One of my favorite writers on the Internet is ESPN’s Bill Simmons. He’s made quite a living out of doing Running Diary’s for sporting events. Since I am an amateur and imitation is the most sincere form of flattery I thought I'd try my hand at it. It’s good practice right?
6:08 All settled in for the pregame. The dogs are fed, the beer is poured and KD is set to play. Little known fact; KD accounts for 25% of the team’s offensive production. Only Tim Duncan accounts for more of his team’s offense. The Spurs record; 2-5. The Thunder are 1-7 heading into tonight.
6:09 Brian Davis put his best outfit together for his trip to the big apple. He murdered someone’s plaid couch and made a coat out of it to go with his paisley tie. Also, Clyde Frazier showed up and it looks like he’s wearing his 70’s era travel suit himself.
Side note: We’ll also be checking out the Sooners v. American. That games boasts a chance to watch would-be Thunder #1 pick Blake Griffin.
6:15 KD tells Brian Davis the Knicks don’t have a shot blocker like the Magic and Dwight Howard. No one does, KD.
6:20 Why does Uncle Rusty wear reading glasses at practice that are smart looking, no glasses for pre-game interviews and then 80’s bifocals when he’s on TV and the nation is watching? Does he think douchebaggery is a secret weapon?
6:26 If you want to get obliterated try this drinking game. Everytime there is a Chesapeake, SandRidge Energy, Devon Energy, Oklahoman or Midfirst commercial take a drink. Conversely, stay sober as a kitten playing the reverse of this game.
6:31 “Welcome to the financial capital of the world, or what’s left of it” begins Brian Davis. Early candidate for wet blanket statement of the night.
6:36 After our first commercial break I’m now wasted.
6:40 Robert Swift gets his first start tonight. I believe this might be the third different starting lineup. The second was when KD was injured.
6:41 Big Red wins the opening tip and Earl Watson knocks down a shot. Big Red gets a board and KD knocks down a shot. Good start and since it’s on the road, to be expected.
6:45 Grant Long is explaining what a good shot is. Doesn’t necessarily have to go in but it’s one you’re teammates expect you take and make. You mean like an open shot?
6:48 Big Red has 5 boards in 5 minutes. Meanwhile, it doesn’t look like a Friday night tilt twixt the Thunder and Knicks is the hottest ticket in town.
6:52 Uncle Rusty inserted Joe Smith and predictably he knocks down his first shot. I love Joe Smith and his foggy mask.
6:53 The Knicks have already tried 9 three’s, making 3. The Thunder average a shade under 10 attempts per game.
7:01 According to Grant Long, Brian Westbrook learned from Block Fest 08 and passed the ball to Petro for an easy buckets rather than getting stuffed. I couldn’t agree more. Regrettably he followed it up with a brick the next trip down the floor. Knicks 34, Thunder 20 btw.
7:05 Earl Watson goes “back to the well” and misses. The well dried up at the 11:38 mark of the quarter.
7:06 End of the 1st. Knicks 37, Thunder 20. Good times.
7:14 Supposedly the Thunder are getting into a rhythm. If steadily getting further down is a rhythm so be it. I suppose a 14-2 run constitutes a run and they find themselves down 16.
7:15 Drink for a Chesapeake commercial.
7:18 A quick check of the Sooners game finds the good guys up 9-2 early. Willie Warren looks like a big kid.
7:22 Blake Griffin looks like a completely different human being. A man-child actually.
7:29 This might be the fastest game of all time. 3:40 left in the half and the Thunder are down 20. It’s a non-stop assault and the Thunder simply can’t shoot well enough to stay in the game.
7:31 KD is 4-9 from the field for 8. Shooting really well. Of course, he’s on the road.
7:32 I have to admit, as Friday nights in the big town go. I’m home alone watching the Thunder with the Sooners on the picture-in-picture. While on paper this has loser written all over it, it doesn’t get much better than this.
7:36 Well, KD, Earl Watson and Swift appear to have come to play. Regrettably that doesn’t look to be enough at this point. 68-44 Knicks lead at haltime.
