OKLAHOMA CITY, OK–Kevin Durant had 25 points and 11 rebounds as the Oklahoma City Thunder rolled over the Sacramento Kings in opening night action at the Ford Center. The Thunder drained 10 of their first 13 shots and only trailed in one quarter but it barely mattered in the 22 point victory over the Kings.
The Kings had pasted the Thunder a week ago in preseason action by a nearly identical score, and it was obvious that the OKC squad came into the game with a lot to prove now that the games count. The win also shows how the team has improved since it’s inception a year ago, when it went 3-29 to begin the season.
Also notable for the Thunder was forward Jeff Green. The 6-9 forward from Georgetown had 24 points and 7 rebounds, while guard Russell Westbrook had 13 assists and put 14 points on the scoreboard. Leading scorer for Sacramento was forward Kevin Martin who had 27 points. Martin did his best to keep the Kings in the game, draining all 14 free throw attempts in the first half, but finished the game scoring 3 points in the second half and missing his last 7 shots.
Next up for the Thunder is a trip to Auburn Hills to take on the Detroit Pistons, Then it’s back home to face the Portland TrailBlazers at the Ford Center on Sunday evening.