Oklahoma City Thunder vs Atlanta Hawks: Preview, TV Schedule & Where to Watch
The Oklahoma City Thunder are looking to even the season series against the Atlanta Hawks when they host them at the Chesapeake Energy Arena on Thursday night. The Thunder are looking to avoid being swept by the Hawks for the first time since the 2008-2009 season.
The Oklahoma City are coming off a huge performance against the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday with a 125-88 win at the FedEx Forum. Kevin Durant had a great game with 32 points, 10 rebounds and six assists while missing only three shots in 14 attempts.
"We played poised. We played under control and a team that usually packs the paint on us, we spread them out, and we were able to make the extra pass. We played tough basketball," Durant said after the game.
Russell Westbrook added 13 points and 16 assists, one assist shy in tying his career high. Serge Ibaka had 17 points and four rebounds while Dion Waiters and D.J. Augustin combined 25 points off the bench.
"I just read the game. The game tells you to pass, that's what you do. You've just got to read the game and play the right way," Westbrook said.
The Atlanta Hawks are coming from a 98-95 win over the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday night, which is the first game of a back-to-back. Paul Millsap led the Hawks with 20 points, 11 rebounds and five assists with three steals and a block.
"Our contests and our effort to get to their shooters was good. I didn't think anybody got into a rhythm. So, a couple times when they were open, maybe they didn't feel good and maybe didn't have as much confidence," Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer said.
Jeff Teague and Al Horford both scored 14 points while Kent Bazemore and Dennis Schroder came off the bench to provide a total of 23 points. The win over the Mavericks is the best defensive game the Hawks have played the entire season.
This the second and final meeting of the season between the two teams with the Hawks prevailing last Nov. 20 at Philips Arena, 106-100. Millsap had 26 points, 11 rebounds and five assists with a steal and four blocks while Teague added 25 points and five assists.
Westbrook had a near triple-double with 34 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists in the loss. Durant scored 25 points with six rebounds and six assists.
Tip-off in Oklahoma City starts at 8 p.m. ET and is available via NBA League Pass and NBATV Canada. It will also be broadcasted locally on FS Oklahoma HD and FOX Sports Southeast.
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