I swear that last night as I was walking up to the ThunderDome I saw PJ's loafers and khaki's sticking out from underneath the building and then, as I got closer, the loafers disappeared and the khaki's shriveled up. Two and a half hours later 19,000 plus munchkins were still in the stands and on their feet cheering a one point loss (99-98 and Steve Nash proved he is still one of the best in the game).
This was a new chapter in Oklahoma City Thunder basketball.
Look, PJ isn't the wicked witch. I've only met one person associated with this team and it was PJ. He was, dare I say, delightful and it's foolish to say that everything is his fault. But the contrast between the Hornets game last Friday and the game against the Suns last night was staggering and the only difference was no PJ at the end of the bench.
Some "beyond the box score" examples:
On Friday night when Jeff Green was introduced to the crowd he walked out like he was meeting a Jehova's Witness at his front door. Against the Suns it looked like all the players were on trampolines.
People were smiling everywhere. During one timeout, with the crowd on its' feet, the coaches huddled up on the court like they always do and Mark Bryant had to bite his lip to keep from smiling and the coaches all just looked at each other and shook their heads like, "Can you believe how much fun this is?"
The players were clearly having fun also. The bench was on its' feet at the end of the first half and most of the second. Players raced to pick each other up off the court. They were more demonstrative than any game that I can remember. They were being creative and it showed with 28 assists (they average 17 on the season).
The energy was palpable throughout the arena and the entire game. There was that synergy between team and fans that had defined the Hornets era. The fans for their part learned that these guys can be likeable and good and a hell of a lot of fun to watch. The players got to see the infectious energy and enthusiasm this crowd can provide. Until now it was only the stuff of legend.
One moment though will stay with me. At the end of the game, after having lost by one point, Kevin Durant stood under the basket by himself and he was just looking around, soaking everything in. He looked like he was trying to capture the pain of the loss and the feeling of how creative and fun basketball can be. I don't know if that's what he was doing but if so it was a neat thing to see.
At the end of the day the standings will say 1-14 but in my mind the Thunder are a competitive 0-2 and the future is looking brighter. Close losses to the Hornets and Suns are nothing to be ashamed of and with the way the team is playing the wins will come soon enough.
Happy Thanksgiving.
Showing posts with label Oklahoma City. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Oklahoma City. Show all posts
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Change We Can Believe In? We'll Find Out in a Hurry
Scotty Brooks is wasting no time making changes to the Thunder lineup. Johan Petro is riding the pine. Damien Wilkens is in at Shooting Guard. Kevin Durant is moving to Small Forward, Jeff Green slides to Power Forward and Nick Collison completes the circle by sliding to Center.
By all accounts, KD has been playing out of position his entire (if not short) career and so has Jeff Green. I cannot do the X's and O's anymore justice than what Chris Silva from Thunder.NBA.com has already done so you can read it about it here.
I do know that the game tonight against the Phoenix Suns represents a fresh
start what with a new coach, a new lineup and a second chance to make a first impression on
the fans. That said, few teams could provide a better litmus test for the
effectiveness of these changes than the Suns.
Tonight we'll see KD mixing it up with Amare and Shaq, Westbrook against Steve Nash, Shaq against all comers. Not to mention Raja Bell, Boris Diaw, Grant Hill and the goofier looking Lopez twin, Robin (the real life inspiration for Sideshow Bob and pictured, at left).
Moving KD to the PF is something that's been talked about since last year.
The reason it's never happened is because he's built like Bambi and these are grown men he'd be thrown in against on a nightly basis. But if you're the Thunder you're staring 1-14 in the face. Is there a better time to start getting on with it than right now? While we're at it, if Scotty is going to be open to lineup tweaks, I doubt it's long before Westbrook is inserted into the starting lineup. He had 11 assists off the bench the other night and if he keeps that up how can you not make the move.
The reason it's never happened is because he's built like Bambi and these are grown men he'd be thrown in against on a nightly basis. But if you're the Thunder you're staring 1-14 in the face. Is there a better time to start getting on with it than right now? While we're at it, if Scotty is going to be open to lineup tweaks, I doubt it's long before Westbrook is inserted into the starting lineup. He had 11 assists off the bench the other night and if he keeps that up how can you not make the move.
PS- Scroll down for my breakdown of the OU-Tech game. Looks like I forgot to drink my Sooner Kool-Aid when I made my score prediction eh? The Bedlam preview is forthcoming. Hint: You should be worried Cowboys fans.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Chapter 1, Hornets- Chapter 2, Thunder
It's the big question of the day. Do you openly root for the Hornets? Do you cheer for both teams? Do you cheer for the Thunder?
The answer is really simple. You turn the page and cheer for the Oklahoma City Thunder. They are playing the New Orleans Hornets. They aren't the Oklahoma City Hornets. They aren't the New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets. Mark it down, though. Some dimwit (probably many dimwits) will be wearing their now retro OKC Hornets gear.
It's fine to cheer and pay respect to the Hornets in the pregame introductions. After all, we essentially owe our NBA membership to them. They were OKC's "First Love" and they are all very likable players and coaches. I'll probably "ooh and ahh" after a pretty Chris Paul pass or the 93rd Paul-Tyson Chandler alley-oop. I'll probably wish the players could trade uniforms. I can't imagine anyone booing them or heckling them or anything. They are the only visiting team who should ever get a cordial reception.
But I won't cheer for them and neither should you. Imagine you have an ex come into town for an evening. You and your new best guy/gal meet up with that person. Would you ever say to your new person, "Hey, so and so was my first love so, if it's cool with you, I'm going to relive the good times with him/her tonight and tomorrow it'll be you and only you again. Cool?". You can't do that in sports either.
If the game should happen to be close I will honestly be surprised and/or dismayed if the overwhelming majority of fans are not lustily cheering on the Thunder. To not do so seems inconceivable to me.
The Oklahoma City Thunder are our team now.
Friday's Off Topic: Sooners v. Red Raiders
Holy smokes am I excited for this game. There hasn't been a game this big in Norman since Nebraska came to town in 1999. The atmosphere will be special and Bobby Stoops really didn't need to call out the fans for it to be (Even though I think he's right and it was funny).
For OU to win they have to eliminate unforced errors, namely those god-forsaken kickoff returns. I swear if that happens I might throw myself out of the back of the stadium. My seats are high enough I can do it.
The Sooners also need to get some turnovers. This is entirely possible. I've seen Graham Harrel make some real bonehead throws and OU has the athletes in the secondary to come down with tips. They also have guys who can jump routes. I think it's entirely possible the Sooners could come away with 2 turnovers.
Finally, they need to play vintage Brent Venables "Bend but Don't Break" defense. The Red Raider dink-and-dunk is fine but the d has to tackle well. I hate the bend but don't break defense but it's made for offenses like this.
One more note on the Sooners defense. The Red Raiders have not faced anything like the Sooners d this year, even Texas. No one matches up better. The Sooners have former safeties playing Linebacker and former Cornerbacks playing safety. This means that there will be no mismatches anywhere on the field that the Red Raiders can exploit. It simply comes down to execution on the part of the Sooners.
Offensively for the Sooners they need to keep on trucking. I would choose the Sooners offense over the Red Raiders offense any day of the week simply because of it's balance. The Sooners can find mismatches I don't care how improved the TT d is.
Final Score: Sooners 56, Red Raider 35.
PS. I wrote this with my Crimson Colored Glasses on obviously.
The answer is really simple. You turn the page and cheer for the Oklahoma City Thunder. They are playing the New Orleans Hornets. They aren't the Oklahoma City Hornets. They aren't the New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets. Mark it down, though. Some dimwit (probably many dimwits) will be wearing their now retro OKC Hornets gear.
It's fine to cheer and pay respect to the Hornets in the pregame introductions. After all, we essentially owe our NBA membership to them. They were OKC's "First Love" and they are all very likable players and coaches. I'll probably "ooh and ahh" after a pretty Chris Paul pass or the 93rd Paul-Tyson Chandler alley-oop. I'll probably wish the players could trade uniforms. I can't imagine anyone booing them or heckling them or anything. They are the only visiting team who should ever get a cordial reception.
But I won't cheer for them and neither should you. Imagine you have an ex come into town for an evening. You and your new best guy/gal meet up with that person. Would you ever say to your new person, "Hey, so and so was my first love so, if it's cool with you, I'm going to relive the good times with him/her tonight and tomorrow it'll be you and only you again. Cool?". You can't do that in sports either.
If the game should happen to be close I will honestly be surprised and/or dismayed if the overwhelming majority of fans are not lustily cheering on the Thunder. To not do so seems inconceivable to me.
The Oklahoma City Thunder are our team now.