7:40 Now switched over to the OU game and wondering why the NCAA didn’t just change the 3-point line to same distance as the NBA? Would it really kill anyone to have a worldwide standard? Especially given the fact high schoolers are now heading straight to Europe or spending only 1 year in college if they are NBA prospects.
7:56 An interesting thing to look at is where the respective teams shoot the majority of their shots. The Knicks have attempted 18 from point blank range. The Thunder have taken 4 and they were all in the 2nd quarter. So, you’re telling me easy buckets are a good thing?
7:58 At the half the Sooners are the Knicks to American playing the Thunder. OU 47, American 24.
7:59 I don’t care how much or how little he scores, Robert Swift is better than Johan Petro and needs to start and play healthy. Emphasis on healthy.
8:00 Should we call the team the OKC Durants? It’s pretty much him or nothing.
8:07 Sherri Coale’s haircut looks good. Really good. Meow.
8:11 The Thunder will be lucky to get 90 points. the Knicks have 92 with 4 minutes left in the 3rd.
Seriously, who is going to be Durant’s wing man? Jeff Green stepped up in Durant’s absence but he’s absolutely shrunk tonight (4 points). Westbrook has 6.
8:14 Grant Long mentions that making a basket on a fast break is one that you have to make. Thanks for that. Whilst I agree you need to have someone that played basketball professionally to be a color guy on TV shouldn’t he bring more to it than me?
So maybe this is a reasonable starting lineup: KD, Watson, Joe Smith, Robert Swift and Jeff Green. Sooner than later Westbrook takes over for Watson but not until he makes more than 15% field goals.
8:21 Westbrook just willed himself to a basket right before the quarter ends. Great work. 93-73 Knicks. Great quarter for the Thunder.
8:25 Don’t look know but, can you believe it, after putting themselves in a giant hole the Thunder are scratching and clawing their way back.
8:26 Knicks 7-26 from 3. Thunder 1-7
8:27 Maybe Westbrook can pass. He just hit Mason on one of the best passes of the season for a rare fast break bucket. 96-81 Knicks.
8:32 Like KD’s shoes. I could be wrong but it could be the first time the team wore black shoes on the road.
8:35 Don’t look now but the Thunder are only down 11 with 6:50 left in the game. Come on boys.
8:35 Westbrook, Mason Collison and Green. No KD and Green make a bucket.
8:40 Green is better off with Durant not on the floor and vice versa.
8:41 Westbrook just destroyed! Now it’s a seven point lead. Offensive foul on the Knicks boards and Thunder ball!
8:44 We need to just spot the other team 30 and get a full 48 minutes to try and come back. Watching the Thunder put themselves in a hole is like watching the Sooners when they give up a kickoff return. You know it’s going to happen it’s just inexplicable that you can’t stop it.
8:49 what a play by KD. Drive, a foul and a prayer that goes in. Can get the Thunder within 8.
8:51 I think Swift just scored one for the Knicks.
8:53 Well, yet another valiant effort. Get down early and make it close late. Then lose by 8. Russell Westbrook has had an awesome game. 19, 9 and 5 for him.
8:55 We’re going to cut this off because it’s more or less over and the lady just brought home Mexican food. Peace out hope you enjoyed.
Showing posts with label OKC. Show all posts
Showing posts with label OKC. Show all posts
Friday, November 14, 2008
Monday, November 3, 2008
John Lucas III We Hardly Knew Ye
John Lucas III was released by the team today. From an OKC fans perspective you hate to see a "hometown" guy go. Even if he was a Cowboy. Nonetheless it's a business this NBA. He had virtually no chance of seeing any significant time. He hadn't dressed for any games to this point.
Still, this leaves the Thunder one under the roster limit of 15. Very intriguing. Are they positioning for a move, a waiver wire pickup or just content with what they have?
A reliable outside threat would be ideal but so would a true big man. It seems to me the lean would be towards a shooter though since the Thunder have Mo Sene and Robert Swift who are still getting back to 100%.
