Where There is a Westbrook...

...the Thunder get a win. Man, if it was only that easy. I almost used the title 'There is a God' but thought better of it. Just too dramatic.

In a total team victory, Oklahoma City used defense to grind out a 88-85 decision over Minnesota. More than just the first franchise win, the Thunder added a number of other 'firsts' against the Timberwolves.

1. It took three games, but OKC knocked down a 3-pointer.

2. The Thunder dominated the boards, out rebounding the T-Wolves 50-39.

3. First-round pick Russell Westbrook announced himself to the rest of the league as a defensive presence.

Down by one at the half, OKC struggled again in the third quarter. They trailed by three entering the fourth, but Westbrook and Kevin Durant took over for the home squad. Nick Collison added the team's first double-double with ten points and ten rebounds, and the Thunder sent the fans home happy for the first of hopefully many exciting finishes.

The best part about it was the defensive play of the young club, led by rookie Westbrooks' steals down the stretch. He is proving many people wrong who said he shouldn't have been the fourth overall selection in last year's draft. Adding 14 points off the bench, Westbrook is pushing Earl Watson for time at the point and even getting on the floor with his counterpart.

Durant led the Thunder with 18 points, and Jeff Green was third with 13 points including the franchise's first triple. All in all a huge boost for OKC, who now gets ready to host Boston, the defending NBA champs on Wednesday.