The Thunder saved their season with a heated and emotional Game 3 win over the Trail Blazers. Can they stay hot in Game 4 and even the series?
Russell Westbrook wasn’t himself in the first two games of this series but 33 points on 22 shots helped push the Thunder to victory in Game 3, giving Oklahoma City a chance to even the series before things head back to Portland. Westbrook was his usual aggressive self but efficiency was the difference. His repeated antagonism of Damian Lillard should also add a little extra juice to Game 4.
Just as important for the Thunder, the supporting cast finally made some 3-pointers. Jerami Grant and Dennis Schroder had been 0-of-16 from behind the arc in Games 1 and 2, but combined to make 6-of-8 in Game 3. If they can continue to hit from the outside there will be much more space in the middle of the floor for George and Westbrook to work with.
Below is everything you’ll need to watch Game 4.
Date: Sunday, Apr. 21
Time: 9:30 p.m. ET
Location: Oklahoma City, OK
Venue: Chesapeake Energy Arena
TV Info: TNT
Live Stream: Qualified subscribers can watch on the WatchTNT app or on FuboTV (sign-up for a free trial).
Expect a fired-up Lillard to come out in Game 4 and win his individual duel with Westbrook. After several made baskets in game 3, Westbrook appeared to be taunting Lillard by making a baby-rocking motion and saying “he’s too small.” Lillard played well, scoring 32 points on 21 shots and dropping 25 points in the third quarter to keep in close. But it was Westbrook who had the last laugh in this one, with his teammates hitting big shots and playing suffocating defense down the stretch.
This has been one of the best first-round series so far and there’s every reason to think Game 4 could be another classic.