Durant and Westbrook awesome in Thunder win. 

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK–The Oklahoma City Thunder’s motto going into the 2010 NBA Playoffs is “RISE TOGETHER”.  With the help of more than 18,300 fans in the Ford Center, the Thunder did exactly that as they defeated the defending NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers Thursday night, 101-96.

A near flawless transition game coupled by a brick tossing display by Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant helped the Thunder take command of the game that saw Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook combine for 22 of the final 23 points for the Thunder down the stretch, and that incliuded an amazing 10-2 run in the final quarter.

On the board Kevin Durant finished the game with 29 points, going 8 for 24 from the floor and a near-perfect 12 of 13 from the free throw line and a remarkable 19 boards, 17 of which were defensive rebounds.  Russell Westbrook had 27 points on the night, shooting 11 of 21 from the floor and sinking 4 in five trips to the foul line.  On the Lakers side of the score sheet Kobe Bryant scored 24 points, only making 10 of 29 from the floor and 4 of 11 from three point land, and Pau Gasol and Derek Fisher tied in points at 17 a piece.

The Thunder have a chance to ride the momentum and tie the series on Saturday night as they once again host the Los Angeles Lakers in the Ford Center at 8:30pm.  The game will be broadcast live on Fox Sports Oklahoma (cable-27) and TNT (cable 29).

Photo by Kevin Pyle.