And then, after scoring 29 points in that 1st quarter, the Thunder did their best impersonation of a Top Fuel Dragster crash, skidding to 26 total points in the 2nd and 3rd quarters combined. The Celtics, conversely, put the hammer down.
The Celtics not only got back into the game but took the lead for good with beautiful passing and tenacious rebounding and by forcing the Thunder to settle for jump shots which they did not often make.
The Celtics passing was awesome to watch. They whipped the ball around the perimeter in a blink with picks set up to give Ray Allen or Paul Pierce or whomever else an open look at the basket. Unlike the Thunder they hit many of these shots with deflating regularity.
No one believed the Thunder would win this game. No one certainly expected it so let's look and try to take some positives away.
- The Thunder did play absolutely beautifully in the 1st quarter. If they can replicate that for 4 quarters, in the same game, they can hang with anyone. It's great to see that a high level of play is possible for this team.
- Jeff Green played one of his best games probably. He definitely showed his range in scoring both inside and out. He finished with 14 points and 6 boards.
- After attempting only 10 3-pointers through the first 3 games combined, the Thunder connected on 6 of 13. Buyer beware; part of the reason for this is the Celtics defense forcing the Thunder into taking jumpers. Nonetheless, maybe these guys do know what that semi-circular line means after all.
- The babies, Kevin Durant, Jeff Green and Russell Westbrook led the team in points and were the only three players in double figures. Glass half-full they played well. Glass half-empty, nobody else scored.
- While I was hoping the Thunder could narrow the losing deficit to less than 10, 13 isn't embarassing considering the competition. The line, I heard, was 23. Also, Doc Rivers played his starting lineup in crunch time to stave off the Thunder who did not quit.
Other notes:
- I didn't think I would miss the loud-asses who have sat behind us in each game thus far. However, when the Celtics started coming back it was as though the team and crowd were content watching them go to work. The loud-asses in 309 would have been an asset and I intend to tell them as much when they come back.
- Way way way too much Celtic green in the Thunderdome. I can understand people rooting for other teams when the Hornets were here but this is our team. I honestly don't know how you can live with yourself if you are from OKC and don't support the Thunder. There are very few excuses for this. So few, that I'll have to approve each of them in writing and consider them on a case by case basis. Submit excuses here. This has to be the worst it will be save maybe for the Lakers. I think I'm just sick of Boston sports and their bandwagon fans that literally canvas the entire country.
- The sportglasses I purchased were probably the best $25 I've ever spent and easily paid for themselves the first time the Thunder Girls took center court for a dance routine. Thank you Hans Lippershey.
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