Real Madrid Trips OKC Thunder in OT
The NBA preseason is in full swing at the moment and some NBA teams are traveling overseas, taking their game to Europe. Other teams, like the Houston Rockets, recently hosted the Shanghai Sharks. The new-look Oklahoma City Thunder (sans Kevin Durant and Serge Ibaka) flew to Spain to take on Euroleague powerhouse Real Madrid in what would prove to be quite the exciting game of basketball.
The visiting boys in blue managed to control most of the game. In fact, the first three quarters belonged to them. However, much to the delight of the roaring fans in attendance, Real Madrid rallied in the fourth period and were able to force overtime thanks to a three-pointer nailed by Sergio Llull at the buzzer. Talk about excitement hitting a fever pitch right there! It was not easy, but the hosts swung the momentum in their favor in the extra period and surged ahead for the win. True to the script of many of their victories, Real Madrid outgunned their guests from the three-point line while pushing the pace of the game. Real Madrid sank 20-of-37 shots from downtown, compared to the Thunder’s 11-of-29. No doubt the threes made an impact, but to their credit the Spanish club was the more accurate team from all over the floor. Their weakness, however, was quite evident. Real Madrid committed 24 turnovers to Oklahoma City’s 17.
Yes, it was a preseason game and done all in good fun, but it proved to be a good font of wonderful basketball action and got an already fanatic crowd off their feet and stirred into a frenzy. The game was a success overall, especially when you consider how the NBA was able to touch base with its ever-growing European fan base.
Oklahoma City Thunder star point guard Russell Westbrook played only 22 minutes, but still was able to add 18 points to the Thunder’s total. It was newcomer Victor Oladipo (via trade), who carried the Thunder for most of the game. He dropped a game-high 34 points and five assists. On the side of Real Madrid, it was Jaycee Carroll who would lead the white shirts with 24 points. The most important hero on the Spanish side would be Sergio Llull. Not only did his three-pointer force the game into overtime, but he was a force with 22 points and nine assists for the game.
The Thunder will now head to Barcelona to face 18-time Spanish league champs, FC Barcelona Lassa. Will Real Madrid’s el Clasico rivals find the same success against the rebuilding Western Conference juggernaut? Whatever happens, it will surely be a great basketball game to behold.