Kyle Weaver seems like a big X-Factor to me. He's played barely a minute so far this season. He's obviously not a point guard. He must be a shooter right? This Wednesday against Boston isn't a good place to find out. Unless it gets ugly (and it could). According to his bio he does a little bit of everything, most notably defense.
In any event it's interesting to think of trade possibilities given that the Detroit Pistons and the Denver Nuggets just traded Chauncey Billups and Antonio McDyess for Allen Iverson.
Still, this leaves the Thunder one under the roster limit of 15. Very intriguing. Are they positioning for a move, a waiver wire pickup or just content with what they have?
A reliable outside threat would be ideal but so would a true big man. It seems to me the lean would be towards a shooter though since the Thunder have Mo Sene and Robert Swift who are still getting back to 100%.
Kyle Weaver seems like a big X-Factor to me. He's played barely a minute so far this season. He's obviously not a point guard. He must be a shooter right? This Wednesday against Boston isn't a good place to find out. Unless it gets ugly (and it could). According to his bio he does a little bit of everything, most notably defense.
In any event it's interesting to think of trade possibilities given that the Detroit Pistons and the Denver Nuggets just traded Chauncey Billups and Antonio McDyess for Allen Iverson.
Not Just Any Victory
The Thunder's 88-85 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday night was more than just the franchise's first victory. It marked an important step in developing synergy between the team and its new fans.
I think it's fair to say that many season ticket holders are either bigger fans of OKC than NBA basketball or bigger fans of the "Hornets Circus" than basketball. That's fine, especially in the case of wanting to support OKC.
That said, the crowd, along with the team, learned just how much they are going to mean to each other this season. As the second half began and Minnesota went on a 10-0 run, it was the effort of the players who got the crowd going. Then it was the players,now feeding off the crowd, who held the TWolves to 12 4th quarter points and a huge first victory.
I think the crowd began to realize that, more than just blindly throwing themselves behind whatever cast of characters we got from the move, this is a team of hard working players who dislike losing as much as anyone else.
Everyone got into it. Kevin Durant had some ferocious dunks, Jeff Green got it going, Desmond Mason hit a big time shot to end the 3rd quarter. Nick Collison kept doing the little things that has him on the fast track to becoming a fan favorite. Russell Westbrook continue to gets better and better. Chris Wilcox and Joe Smith played solidly and even Earl Watson played in control.
The important thing for the players to know is that as long as they can keep it close the crowd will always be there to help push them over the top.
What was really cool to see was the players getting more and more involved as the fans got louder and louder. Then to see Joe Smith, the oldest player on the team, start waving his arms asking for more crowd noise. They all had smiles on their faces that you could even see from Section 309. The entire team stood along with the fans. And, collectively, everyone realized how much fun winning is.
I think it's fair to say that many season ticket holders are either bigger fans of OKC than NBA basketball or bigger fans of the "Hornets Circus" than basketball. That's fine, especially in the case of wanting to support OKC.
That said, the crowd, along with the team, learned just how much they are going to mean to each other this season. As the second half began and Minnesota went on a 10-0 run, it was the effort of the players who got the crowd going. Then it was the players,now feeding off the crowd, who held the TWolves to 12 4th quarter points and a huge first victory.
I think the crowd began to realize that, more than just blindly throwing themselves behind whatever cast of characters we got from the move, this is a team of hard working players who dislike losing as much as anyone else.
Everyone got into it. Kevin Durant had some ferocious dunks, Jeff Green got it going, Desmond Mason hit a big time shot to end the 3rd quarter. Nick Collison kept doing the little things that has him on the fast track to becoming a fan favorite. Russell Westbrook continue to gets better and better. Chris Wilcox and Joe Smith played solidly and even Earl Watson played in control.
The important thing for the players to know is that as long as they can keep it close the crowd will always be there to help push them over the top.
What was really cool to see was the players getting more and more involved as the fans got louder and louder. Then to see Joe Smith, the oldest player on the team, start waving his arms asking for more crowd noise. They all had smiles on their faces that you could even see from Section 309. The entire team stood along with the fans. And, collectively, everyone realized how much fun winning is.