Friday's Off Topic: Sooners v. Red Raiders
Holy smokes am I excited for this game. There hasn't been a game this big in Norman since Nebraska came to town in 1999. The atmosphere will be special and Bobby Stoops really didn't need to call out the fans for it to be (Even though I think he's right and it was funny).
For OU to win they have to eliminate unforced errors, namely those god-forsaken kickoff returns. I swear if that happens I might throw myself out of the back of the stadium. My seats are high enough I can do it.
The Sooners also need to get some turnovers. This is entirely possible. I've seen Graham Harrel make some real bonehead throws and OU has the athletes in the secondary to come down with tips. They also have guys who can jump routes. I think it's entirely possible the Sooners could come away with 2 turnovers.
Finally, they need to play vintage Brent Venables "Bend but Don't Break" defense. The Red Raider dink-and-dunk is fine but the d has to tackle well. I hate the bend but don't break defense but it's made for offenses like this.
One more note on the Sooners defense. The Red Raiders have not faced anything like the Sooners d this year, even Texas. No one matches up better. The Sooners have former safeties playing Linebacker and former Cornerbacks playing safety. This means that there will be no mismatches anywhere on the field that the Red Raiders can exploit. It simply comes down to execution on the part of the Sooners.
Offensively for the Sooners they need to keep on trucking. I would choose the Sooners offense over the Red Raiders offense any day of the week simply because of it's balance. The Sooners can find mismatches I don't care how improved the TT d is.
Final Score: Sooners 56, Red Raider 35.
PS. I wrote this with my Crimson Colored Glasses on obviously.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Forget the Ceiling, Where’s the Floor? Or, Can a Turd be Polished?
These are the questions I pondered as I walked out of the Thunderdome following a 108-88 loss by the Thunder to the, apparently not as hapless, Clippers. This was not very fun.
For the first 20 minutes the Thunder clearly were better than the Clippers. They played confidently and raced out to a 15 point lead. They passed well, they defended, they ran the fastbreak well off of turnovers, they played unselfishly and the scoring was coming from everywhere. Then, as if every Thunder player had downed a Silver Bullet and a couple Xanax bars before tip-off, lethargy kicked in at about the 4 minute mark of the 2nd Quarter. That 15 point lead had dwindled to 3 at halftime and had turned into a 15 point deficit with about 3 minutes left in the 3rd quarter.
It was truly painful to watch. At one point the Thunder were booed. I don’t believe in booing the home team but I don’t blame the people who did. There’s a difference between getting beat and being embarrassed. The Thunder players should feel embarrassed for their play during that stretch. To call it uninspired is being polite. Also, for the record, the boos happened one time right before a timeout and for the remainder of the game everyone was trying to help the team get back into it.
That said, this did not feel like a baby step towards progress. In keeping with the idea of being able to polish a turd, however, perhaps this is part of rebuilding (I will keep telling myself this over and over and over). Just throw questions such as, “Can this team win 20? 25? 26? or, Will we have an All-Star? or Will they make the playoffs in a couple of years?” out the window. Screw it. The question now is how far must they (nee can they) fall before pride, heart or something else wills these guys to pick themselves up, dust themselves off and do something about actually getting better.
So, here are some basic questions that have to be answered; Is there a leader? Is there chemistry? Do the players respect and buy into the coach and his system?
Is there a leader? LeBron, Kobe, D-Wade, Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, Chris Paul, Steve Nash and so on and so forth. More than just being exceptional talents these guys don’t let their teams lose. They get in the middle of the huddle and they demand and extract excellence from their teammates.
Today, Desmond Mason looks like he probably is and wants to be the rah rah guy. Regrettably he’s in street clothes during games (I say street clothes but his idea of street clothes and mine are different. His make him look like he could go up to a group of women and point out the ones he wants and say you’re coming with me. Mine do not. And yet I digress).
More important than a rah-rah guy they also lack a floor leader. Someone who makes the players around them better or makes the game easier for his teammates. Against the Clippers the Thunder had more turnovers than assists.
The team drafted Russell Westbrook with him in mind for this role. But the more you watch of him the more it looks like he would just be a huge beneficiary of someone else with these credentials. Even if it is Westbrook it’s not going to happen anytime soon. He’s a rookie, it’s KD’s team and he doesn’t even start yet. He’s not in a position socially to take over this team. Chris Paul did it with the Hornets his first year but as we will find out Friday there is but one of him.
Do they like each other? Well, they stand up and cheer for each other an awful lot. When someone comes off the bench they go down the line and high five everyone. KD, Jeff Green and Westbrook were at the OU-Davidson basketball game together on Tuesday night. They help each other off the floor. As the game winds down and the crowd gets louder they get more and more into it. So, yeah it appears that they like each other. It seems like this is the easiest part, and it is for this team, but it’s much harder to achieve than people realize. All this losing is going to test it also just watch.
Do the players respect and buy into the coach’s system? It’s just too hard to tell at the moment. First, what is the system? At times, the offense looks absolutely stagnant because the passing is either non-existent or lethargic. It makes a Kelvin Sampson offense look revolutionary. It’s obviously predicated on defense which, at times, looks pretty good. That’s why Uncle Rusty needs more time. However, those quarter or half-long stretches marred by a blatant lack of energy, lack of aggressiveness, scoring droughts, mental lapses and leads given up make you wonder how much is youth and how much is Uncle Rusty. We just don’t know yet. Until such time that it becomes obvious I will err on the side of youth but these lapses sure do call it into question.
The bottom line is this team hasn’t found it’s floor yet and that’s mildly depressing. I might need to call Dr. Rodriguez and get my meds upped if I’m going to sit through 30+ more nights like Thunder v. Clips. In the meantime I will keep polishing this turd and hope for the sake of my enjoyment of this ride that Thunder v. Clips was the bottom and now the rebound begins.
Other Notes
I ordered my Go Big Red shirt (shameless plug) yesterday and if Bobby Swift’s performance against Chris Kaman was any indication, it might have been premature. My friend Nate labels someone on the Oklahoma Sooners secondary as “Gas Rag McGee” every year. It’s for the person who gets lit up the most in pass coverage on a consistent basis and generally proves to be a defensive liability. Well, Robert Swift was Gas Rag McGee last night. He made Chris Kaman look like he should have been on the Olympic team. Kaman is not bad but geez the fire department needed to be there with those fire retardant blankets for ol’ Swifty.
Some woman named Kathy Kuck won the award for filling out the most All-Star Ballots by filling out 3400. There’s no way she could have seen any of the game and that might be a good thing. The thing about ol Kathy is she won on Monday also. She also got the same prize; a Thunder jacket and NBA2K9 for the Xbox 360. I will start to worry about Kathy if she wins again on Friday. She looks like she’s about 35 by the way. Maybe she’s trying to collect Christmas presents.
The halftime show was a locally based yet internationally renowned magician. Didn’t catch his name. Probably the lamest magic show ever. I love the cornball halftime shows at NBA games. There’s nothing quite like them.
For the first 20 minutes the Thunder clearly were better than the Clippers. They played confidently and raced out to a 15 point lead. They passed well, they defended, they ran the fastbreak well off of turnovers, they played unselfishly and the scoring was coming from everywhere. Then, as if every Thunder player had downed a Silver Bullet and a couple Xanax bars before tip-off, lethargy kicked in at about the 4 minute mark of the 2nd Quarter. That 15 point lead had dwindled to 3 at halftime and had turned into a 15 point deficit with about 3 minutes left in the 3rd quarter.
It was truly painful to watch. At one point the Thunder were booed. I don’t believe in booing the home team but I don’t blame the people who did. There’s a difference between getting beat and being embarrassed. The Thunder players should feel embarrassed for their play during that stretch. To call it uninspired is being polite. Also, for the record, the boos happened one time right before a timeout and for the remainder of the game everyone was trying to help the team get back into it.
That said, this did not feel like a baby step towards progress. In keeping with the idea of being able to polish a turd, however, perhaps this is part of rebuilding (I will keep telling myself this over and over and over). Just throw questions such as, “Can this team win 20? 25? 26? or, Will we have an All-Star? or Will they make the playoffs in a couple of years?” out the window. Screw it. The question now is how far must they (nee can they) fall before pride, heart or something else wills these guys to pick themselves up, dust themselves off and do something about actually getting better.
So, here are some basic questions that have to be answered; Is there a leader? Is there chemistry? Do the players respect and buy into the coach and his system?
Is there a leader? LeBron, Kobe, D-Wade, Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, Chris Paul, Steve Nash and so on and so forth. More than just being exceptional talents these guys don’t let their teams lose. They get in the middle of the huddle and they demand and extract excellence from their teammates.
