"Russell Westbrook barreled down the lane, blowing past the powerless Detroit Pistons defense, and threw down an emphatic tomahawk dunk. To punctuate the slam, he leaned back, flexed his muscles and let out a thunderous roar.

The basket gave the Thunder a mere four-point lead 2 minutes, 9 seconds in. But right then, you got the sense this one would be a blowout. Thunder players had a different look in their eyes and pep in their step. Thunder fans, who hadn't seen their team in more than a week, were full of the fervor that had faded in the last few.

When Westbrook whipped an on-the run, behind-the-back pass to Kevin Durant for a layup on the ensuing Thunder possession, the rout was on.

The Thunder took care of the Pistons 99-79 inside Chesapeake Energy Arena in a game that featured plenty of highlights and never was in doubt after those opening three minutes Monday night."