Thunder Review Week 1: Opening Win Over Spurs Impressive; Orlando’s celebration a bit early

Week one of the NBA’s new season brought two wins for the Oklahoma City Thunder.  Saturday night in the Peak OKC’s game with the San Antonio Spurs gave new head coach Billy Donovan his first NBA victory with a 112-106 final score.  Last night the Orlando Magic fell to the Thunder 139-136 (2ot) in the Sunshine state, giving the Coach his 2nd win.  OKC hosts the Denver Nuggets Sunday evening for game 3 of the season.

San Antonio Notes:

1. Kevin Durant will be just fine as he played his game that counted in 6 months.  It wasn’t his best but considering the opponent and defender (Leonard) that guarded him for the majority of his time on the floor, it was a good beginning for him.  Durant has some difficulty finishing at the rim on drives in the paint and had an off shooting night.

2. Russell Westbrook got his 33 points on 12 of 23 shots and added 10 assists

3. Dion Waiters hit two big shots down the stretch and Enes Kanter had a 16 point and 15 rebound game.  Those two along with D J Augustine off the bench were difference makers.

4. The Spurs big 3 of Parker, Duncan, and Ginobili all seem to have “old age” problems.  Kawhi Leonard on the other head is the man for the Spurs. The new additions of Aldridge and West were disappointing.

Orlando Notes:

1. Durant and Westbrook were a one two punch with 43 and 48 points respectfully.  Westbrook was unstoppable in the 4th quarter and the OT’s

2. Kanter is going to be a significant scorer and with the starter Adams the center position is in great hands.

3. Ibaka was sitting for most of the 4th quarter and the OT’s.

4. Augustin and Waiters again played significant minutes in the balance of the game and it seems like Coach Donovan likes them in crunch time when the Thunder goes small.

5. The Thunder trailed by 18 to start the final quarter but that didn’t seem to matter.

6. Westbrook’s bank 3 to tie was hit after the Orlando five on the court were celebrating their own 3 that they had thought won them the game.

Above Photo Credit:  Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) — The Orlando Magic face the Oklahoma City Thunder at Amway Center, on Friday, October 30, 2015. After double overtime, the Thunder won the game, 139-136. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda / Orlando Sentinel)