Today, Desmond Mason looks like he probably is and wants to be the rah rah guy. Regrettably he’s in street clothes during games (I say street clothes but his idea of street clothes and mine are different. His make him look like he could go up to a group of women and point out the ones he wants and say you’re coming with me. Mine do not. And yet I digress).
More important than a rah-rah guy they also lack a floor leader. Someone who makes the players around them better or makes the game easier for his teammates. Against the Clippers the Thunder had more turnovers than assists.
The team drafted Russell Westbrook with him in mind for this role. But the more you watch of him the more it looks like he would just be a huge beneficiary of someone else with these credentials. Even if it is Westbrook it’s not going to happen anytime soon. He’s a rookie, it’s KD’s team and he doesn’t even start yet. He’s not in a position socially to take over this team. Chris Paul did it with the Hornets his first year but as we will find out Friday there is but one of him.
Do they like each other? Well, they stand up and cheer for each other an awful lot. When someone comes off the bench they go down the line and high five everyone. KD, Jeff Green and Westbrook were at the OU-Davidson basketball game together on Tuesday night. They help each other off the floor. As the game winds down and the crowd gets louder they get more and more into it. So, yeah it appears that they like each other. It seems like this is the easiest part, and it is for this team, but it’s much harder to achieve than people realize. All this losing is going to test it also just watch.
Do the players respect and buy into the coach’s system? It’s just too hard to tell at the moment. First, what is the system? At times, the offense looks absolutely stagnant because the passing is either non-existent or lethargic. It makes a Kelvin Sampson offense look revolutionary. It’s obviously predicated on defense which, at times, looks pretty good. That’s why Uncle Rusty needs more time. However, those quarter or half-long stretches marred by a blatant lack of energy, lack of aggressiveness, scoring droughts, mental lapses and leads given up make you wonder how much is youth and how much is Uncle Rusty. We just don’t know yet. Until such time that it becomes obvious I will err on the side of youth but these lapses sure do call it into question.
The bottom line is this team hasn’t found it’s floor yet and that’s mildly depressing. I might need to call Dr. Rodriguez and get my meds upped if I’m going to sit through 30+ more nights like Thunder v. Clips. In the meantime I will keep polishing this turd and hope for the sake of my enjoyment of this ride that Thunder v. Clips was the bottom and now the rebound begins.
Other Notes
I ordered my Go Big Red shirt (shameless plug) yesterday and if Bobby Swift’s performance against Chris Kaman was any indication, it might have been premature. My friend Nate labels someone on the Oklahoma Sooners secondary as “Gas Rag McGee” every year. It’s for the person who gets lit up the most in pass coverage on a consistent basis and generally proves to be a defensive liability. Well, Robert Swift was Gas Rag McGee last night. He made Chris Kaman look like he should have been on the Olympic team. Kaman is not bad but geez the fire department needed to be there with those fire retardant blankets for ol’ Swifty.
Some woman named Kathy Kuck won the award for filling out the most All-Star Ballots by filling out 3400. There’s no way she could have seen any of the game and that might be a good thing. The thing about ol Kathy is she won on Monday also. She also got the same prize; a Thunder jacket and NBA2K9 for the Xbox 360. I will start to worry about Kathy if she wins again on Friday. She looks like she’s about 35 by the way. Maybe she’s trying to collect Christmas presents.
The halftime show was a locally based yet internationally renowned magician. Didn’t catch his name. Probably the lamest magic show ever. I love the cornball halftime shows at NBA games. There’s nothing quite like them.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Fans a Farce? Damn That's Harsh
Perhaps my blood sugar was a little low yesterday when I said the idea of Thunder fans being the best in the NBA was a farce. I don't completely take it back because I do believe it's just a little premature to wear the crown and it is BS to leave, of all sporting events, a basketball game early when the outcome is far from determined.
Nonetheless I would love to one day be able to say that Oklahoma City has, without a doubt, the best fans in the NBA. And, perhaps it takes less time to get there than I thought. I offer the following quote from this ESPN Fantasy Blog as proof.
"With only three games to track Monday night, I had the luxury of being able to watch a large portion of every contest. And while the marquee match up in NBA terms was easily Jazz-Suns (more on that in a bit), I was particularly interested in one squad: the Oklahoma City Thunder.
I enjoy watching their home games because of their enthusiastic fans, who seem to have an absurdly enormous tolerance for pain. Thunder fans can absorb an enormous amount of punishment, yet vociferously applaud even the most marginally positive development. I don't have these numbers, but I bet the divorce rate in that area is fantastically low."
While it may qualify for "Backhanded Compliment of the Month" I will take it as a compliment. Doing so probably proves the point about tolerance for pain since this is one of the nicest things I've read about the Thunder from the national media so far this season (this is one typical and recent example). Regrettably, he couldn't be more wrong about the divorce rate.
Just think of what we're capable of if we win?
Speaking of, tonight one team will walk out of the Thunderdome with, drum roll please, win number 2 on the season (cue one of those party-favor-sized-confetti-poppers going off). This is like a couple of pups fighting over the hind-teat. It's sure to be fun and hotly contested. But in the grand scheme of the NBA it will probably be more comical and sad than anything.
No matter, I'll be there vociferously applauding the most marginal of developments.
Nonetheless I would love to one day be able to say that Oklahoma City has, without a doubt, the best fans in the NBA. And, perhaps it takes less time to get there than I thought. I offer the following quote from this ESPN Fantasy Blog as proof.
"With only three games to track Monday night, I had the luxury of being able to watch a large portion of every contest. And while the marquee match up in NBA terms was easily Jazz-Suns (more on that in a bit), I was particularly interested in one squad: the Oklahoma City Thunder.
I enjoy watching their home games because of their enthusiastic fans, who seem to have an absurdly enormous tolerance for pain. Thunder fans can absorb an enormous amount of punishment, yet vociferously applaud even the most marginally positive development. I don't have these numbers, but I bet the divorce rate in that area is fantastically low."
While it may qualify for "Backhanded Compliment of the Month" I will take it as a compliment. Doing so probably proves the point about tolerance for pain since this is one of the nicest things I've read about the Thunder from the national media so far this season (this is one typical and recent example). Regrettably, he couldn't be more wrong about the divorce rate.
Just think of what we're capable of if we win?
Speaking of, tonight one team will walk out of the Thunderdome with, drum roll please, win number 2 on the season (cue one of those party-favor-sized-confetti-poppers going off). This is like a couple of pups fighting over the hind-teat. It's sure to be fun and hotly contested. But in the grand scheme of the NBA it will probably be more comical and sad than anything.
No matter, I'll be there vociferously applauding the most marginal of developments.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Losing + Used to Winning = Panty Twist
Well, regrettably it is starting to happen. The foundation, at least in some parts, seems to be eroding just a bit due to the Thunder's losing ways. Fire the coach, make a trade, Sam Presti's in over his head, the Thunder will never be more than a mid-level team. OKC deserves better. Some version of these comments can be found at the end of any Thunder article in the Oklahoman. Usually it's just Internet trolls making noise but the OKC base seems to be getting louder.
Oklahoma sports fans are spoiled rotten. How can you tell me Oklahoma City deserves anything in the world of the NBA? Deserves to win? Please. We've played 11 games as a franchise. The only thing you could argue that we deserve is a team, which we have. Frankly, the idea that we've paid our dues and are the best fans in the NBA is a farce. People leave close games with 10 minutes left like someone was flinging poo in their section. Two games have sold out.
And what's so bad about being a mid-level team? First off, that declaration was supposedly given by someone on the Sports Animal which frankly carries about as much weight as a premature twin. When I hear mid-level team I think competing for the playoffs. That's a fine goal. That's like having a goal to get to a bowl game or make the NCAA tournament. What's wrong with that? If you get in you have a chance to do something more. That's all you can hope for is a chance. Anybody who thinks you are going to compete for a championship year in and year out is just fooling themselves and probably a spoiled rotten Sooners football fan. Sure, the Sooners "compete" for a championship every season in football but they haven't played for a championship since 2004 and haven't won since 2001. And they are essentially the Celtics or Lakers of the NCAA.
So, to recap, we have 11 games under our belt and you feel like the Thunder should be on par with the Lakers and Celtics? Look, not finishing last in the league should be a worthy goal. Not finishing last in the division is a worthy goal for this team. Rally around that. The next step would be to become a mid-level team, then a perennial playoff participant, then maybe win one.
