The debut of the Oklahoma City Thunder was a success, with Russell Westbrook, Carmelo Anthony and Paul George scoring over 20 points in a win against the Knicks. The two “newcomers” confessed, however, that they still had to get used to the MVP.
Anthony scored the first points in a few seconds after Westbrook had served him for a threesome,”I was really surprised how free I was. I was glad that the litter fell in and I could get it out of the way. Afterwards I was able to concentrate on the rest,”said Anthony, who had played the previous six-and-a-half years for the Knicks.
He then missed seven throws in a row before catching and finishing the game with 22 points (8/20 FG). It is up to us to meet these litters,”he also forgives some open litters. I think PG and I need to get used to having such open litters,”said Anthony,”We don’t know that. When we get used to it, the litters will fall.”
George, who scored 28 points, looked at this very similarly:”You all know that and I have already watched Russ play against him. But now I’m on the other side and I can benefit from what it brings. I’m happy about what we started today.”
Westbrook was clearly a playmaker in the game and tried to integrate the two new all-stars as well as possible,”There is no one who can stay in front of him,”said George,”he always draws two defenders. “I’ll get the ball wide open a lot and I’ll have to punish the defenders for that.”
Westbrook, who finished the game with 21 points, 10 rebounds and 16 assists, was delighted with the successful start and said:”We’re just getting started. We’re still looking for solutions and I’ll keep pushing the tempo and find the boys. They make it much easier for me, of course.”