Oklahoma City Holds Off Indiana

The Thunder built an early lead allowing them to weather the late scoring flurry by the Pacers.

Thursday, May 26th 2011, 11:50 am

By: News On 6

Originally Published: Jul 9, 2010 10:27 AM CDT

Gerald Goodridge
Oklahoma Sports Staff Writer

ORLANDO, Florida -- Despite being outscored 49-34 in the second half, the Oklahoma City Thunder held off the Indiana Pacers and improved to 3-1 with a 77-73 win Friday.

The Thunder’s offense got off to a quick start, outscoring Indiana 24-17 in the opening 10 minutes of the game.

But it was Oklahoma City’s defense that gave them a big lead going into halftime. The Thunder held the Indiana offense to just seven points in the quarter, while managing to score 19 to take a 43-26 lead at half.

Oklahoma City’s offense kept pace in the third quarter, scoring 17 points in the opening 10 minutes of the second half, but the defense slacked, allowing the Pacers 22 points in the quarter.

The fourth quarter was no different, but Oklahoma City’s 17 points in the fourth was enough to secure the three-point win.

Thunder rookie – and former Tulsa 66er – Mustafa Shakur led Oklahoma City with 19 points and six assists, while Kyle Weaver added 15 points and three rebounds. Indiana rookie Paul George’s double-double led all scorers with 22 points and 15 rebounds.