The fact of the matter is not only is Sam Presti not in over his head, he has this team poised to be more than a mid-level team for years to come. Believe it or not. We have trade bait out the ying yang in the form of players like Joe Smith, Chris Wilcox, Desmond Mason and Johan Petro. One of those guys might be in a Thunder uniform next year. The Thunder have cap space and are wiping their butts with 1st round draft picks. Tell me why biding your time until the February trade deadline or the draft is a worse idea than having a fire sale today and getting some mid-level player today that can maybe, maybe help the Thunder win two or three more games.
Getting rid of Uncle Rusty could happen this season but I don't think it should or will until at least the All-Star break, if not the end of the season. A team takes on the personality of its coach if it likes him/her and puts in lackluster effort when they don't. At times this team fades into bolivian as Mike Tyson would say. The offense, or lack thereof, is an eyesore by any standard and no defense can improve enough to make up for it. That much is true.
However, crazy as it sounds I can see the offense coming around a bit. It's like hitting in baseball. It really does take care of itself if you have some decent players. Kevin Durant is starting to hit his stride, Jeff Green is turning into the 3-point threat this team desperately needs and Robert Swift (Stay healthy brah) is a quality player. I purposefully omit Russell Westbrook. He is going to be really good but I can't overlook a blown alley-oop from the game last night. Just ridiculously awful. He's in the doghouse for today.
There is something more sinister at play than lack of effort or youth to explain the losing. The vibe I get is that for other teams, the thought of losing to a bottom dweller like the Thunder is a huge motivation. The Thunder have every bit the target on its back that an upper level team does because everyone knows you have to win games against the Thunder. To not do so would be to give one away. Maybe if the Thunder just took on the role of spoiler, starting today, things could be better. Every game is a chance to dump on the dreams of some other hopeful.
Wednesday night the Thunder have a shot at taking a baby step out of the basement. The Clippers suck. This game could actually be pretty fun to watch because you have two teams that suck and they both know this is a rare opportunity. Someone has to win. I'm glad it's at home.
Oklahoma sports fans are spoiled rotten. How can you tell me Oklahoma City deserves anything in the world of the NBA? Deserves to win? Please. We've played 11 games as a franchise. The only thing you could argue that we deserve is a team, which we have. Frankly, the idea that we've paid our dues and are the best fans in the NBA is a farce. People leave close games with 10 minutes left like someone was flinging poo in their section. Two games have sold out.
And what's so bad about being a mid-level team? First off, that declaration was supposedly given by someone on the Sports Animal which frankly carries about as much weight as a premature twin. When I hear mid-level team I think competing for the playoffs. That's a fine goal. That's like having a goal to get to a bowl game or make the NCAA tournament. What's wrong with that? If you get in you have a chance to do something more. That's all you can hope for is a chance. Anybody who thinks you are going to compete for a championship year in and year out is just fooling themselves and probably a spoiled rotten Sooners football fan. Sure, the Sooners "compete" for a championship every season in football but they haven't played for a championship since 2004 and haven't won since 2001. And they are essentially the Celtics or Lakers of the NCAA.
So, to recap, we have 11 games under our belt and you feel like the Thunder should be on par with the Lakers and Celtics? Look, not finishing last in the league should be a worthy goal. Not finishing last in the division is a worthy goal for this team. Rally around that. The next step would be to become a mid-level team, then a perennial playoff participant, then maybe win one.
The fact of the matter is not only is Sam Presti not in over his head, he has this team poised to be more than a mid-level team for years to come. Believe it or not. We have trade bait out the ying yang in the form of players like Joe Smith, Chris Wilcox, Desmond Mason and Johan Petro. One of those guys might be in a Thunder uniform next year. The Thunder have cap space and are wiping their butts with 1st round draft picks. Tell me why biding your time until the February trade deadline or the draft is a worse idea than having a fire sale today and getting some mid-level player today that can maybe, maybe help the Thunder win two or three more games.
Getting rid of Uncle Rusty could happen this season but I don't think it should or will until at least the All-Star break, if not the end of the season. A team takes on the personality of its coach if it likes him/her and puts in lackluster effort when they don't. At times this team fades into bolivian as Mike Tyson would say. The offense, or lack thereof, is an eyesore by any standard and no defense can improve enough to make up for it. That much is true.
However, crazy as it sounds I can see the offense coming around a bit. It's like hitting in baseball. It really does take care of itself if you have some decent players. Kevin Durant is starting to hit his stride, Jeff Green is turning into the 3-point threat this team desperately needs and Robert Swift (Stay healthy brah) is a quality player. I purposefully omit Russell Westbrook. He is going to be really good but I can't overlook a blown alley-oop from the game last night. Just ridiculously awful. He's in the doghouse for today.
There is something more sinister at play than lack of effort or youth to explain the losing. The vibe I get is that for other teams, the thought of losing to a bottom dweller like the Thunder is a huge motivation. The Thunder have every bit the target on its back that an upper level team does because everyone knows you have to win games against the Thunder. To not do so would be to give one away. Maybe if the Thunder just took on the role of spoiler, starting today, things could be better. Every game is a chance to dump on the dreams of some other hopeful.
Wednesday night the Thunder have a shot at taking a baby step out of the basement. The Clippers suck. This game could actually be pretty fun to watch because you have two teams that suck and they both know this is a rare opportunity. Someone has to win. I'm glad it's at home.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Another Day....Another Learning Experience
We knew going in it could be like this. Losses piling up like bacon at a Holiday Inn breakfast buffet. This vision conjures up abject mediocrity. A level of losing such that the Thunder should never be in games. Lose from start to finish. Desirable? No, but fairly easily accepted after a while especially given the expectation.
But games like Utah, where a valiant comeback comes up just short. Atlanta, carrying a lead through three and a half quarters only to lose it in the last six minutes. And now, at Indiana, racing out to a big lead against a team that is shorthanded, only to once again lose in the final minutes.
The thing that makes it hard is these guys are trying. They are close. They're likable and some of them are damn good.
I'm going to keep telling myself that losses like these are going to make the next win that much better. The first two game winning streak will feel like 10 straight and maybe, someday, the playoffs will feel like winning the lottery (instead of the draft lottery like the Thunder is on the way to doing).
Oklahoma City is an NBA baby. The Thunder are, for the most part, babies in terms of experience. We are all crawling through this learning curve. Can we please start walking?
But games like Utah, where a valiant comeback comes up just short. Atlanta, carrying a lead through three and a half quarters only to lose it in the last six minutes. And now, at Indiana, racing out to a big lead against a team that is shorthanded, only to once again lose in the final minutes.
The thing that makes it hard is these guys are trying. They are close. They're likable and some of them are damn good.
I'm going to keep telling myself that losses like these are going to make the next win that much better. The first two game winning streak will feel like 10 straight and maybe, someday, the playoffs will feel like winning the lottery (instead of the draft lottery like the Thunder is on the way to doing).
Oklahoma City is an NBA baby. The Thunder are, for the most part, babies in terms of experience. We are all crawling through this learning curve. Can we please start walking?
Monday, November 10, 2008
Snatching Defeat from the Jaws of Victory
It's Monday and it's raining. Over the weekend the Thunder dropped one to the Utah Jazz. Once down by as many as 30 they showed some heart and valiantly came back before falling by 7, 104-97. Then, on Sunday, the Thunder lost what looked like almost sure victory against the Atlanta Hawks. The Thunder led by as many as 6 in the 4th quarter but turnovers doomed them and the Hawks won on the free throw line 89-85.
Disappointing though these losses may be, hopefully two key lessons can be taken away, one from each game. In the Utah game it's pride. Down by 30 and basically being mocked and toyed with by the Jazz, the Thunder collectively said enough is enough. The emergence of pride and tenacity was great to see. In the Hawks game the Thunder also came back from a miserable first quarter but put together roughly 3 quarters of quality basketball. Prior to this they've played one, maybe two quality quarters. They had a lead for a majority of the game. They need to learn to keep it. So, baby steps I suppose.
Since it's Monday and one of the highlights of Monday during the football season is Peter King's Monday Morning QB column, I thought I would blatantly rip off Mr. King with my very own 10 Things I Think I Think section, now 6 games into the season and standing in the rain with a 1-6 record.
Ten Things I Think I Think:
1. I think I can't decide if Russell Westbrook or Kevin Durant is better. KD's game is so subtly smooth and when it's clicking a joy to watch and Westbrook looks like a runaway freight train most of the time but he's fearless and clutch. I'm excited to have this duo as the nucleus of this time for the next few years at least but one of these guys will need to emerge as the Alpha Dog for this team to go places.
2. I think P.J. Carlesimo (dba Uncle Rusty) has had so many different lineups on the court I'm not sure which one is best but I think I like this one; KD, Westbrook, Earl Watson, Jeff Green and (Joe Smith or Nick Collison or Dez Mason or Chris Wilcox or Robert Swift or Johan Petro).
