stepped in and is playing well. Westbrook is having some trouble with Brooks quickness but he is doing much better than the previous game between these two. The Thunder defense is a bit lax right now but the Rockets really have not been able to capitalize.

Score to end the Quarter 29-25 Thunder

For those of you interested you can watch all the Tulsa 66ers games online for free at NBA.com

http://www.nba.com/dleague/games/boxscore.jsp?gameId=2020900009

Here is the link for tonights game currently at half time Byron Mullens is 3-7 from the field and 1-4 from the line but he also has 10 rebounds in 20 minutes.

Mullens has the potential to be a dominate big man if he puts in the work now the Thunder faithful will be able to check in on the development of the potential future big man.

Oklahoma City Thunder

vs

Houston Rockets

Preview

The History

The Thunder were coming off an emotional overtime loss on the third to the Lakers while the Rockets were coming off an emotional overtime loss on the fourth to surprise surprise the Lakers. No matter how this game turns out the Thunder will finish November with a winning record, but it would be nice to get to 10 wins. The Rockets are sitting at 8-8 after a couple of tough losses at home to San Antonio and Dallas. The Thunder are coming off back to back wins over the Jazz in Utah and Milwaukee on ESPN.

The Matchups

Aaron Brooks v Russell Westbrook

Aaron Brooks abused Westbrook on defense in the first matchup. Brooks was able to use his quickness to get into the lane and get easy shots for his teammates. Westbrook is coming off one of his best defensive performances on the year against another lighting quick point guard, Brandon Jennings. Westbrook had a great offensive game against Houston he went 14-25 for 33 points to go with 7 assists and 5 rebounds. Westbrook needs to bring the kind of defensive intensity that he displayed against the Bucks to keep Brooks under control, do that and it will go a long way to winning this game.

Edge

Quarter by Quarter observations

First Quarter

 Westbrook has been great in defense of Jennings; Jennings has missed both shots he has taken against Westbrook. Late in the third the Thunder started switching and Jennings was able to get a little space and made a basket. The real story of the quarter is Carlos Delfino he is 5-6 including 3-3 from three for 13 of the 26 Milwaukee points. With Redd and Jennings on the floor the Thunder have been helping off Delfino and he has made them pay. The Thunder are shooting lights out right now and Durant is having no problem getting to the line. Hopefully Westbrook can keep up this defensive intensity all game with as little rest as he will get.

Score to end the Quarter 31-26 Thunder

Oklahoma City Thunder

vs

Milwaukee Bucks

Preview

The History

Milwaukee has much in common with Oklahoma City, after struggling last season both have come out and posted records above .500. Milwaukee comes in for the final game in a 4 game road trip, after winning the first against Memphis they have dropped two straight to San Antonio and New Orleans. If the Thunder is really a playoff caliber team they win this game at home. Oklahoma City is coming off a good win over Utah where they did several things right most notably the ball movement on offense. Shawn Livingston is still out as is Kevin Ollie, and after the great performance at Utah Kyle Weaver is doubtful for tonight with a shoulder injury. The Thunder signed Mike Wilks to provide a little depth at the point guard.  

The Matchups

Brandon Jennings v Russell Westbrook

At this point Jennings and Westbrook have almost the same stat line, Jennings scores a little more and Westbrook gets more assists. Jennings also shoots the three more than Westbrook but Westbrook gets to the line much more than Jennings. After watching Sefolosha shut down Williams at Utah I imagine Brooks will put him on Jennings if Westbrook struggles to keep him under control. Jennings will be tested to keep Westbrook out of the lane without fouling.

Edge Push

Quarter by Quarter observations

First Quarter

 The Thunder came out ready to play, after the horrible first quarter they put up against the Lakers that's good news. First play of the game Jeff Green takes the ball down low and picks up an offensive foul against Okur. It was a pretty weak foul and it looks like Green will probably have a mismatch down low.  Serge Ibaka came in and looked good on his one offensive shot but was struggling on defense, he left Milsap to challenge Williams drive and although he forced Williams into a miss no one picked up Milsap and he got the slam. I don't know how you lose track of Milsap but it has happened several times now and he is making them pay.

Score to end the Quarter 28-25 Jazz