3. I think before the season started I thought AC/DC's Thunderstruck would get run into the ground at home games and now I think it's not played near enough.
4. I think you could watch 50 random NBA games and not see a single team go through shooting slumps like this one does.
5. I think (nee, I know) I will be making a Robert Swift T-Shirt that says Go Big Red on the front with his number on the back. I will do it as soon he starts getting more playing time. He's a crowd favorite (or at least a crowd curiosity).
6. I think Earl Watson of all people could ultimately be a huge key for this team. The Thunder need a distributor for KD, Westbrook and Green.
7. I think if you want to pick up Thunderwear, the only place to do so is at the Thunder Shop at the Ford Center. Not Leadership Square, not the Internet. It's ridiculous what they have there that cannot be found anywhere else.
8. I think I like the energy of Westbrook, Dez Mason and Joe Smith. Having the veterans really energized says a lot to me and it's fun to watch.
9. I think the OKC fans have been really good. But they will not be great until they can keep from leaving close games early. It absolutely baffles me. Less than 10 points and 6 minutes left in the game does not mean it's over. Not even remotely.
10. I think we need a consistent 3-point shooter and I think we might have one. Jeff Green.
Who I Like Tonight and I Don't Mean Dancing with the Stars (Also a blatant ripoff of Mr. King):
I hope I'm wrong but at Indiana tonight I think the Pacers are a one or two years ahead version of the Thunder and they know this is a must win game for them. That said, they are imminently beatable and the Thunder have been in virtually every game. I'm quaffing Thunderblue Kool-Aid at this point so I'll say Thunder 94-Pacers 91.
Disappointing though these losses may be, hopefully two key lessons can be taken away, one from each game. In the Utah game it's pride. Down by 30 and basically being mocked and toyed with by the Jazz, the Thunder collectively said enough is enough. The emergence of pride and tenacity was great to see. In the Hawks game the Thunder also came back from a miserable first quarter but put together roughly 3 quarters of quality basketball. Prior to this they've played one, maybe two quality quarters. They had a lead for a majority of the game. They need to learn to keep it. So, baby steps I suppose.
Since it's Monday and one of the highlights of Monday during the football season is Peter King's Monday Morning QB column, I thought I would blatantly rip off Mr. King with my very own 10 Things I Think I Think section, now 6 games into the season and standing in the rain with a 1-6 record.
Ten Things I Think I Think:
1. I think I can't decide if Russell Westbrook or Kevin Durant is better. KD's game is so subtly smooth and when it's clicking a joy to watch and Westbrook looks like a runaway freight train most of the time but he's fearless and clutch. I'm excited to have this duo as the nucleus of this time for the next few years at least but one of these guys will need to emerge as the Alpha Dog for this team to go places.
2. I think P.J. Carlesimo (dba Uncle Rusty) has had so many different lineups on the court I'm not sure which one is best but I think I like this one; KD, Westbrook, Earl Watson, Jeff Green and (Joe Smith or Nick Collison or Dez Mason or Chris Wilcox or Robert Swift or Johan Petro).
3. I think before the season started I thought AC/DC's Thunderstruck would get run into the ground at home games and now I think it's not played near enough.
4. I think you could watch 50 random NBA games and not see a single team go through shooting slumps like this one does.
5. I think (nee, I know) I will be making a Robert Swift T-Shirt that says Go Big Red on the front with his number on the back. I will do it as soon he starts getting more playing time. He's a crowd favorite (or at least a crowd curiosity).
6. I think Earl Watson of all people could ultimately be a huge key for this team. The Thunder need a distributor for KD, Westbrook and Green.
7. I think if you want to pick up Thunderwear, the only place to do so is at the Thunder Shop at the Ford Center. Not Leadership Square, not the Internet. It's ridiculous what they have there that cannot be found anywhere else.
8. I think I like the energy of Westbrook, Dez Mason and Joe Smith. Having the veterans really energized says a lot to me and it's fun to watch.
9. I think the OKC fans have been really good. But they will not be great until they can keep from leaving close games early. It absolutely baffles me. Less than 10 points and 6 minutes left in the game does not mean it's over. Not even remotely.
10. I think we need a consistent 3-point shooter and I think we might have one. Jeff Green.
Who I Like Tonight and I Don't Mean Dancing with the Stars (Also a blatant ripoff of Mr. King):
I hope I'm wrong but at Indiana tonight I think the Pacers are a one or two years ahead version of the Thunder and they know this is a must win game for them. That said, they are imminently beatable and the Thunder have been in virtually every game. I'm quaffing Thunderblue Kool-Aid at this point so I'll say Thunder 94-Pacers 91.
Friday, November 7, 2008
A Glimpse of What Oklahoma City Should Strive For
Tonight the Thunder take on the Utah Jazz in Salt Lake City. The Jazz are the archetype of what NBA basketball in Oklahoma City should look like. OKC is off to a good start what with choosing a singular nickname.
But more than a nickname the Jazz are the only professional game in town like OKC. They have been solid for going on three decades and the reason is continuity. We may never see a coach in any major league last as long as Jerry Sloan. He goes for his 1,000th career win against the Thunder tonight.
The Jazz also have the best crowd in the NBA. Whilst OKC would like to say they do they don't. OKC has to prove it for many years before such a claim can be made. The Jazz sellout every game, the fans are loud and they stick around the whole game.
What should give Oklahoma City hope is that other than beautiful scenery what advantages does Salt Lake City really offer that OKC cannot in terms of retaining talent year over year? Salt Lake City is probably the only NBA city with less black people than OKC. By virtue of the Mormon population the nightlife can't be better than OKC. You have to buy a membership to get into a bar. Seriously, if Utah can attract players why can't OKC?
From a basketball standpoint I don't like the chances for the Thunder. The Jazz are off to a 4-0 start without their best player, Deron Williams. The Jazz were 37-4 at home last season. Maybe the Thunder get off to another good start and steal one. I don't really see it.
And since I have nothing else to add, please enjoy this expose' on the Thunder Girls forthcoming calendar by the Oklahoman's Angi Bruss:
But more than a nickname the Jazz are the only professional game in town like OKC. They have been solid for going on three decades and the reason is continuity. We may never see a coach in any major league last as long as Jerry Sloan. He goes for his 1,000th career win against the Thunder tonight.
The Jazz also have the best crowd in the NBA. Whilst OKC would like to say they do they don't. OKC has to prove it for many years before such a claim can be made. The Jazz sellout every game, the fans are loud and they stick around the whole game.
What should give Oklahoma City hope is that other than beautiful scenery what advantages does Salt Lake City really offer that OKC cannot in terms of retaining talent year over year? Salt Lake City is probably the only NBA city with less black people than OKC. By virtue of the Mormon population the nightlife can't be better than OKC. You have to buy a membership to get into a bar. Seriously, if Utah can attract players why can't OKC?
From a basketball standpoint I don't like the chances for the Thunder. The Jazz are off to a 4-0 start without their best player, Deron Williams. The Jazz were 37-4 at home last season. Maybe the Thunder get off to another good start and steal one. I don't really see it.
And since I have nothing else to add, please enjoy this expose' on the Thunder Girls forthcoming calendar by the Oklahoman's Angi Bruss:
Sunday, November 2, 2008
What a Difference a Day Makes
On opening night the Thunder showed just how far they had to go. On Saturday night against Houston, a team with lofty expectations, the Thunder showed glimpses of growth.
Kevin Durant put on a display going for 26 points and five boards. The Thunder held their own and led the Rockets in most categories yet still lost by 12.
The Thunder shot 40% from the field versus 36% for Rockets, had fewer turnovers 14 to 16 and beat the Rockets 21-7 on the fast break. Moreover, even facing Yao the Thunder dominated in the paint 48 to 32.
So what happened? Two keys. The Rockets were 6 for 21 from 3 point range and the Thunder were 0-4. Also, the Rockets made three times as many free throws as the Thunder, 27 to 9. Ball game.
Most discouraging has to be the three point shooting. The Thunder are just 1-10 through two games. Ten attempts. Conversely their opponents have 39 total attempts and have hit on 13.
Look at this starting lineup. Kevin Durant, Earl Watson, Jeff Green, Nick Collison and Johan Petro. Watson is the obvious 3 point "threat" but he's not a very good shooter (a team low 28%). Durant can shoot it but it's not his primary option (he's 0-3 from 3 so far).
Westbrook is the only guy who's made a 3 pointer and he's made one. Absolutely crazy.
So, while the Thunder looked downright proficient at times against Houston the lack of a 3 point threat absolutely killed them and will continue to do so. If the Thunder continue to lose by 8-15 points this will probably be the reason.
Kevin Durant put on a display going for 26 points and five boards. The Thunder held their own and led the Rockets in most categories yet still lost by 12.
The Thunder shot 40% from the field versus 36% for Rockets, had fewer turnovers 14 to 16 and beat the Rockets 21-7 on the fast break. Moreover, even facing Yao the Thunder dominated in the paint 48 to 32.
So what happened? Two keys. The Rockets were 6 for 21 from 3 point range and the Thunder were 0-4. Also, the Rockets made three times as many free throws as the Thunder, 27 to 9. Ball game.
Most discouraging has to be the three point shooting. The Thunder are just 1-10 through two games. Ten attempts. Conversely their opponents have 39 total attempts and have hit on 13.
Look at this starting lineup. Kevin Durant, Earl Watson, Jeff Green, Nick Collison and Johan Petro. Watson is the obvious 3 point "threat" but he's not a very good shooter (a team low 28%). Durant can shoot it but it's not his primary option (he's 0-3 from 3 so far).
Westbrook is the only guy who's made a 3 pointer and he's made one. Absolutely crazy.
So, while the Thunder looked downright proficient at times against Houston the lack of a 3 point threat absolutely killed them and will continue to do so. If the Thunder continue to lose by 8-15 points this will probably be the reason.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Welcome to the NBA
Great great night for Oklahoma and Oklahoma City. Everything was over the top and beyond the loftiest of expectations. I snapped some photos and recorded the player introductions and will post those shortly.
There has been all this negative talk (I would link but it would probably crash the Internet) about how this city and market can't or won't support a team three years from now or how losing will dull the enjoyment and, hence, undercut fan support. One of the things that struck me last night was that this is really our 3rd season. We aren't NBA rookies. When the Hornets came to town we were awestruck by the effort that goes into the fan experience. This time around we expect it.
Not only were the fans not let down but I think it surpassed in some ways. I love the addition of a live band for instance. Or having a group of drummers (although it'd be cool if they replaced the piped in "defense" drum). The Thunder Girls are hotter and better than the Honeybees. My wife couldn't even make fun of them and that's one of the joys of going to the games for her. The lighting seems to be darker during the action, more like the Lakers at Staples. I personally like that. The intro was awesome and vastly exceeded anything the Hornets did.
There are some differences to be sure though and they are striking and have more to do with the basketball.
It is now obvious to even the most casual of OKC Hornets fans that Chris Paul is something special. He is going to be a first ballot Hall of Famer. When the Hornets were relocated and Paul was a rookie you could sense that he was special. He has court vision that absolutely flabbergasted me at the time. I would be sitting in the club level and he would see things at court level that weren't even there until his passes created it. I once saw him make a bounce pass from the left elbow of the 3-point line diagonally to the right elbow of the 3 point line at the opposite end of the court, through a defender and hit his target (can't remember who it was- probably Mason) in stride for a dunk. That's probably not in his career top 10 highlights. We got spoiled rotten without realizing it.
The Thunder will be lucky to ever have a point guard half as talented as CP3. That's no disrespect to Russell Westbrook who is easily one of the best players on the team today. But he's not really a point guard. Not in the CP3 sense. And this team will struggle for it. This team has no one who can create shots for other people. Kevin Durant would go lights out if somebody set him to abuse his man. You can just tell. Honestly, Westbrook could do the same thing. But I digress.
The other notable difference is the personalities of the two teams. CP3 not only is one of the top players in the game but his personality lights up the whole arena. You just want to like him, you can't help it. Those Hornets had PJ Brown also who is one of the most likable people in the NBA. In their second year they got Marc Jackson who owns horses and dreamt of being a cowboy.
The Thunder players and the OKC fans haven't quite connected on a personal level yet. The players, to their credit, are saying all the right things and they are getting active in the community. They do seem accessible and they all come across as really good guys. They are just soft spoken and it takes time.
The good news is we have the time now. They are here for good no matter what anyone says and this team is not on loan the way the Hornets were.
There has been all this negative talk (I would link but it would probably crash the Internet) about how this city and market can't or won't support a team three years from now or how losing will dull the enjoyment and, hence, undercut fan support. One of the things that struck me last night was that this is really our 3rd season. We aren't NBA rookies. When the Hornets came to town we were awestruck by the effort that goes into the fan experience. This time around we expect it.
Not only were the fans not let down but I think it surpassed in some ways. I love the addition of a live band for instance. Or having a group of drummers (although it'd be cool if they replaced the piped in "defense" drum). The Thunder Girls are hotter and better than the Honeybees. My wife couldn't even make fun of them and that's one of the joys of going to the games for her. The lighting seems to be darker during the action, more like the Lakers at Staples. I personally like that. The intro was awesome and vastly exceeded anything the Hornets did.
There are some differences to be sure though and they are striking and have more to do with the basketball.
It is now obvious to even the most casual of OKC Hornets fans that Chris Paul is something special. He is going to be a first ballot Hall of Famer. When the Hornets were relocated and Paul was a rookie you could sense that he was special. He has court vision that absolutely flabbergasted me at the time. I would be sitting in the club level and he would see things at court level that weren't even there until his passes created it. I once saw him make a bounce pass from the left elbow of the 3-point line diagonally to the right elbow of the 3 point line at the opposite end of the court, through a defender and hit his target (can't remember who it was- probably Mason) in stride for a dunk. That's probably not in his career top 10 highlights. We got spoiled rotten without realizing it.
The Thunder will be lucky to ever have a point guard half as talented as CP3. That's no disrespect to Russell Westbrook who is easily one of the best players on the team today. But he's not really a point guard. Not in the CP3 sense. And this team will struggle for it. This team has no one who can create shots for other people. Kevin Durant would go lights out if somebody set him to abuse his man. You can just tell. Honestly, Westbrook could do the same thing. But I digress.
The other notable difference is the personalities of the two teams. CP3 not only is one of the top players in the game but his personality lights up the whole arena. You just want to like him, you can't help it. Those Hornets had PJ Brown also who is one of the most likable people in the NBA. In their second year they got Marc Jackson who owns horses and dreamt of being a cowboy.
The Thunder players and the OKC fans haven't quite connected on a personal level yet. The players, to their credit, are saying all the right things and they are getting active in the community. They do seem accessible and they all come across as really good guys. They are just soft spoken and it takes time.
The good news is we have the time now. They are here for good no matter what anyone says and this team is not on loan the way the Hornets were.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
It's Game Day
He we are on the precipice of glory in OKC. We officially have made it. We are in the NBA. Listen, Oklahoma City is the biggest small town you will ever see. There is no six degrees of separation, it's more like three. Yet, historically there has always been a well marked line right down the center. On one side Sooners and on the other Cowboys. Households, streets, neighborhoods, offices. All are divided. The Thunder brings it all together. And yes it may sound hokey to an outsider or someone from a place where there's football, hockey, baseball and basketball to divide people's time and attention. But we are officially united in the professional ranks with one team to get behind. Our Oklahoma City Thunder.
The Oklahoman has good coverage on this. Berry Tramel, who annoys me with his folksy banter, pretty much reiterates what I just said.
So yesterday Mayor Mick declared it a, "Day of Thunder" in OKC. Today, the festivities start at 2pm. Reno will be closed off, there will be live music, face painting, sign making, BMX stunt riders and goodness knows what else. The line for walk up tickets also starts at 2pm with the first 75 people getting EZ chairs to sit and there will be drawings for free tickets.
Interestingly, I've been feeling like people have been breathlessly waiting to see how the "game experience" compares to the Hornets. And I still do. But, I was surprised to find myself to be somewhat relieved and excited to see that Loud City officially makes its return. I think it's a great move. As team officials say, the fans made Loud City and the Hornets named it, not vice-versa. Just so you know, Section 309 is in Loud City.
I'm also interested to see the drum line. Hopefully we're talking live drummers and not piped in beats to get the crowd clapping. I recently read something about the Atlanta Hawks have a live funk band that plays during games to keep the crowd going. Similarly a live drum line would be pretty slick I think.
The team has also put banners up for every team in the league which should help with the ambiance. The Fieldhouse in Indianapolis is a monument to basketball. The Ford Center, whilst multipurpose hopefully can be retrofitted to be similar.
Finally the court has been delivered. Although it appears there was some sort of snafu due to the
team utilizing one kind of goal fitting and the court's three-point lines being painted at a distance meant for a different kind of goal. So, the Ford Center crew had to paint a new line on the court to be the correct distance. Not sure how best to rectify this but I'd be pissed if I were the Thunder. It sounds like an internal screwup unfortunately.
team utilizing one kind of goal fitting and the court's three-point lines being painted at a distance meant for a different kind of goal. So, the Ford Center crew had to paint a new line on the court to be the correct distance. Not sure how best to rectify this but I'd be pissed if I were the Thunder. It sounds like an internal screwup unfortunately.I'm going to try and head down straight from work tonight to see the festivities and I'll snap some pictures and post them here.
Go Thunder!
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Tickets are Out
When I went home last night the UPS man had left a note on my door that he had tried to drop off tickets. I went and picked them up today. I must say they certainly look big league.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Breaking News! Thunder Execrises Options on Durant and Green
Oh you already heard that? Well it's awesome in any event. It's now possible that the two of them could be in Thunder uniforms through the 2011 season. That hopefully bodes well for ticket sales.
Even getting them through next year should be all the time necessary to determine if they are, in fact, keys to the championship puzzle. All signs point to yes obviously with Durant but Green has work to do. Although, he did make the NBA All-Rookie team last year along with KD so that should at the very least bode well.
After I heard the news it got me to thinking about the question of the Thunder being able to keep talent and to attract marquee free agents. This is one of the topics detractors of the NBA in OKC keep raising. People like to say that there is no way any one would want to come here to play or live or have anything to do with this "small-time" city. It seems to me the answer has something in common with the University of Oklahoma.
Think about it. Marquee recruits have the opportunity to play anywhere in the country. In any environment they like. Los Angeles (USC, UCLA), Miami, anywhere else in Florida, Austin (great night life), Colorado (mountains) and on and on and on. Virtually anywhere has arguably better scenery or better nightlife or more entertainment options than Norman, Oklahoma. Go ahead and lump OKC in there for that matter. Yet, recruiting talent is never a problem. Maybe it's tradition, maybe it's coaching, maybe it's wanting to play for a perennial winner. Whatever the case, they come. Insert the, "Maybe it's the money" joke here.
As it relates to the Thunder I have to believe that, with all things being equal, OKC should be able to compete for free agents and retain top level talent. While tradition and perennial winning might not be a calling card yet there are several benefits to OKC. One, this team seems to have a vision of what it wants to be and how it needs to be built to be competitive year in and year out. Two, this team is stockpiling assets in order to position itself to be a player in the free agent market. Three, a person's money goes further here than it does in other places.
Also, whose to say that each and every player is going to base his decision on nightlife or activities available. Is that not what roadtrips are for? Maybe some guys like to stay in or maybe they are family men. I'm just saying there is more to it than the social scene (which really ISN'T that bad- I have to believe it compares favorably to Salt Lake City for instance).
Ultimately, players are fiercely competitive. They can't make it to this level without a desire to succeed. If the OKC front office sticks to their plan and vision to build a competitive team the right way then why wouldn't someone want to come here, be a key cog in the wheel and have an opportunity to star and help win basketball games? They have a chance to be the only game in town, heroes of the city and to play for great crowds night in and night out.
Even getting them through next year should be all the time necessary to determine if they are, in fact, keys to the championship puzzle. All signs point to yes obviously with Durant but Green has work to do. Although, he did make the NBA All-Rookie team last year along with KD so that should at the very least bode well.
After I heard the news it got me to thinking about the question of the Thunder being able to keep talent and to attract marquee free agents. This is one of the topics detractors of the NBA in OKC keep raising. People like to say that there is no way any one would want to come here to play or live or have anything to do with this "small-time" city. It seems to me the answer has something in common with the University of Oklahoma.
Think about it. Marquee recruits have the opportunity to play anywhere in the country. In any environment they like. Los Angeles (USC, UCLA), Miami, anywhere else in Florida, Austin (great night life), Colorado (mountains) and on and on and on. Virtually anywhere has arguably better scenery or better nightlife or more entertainment options than Norman, Oklahoma. Go ahead and lump OKC in there for that matter. Yet, recruiting talent is never a problem. Maybe it's tradition, maybe it's coaching, maybe it's wanting to play for a perennial winner. Whatever the case, they come. Insert the, "Maybe it's the money" joke here.
As it relates to the Thunder I have to believe that, with all things being equal, OKC should be able to compete for free agents and retain top level talent. While tradition and perennial winning might not be a calling card yet there are several benefits to OKC. One, this team seems to have a vision of what it wants to be and how it needs to be built to be competitive year in and year out. Two, this team is stockpiling assets in order to position itself to be a player in the free agent market. Three, a person's money goes further here than it does in other places.
Also, whose to say that each and every player is going to base his decision on nightlife or activities available. Is that not what roadtrips are for? Maybe some guys like to stay in or maybe they are family men. I'm just saying there is more to it than the social scene (which really ISN'T that bad- I have to believe it compares favorably to Salt Lake City for instance).
Ultimately, players are fiercely competitive. They can't make it to this level without a desire to succeed. If the OKC front office sticks to their plan and vision to build a competitive team the right way then why wouldn't someone want to come here, be a key cog in the wheel and have an opportunity to star and help win basketball games? They have a chance to be the only game in town, heroes of the city and to play for great crowds night in and night out.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
A Little Time Off Hopefully Goes a Long Way
The Thunder don't play a game until next Thursday. This is welcome news on many fronts. Half the squad is in the infirmary so they get to spend some time in the ice baths. More offense will get installed, film can be watched and teaching and personnel meshing can continue.
Another note from the Thunder's home game the other night. There were a lot of people rocking Thunder wear and that was cool to see. It really is awesome that this community, and by that I mean the entire state, can rally around a single team.
This is taken from thundermadness.com, The Oklahoman's Thunder fan site and I think it illustrates my point from yesterday people wanting to compare everything to the Hornets.
Quoth Kandi, "After having season tix for the Hornets 2 years,and purchasing 4 for this year, I was ver much anticipating Tuesday night. But WOW! what a left down. Everything seemed thown together. The crappy announcer was dry and really didn't have energy and seemed to be prodded from behind to speak sometimes. The sound or music selection (or lack of) wow sad, the music sound lights and announcer should be the driving force behind the croud getting it pumped up. Not saying "Ok guys lets say defence." How lame! No pregame light show except the light going off then on. No time out stunts, half time was like Hinder decided to stay in the stands, so they had to come up with a quick idea. Thunder Girls? That was the best they could come up with. And did we see them dance? No. No t-shirt launcher. I was front row club level and I was S.O.L. I really hope they are holding back for the regular season because everyone paid WAY too much money to watch a high school production. I'll have to wait and see."
First off, it's the National BASKETBALL Association and not the National Sideshow Association. Shouldn't the basketball be most responsible for fans getting into the game? Also, when the team put together a list of "things that must be done by the first preseason home game" how high was smoke machine or t-shirt launcher do you think? Higher than, say, uniforms, tickets, a court, a practice facility, places for players to live, staff, etc?
Regrettably, Kandi is not alone in this sentiment. My blessed mother could very well be using the moniker Kandi to post (although my mom can spell and doesn't speak Interweb). And there are thousands like them.
Patience please.
Another note from the Thunder's home game the other night. There were a lot of people rocking Thunder wear and that was cool to see. It really is awesome that this community, and by that I mean the entire state, can rally around a single team.
This is taken from thundermadness.com, The Oklahoman's Thunder fan site and I think it illustrates my point from yesterday people wanting to compare everything to the Hornets.
Quoth Kandi, "After having season tix for the Hornets 2 years,and purchasing 4 for this year, I was ver much anticipating Tuesday night. But WOW! what a left down. Everything seemed thown together. The crappy announcer was dry and really didn't have energy and seemed to be prodded from behind to speak sometimes. The sound or music selection (or lack of) wow sad, the music sound lights and announcer should be the driving force behind the croud getting it pumped up. Not saying "Ok guys lets say defence." How lame! No pregame light show except the light going off then on. No time out stunts, half time was like Hinder decided to stay in the stands, so they had to come up with a quick idea. Thunder Girls? That was the best they could come up with. And did we see them dance? No. No t-shirt launcher. I was front row club level and I was S.O.L. I really hope they are holding back for the regular season because everyone paid WAY too much money to watch a high school production. I'll have to wait and see."
First off, it's the National BASKETBALL Association and not the National Sideshow Association. Shouldn't the basketball be most responsible for fans getting into the game? Also, when the team put together a list of "things that must be done by the first preseason home game" how high was smoke machine or t-shirt launcher do you think? Higher than, say, uniforms, tickets, a court, a practice facility, places for players to live, staff, etc?
Regrettably, Kandi is not alone in this sentiment. My blessed mother could very well be using the moniker Kandi to post (although my mom can spell and doesn't speak Interweb). And there are thousands like them.
Patience please.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Welcome to Thunderdome!
Clippers 90, Thunder 88
Last night marked the first appearance of the Thunder at the Ford Center. It's the only appearance the team will make in the preseason. All phases, from gameplay to announcing to the crowd, looked and felt like preseason.
But that's okay.
The team was, at times, sluggish and sloppy but there were some highlights. Johan Petro did a wonderful impersonation of a true center. That was great to see. Nick Collison looked like the closest thing to consistently dependable that the Thunder might have (uh oh). KD finished strong again. When he gets his shot to drop more reliably he will prove to the OKC fanbase that he is truly a superstar.
Lowlights included sloppy play from the backcourt. Lots of turnovers (7 between Earl Watson, Russell Westbrook and John Lucas III) and another 10 from Durant and Damien Wilkins. Free throws were missed late that accounted for the difference in the final score.
The nagging question that's on my mind is how will the Thunder fare when opposing team's best players are on the court for the majority of the game? Last night the Thunder had KD, Collison, Westbrook, Wilkins and Lucas on the court in crunch time. Aside from Lucas that's probably not a stretch for the real show. Meanwhile, the Clippers had no Baron Davis for the entire game, no Marcus Camby the entire game and yet the Thunder scratched and clawed their way to a two point loss. Yes they played 5 games in 7 days. Yes, with injuries and lack of practice time (PJ and KD both said less than half of the offense has been installed) PJ hasn't been able to properly evaluate personnel options. Hopefully, after an 8 day layoff betwixt games the Thunder will be able to offer a more proper showing of what they can do.
From an organizational standpoint I feel like the Thunder have plenty of room for improvement in terms of a "game experience". Regrettably, all the OKC fans have to compare it to is the Hornets and I got the sense that for at least the first half most people in the arena were comparing everything to the Hornets. This will probably be even worse on Opening Night when the place is packed and more seat owners are in attendance.
What people need to remember is that when the Hornets were relocated their entire organzation was uprooted. They basically took everything and everyone associated with the game from New Orleans Arena and recreated it in the Ford Center. In the case of the Thunder, fans need to realize this is much more like an expansion than a relocation. I doubt as many people moved with the team from Seattle as did from New Orleans. Likewise, the team name didn't move, the colors didn't move, the mascot didn't move. All of this is being added piece meal. And frankly, nuances such as sound effects are not as important to have nailed down for the first preseason game as, say, things related to the actual game. The court isn't even finished.
I don't really care either that the Thunder Dance Team is going to be called the Thunder Girls but I do imagine that Marketing probably lost some sleep kicking around ideas before they came up with the moniker. What's more important is this. Now that's Major League.
Also, what's the rush? Why not let the character of the team and the city have some time to marinate together? I think the result will be better than a rubber stamp copy of what the Hornets do. It might actually result in a more unique atmosphere over the long haul. So patience, at least for a season. We are all starting new here.
That said, 16,000 plus is not too shab for a preseason game and in the second half the crowd started getting more and more into things. By the end, it was raucous and I think the players got a good taste of what they can expect if they can play hard enough to keep things close.
Here's a picture of what it looks like in Section 309
Last night marked the first appearance of the Thunder at the Ford Center. It's the only appearance the team will make in the preseason. All phases, from gameplay to announcing to the crowd, looked and felt like preseason.
But that's okay.
The team was, at times, sluggish and sloppy but there were some highlights. Johan Petro did a wonderful impersonation of a true center. That was great to see. Nick Collison looked like the closest thing to consistently dependable that the Thunder might have (uh oh). KD finished strong again. When he gets his shot to drop more reliably he will prove to the OKC fanbase that he is truly a superstar.
Lowlights included sloppy play from the backcourt. Lots of turnovers (7 between Earl Watson, Russell Westbrook and John Lucas III) and another 10 from Durant and Damien Wilkins. Free throws were missed late that accounted for the difference in the final score.
The nagging question that's on my mind is how will the Thunder fare when opposing team's best players are on the court for the majority of the game? Last night the Thunder had KD, Collison, Westbrook, Wilkins and Lucas on the court in crunch time. Aside from Lucas that's probably not a stretch for the real show. Meanwhile, the Clippers had no Baron Davis for the entire game, no Marcus Camby the entire game and yet the Thunder scratched and clawed their way to a two point loss. Yes they played 5 games in 7 days. Yes, with injuries and lack of practice time (PJ and KD both said less than half of the offense has been installed) PJ hasn't been able to properly evaluate personnel options. Hopefully, after an 8 day layoff betwixt games the Thunder will be able to offer a more proper showing of what they can do.
From an organizational standpoint I feel like the Thunder have plenty of room for improvement in terms of a "game experience". Regrettably, all the OKC fans have to compare it to is the Hornets and I got the sense that for at least the first half most people in the arena were comparing everything to the Hornets. This will probably be even worse on Opening Night when the place is packed and more seat owners are in attendance.
What people need to remember is that when the Hornets were relocated their entire organzation was uprooted. They basically took everything and everyone associated with the game from New Orleans Arena and recreated it in the Ford Center. In the case of the Thunder, fans need to realize this is much more like an expansion than a relocation. I doubt as many people moved with the team from Seattle as did from New Orleans. Likewise, the team name didn't move, the colors didn't move, the mascot didn't move. All of this is being added piece meal. And frankly, nuances such as sound effects are not as important to have nailed down for the first preseason game as, say, things related to the actual game. The court isn't even finished.
I don't really care either that the Thunder Dance Team is going to be called the Thunder Girls but I do imagine that Marketing probably lost some sleep kicking around ideas before they came up with the moniker. What's more important is this. Now that's Major League.
Also, what's the rush? Why not let the character of the team and the city have some time to marinate together? I think the result will be better than a rubber stamp copy of what the Hornets do. It might actually result in a more unique atmosphere over the long haul. So patience, at least for a season. We are all starting new here.
That said, 16,000 plus is not too shab for a preseason game and in the second half the crowd started getting more and more into things. By the end, it was raucous and I think the players got a good taste of what they can expect if they can play hard enough to keep things close.
Here's a picture of what it looks like in Section 309
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Rough Weekend
After a weekend which saw the Oklahoma Sooners fall to Texas and the Thunder lose to Sacramento and Golden State it was nice to see the a Thunder victory Monday night.
Kevin Durant scored 20 in the 4th and played incredible defense and did what he had not done up to this point in the preseason; carry his team.
Hopefully it's the start of great things. Durant looked phenomenal, Chris Wilcox had a ton of energy and Nick Collison played really well also.
The thing that keeps gnawing at me with this team though is will they be able to keep up when the opposing team's firepower goes on a run? The Thunder scratched and clawed last night against a Houston team that put a bunch of riff-raff on the floor in crunch time. In crunch time their go-to-guy was D.J. Strawberry. Tracy McGrady didn't play and Yao didn't play in the 4th.
Who cares. A win is a win and even though it's only preseason it's huge to get the first one under their belt.
Now it's on to the OKC debut, the home debut and I can't wait. I'll try to get some pictures and post them. I'm very excited and interested to see the crowd. It would be awesome if the OKC fans can truly make the Ford Center (dba Thunderdome) a home court advantage.
Kevin Durant scored 20 in the 4th and played incredible defense and did what he had not done up to this point in the preseason; carry his team.
Hopefully it's the start of great things. Durant looked phenomenal, Chris Wilcox had a ton of energy and Nick Collison played really well also.
The thing that keeps gnawing at me with this team though is will they be able to keep up when the opposing team's firepower goes on a run? The Thunder scratched and clawed last night against a Houston team that put a bunch of riff-raff on the floor in crunch time. In crunch time their go-to-guy was D.J. Strawberry. Tracy McGrady didn't play and Yao didn't play in the 4th.
Who cares. A win is a win and even though it's only preseason it's huge to get the first one under their belt.
Now it's on to the OKC debut, the home debut and I can't wait. I'll try to get some pictures and post them. I'm very excited and interested to see the crowd. It would be awesome if the OKC fans can truly make the Ford Center (dba Thunderdome) a home court advantage.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Open Practice Announced
The Thunder will hold an open practice on October 20th. Doors open at 5:30 and it's general admission.
Details
Details
Oklahoma City at Sacramento
What I am looking forward to seeing tonight (and I don't mean The Rocky Horror Picture Show at Lyric Theatre)
-More minutes for Russell Westbrook and Johan Petro.
-Less minutes for Collison and Wilcox.
-Something positive from Jeff Green.
-Fewer turnovers.
-Better reception from the KSBI feed.
-More minutes for Russell Westbrook and Johan Petro.
-Less minutes for Collison and Wilcox.
-Something positive from Jeff Green.
-Fewer turnovers.
-Better reception from the KSBI feed.
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