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
Friday, October 31, 2008
So what of the Basketball?
Indeed, lost amidst all the hoopla which included Commissioner Stern, Mayor Mick and, lest we forget, a pregame concert from C+C Music Factory (Yes they are still alive and, surprisingly, available) and the National Anthem and halftime performance from OKC's very own Graham Colton there was a basketball game.
It wasn't pretty but there was one. Rather than give a recap the likes of which you can read at such notable places as here, here and here I'll just break it down Halloween list style with what I liked and what I disliked. We'll start with what I liked because I'm trying to stay positive as much as possible.
Treats (besides the Thunder Girls):
It wasn't pretty but there was one. Rather than give a recap the likes of which you can read at such notable places as here, here and here I'll just break it down Halloween list style with what I liked and what I disliked. We'll start with what I liked because I'm trying to stay positive as much as possible.
Treats (besides the Thunder Girls):
- Nick Collison's hustle. He grabbed some offensive boards, chased down loose balls and pretty well scrapped and clawed any time he was on the floor. More than anyone else he did the little things to help the team that don't show up on the stat sheet.
- The energy of Chris Wilcox, Desmond Mason, Russell Westbrook and Collison. Interestingly, all but Collison came off the bench. Wilcox led the team in points and boards with 15 and 7 respectively. Mason had some really nice plays and knocked down some shots. Westbrook continues to improve and will get more minutes sooner than later (please, hopefully).
- The 4th quarter comeback which was sparked by a humongous Mason dunk (not the
"Wave" as some blockhead caller on KREF intimated).
Tricks (deep breath):
- The shooting or lack thereof. The first quarter was particularly atrocious. It's possible that it was just nerves. Wilcox seems to think this might have been partially to blame. One three-pointer the whole game. What?
- The rebounding or lack thereof. On one possession the Bucks had three offensive boards before getting an easy layup. It hurts, it stings and is unacceptable on virtually all levels of basketball.
- Kevin Durant's 0-point 3-personal foul first half. I can definitely see some of the nerves coming into play here and I seriously doubt we ever see this again. But you have to admit, it stunk like a stale fart.
- Getting lit up by Andrew Bogut. "Lit up" and "Andrew Bogut" go together like turds and punchbowls.
- The lack of a floor general. More than anything I believe this will be the most difficult to remedy. Who is going to set other guys up for this team? I hope Earl Watson. Because as much as I like Westbrook he's a shoot first point guard at this point. KD also desperately needs someone to set him up as well.
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 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.
Quick Hits
Just some quick thoughts on the first preseason game in Oklahoma City Thunder history.
-Russell Westbrook has "it". Whatever "it" ultimately winds up being remains to be seen. Wednesday night he had lots of energy and showed off the athleticism that helped make him the 4th overall draft pick. He also seems to have a pretty natural feel for splitting defenses and for getting to the basket at will.
-Damien Wilkins and Johan Petro were nice surprises. If Wilkins can maintain that consistency and average, say, 10 points a game that would be a big help. Petro needs to imitate a true Center long enough to give Collison and/or Wilcox a breather. If he can grab some boards and play some D that will be just fine.
-Better shooting from KD, Collison and Jeff Green will come.
-Collison and Wilcox play really well together.
-I wasn't sold on the away uni's until Mike Sherman of The Oklahoman made the following made the point that, "Spelling it out is a political statement. This team is representing the city and the taxpayers who made its presence here possible. And the ownership group is broadcasting that to the world and every NBA city the Thunder visits by wearing “Oklahoma City” across the franchise’s chest. It’s a sign of appreciation, respect and gratitude. Good call, Clay."
I don't expect the uniforms to be around too long but from that perspective it now makes more sense.
-Russell Westbrook has "it". Whatever "it" ultimately winds up being remains to be seen. Wednesday night he had lots of energy and showed off the athleticism that helped make him the 4th overall draft pick. He also seems to have a pretty natural feel for splitting defenses and for getting to the basket at will.
-Damien Wilkins and Johan Petro were nice surprises. If Wilkins can maintain that consistency and average, say, 10 points a game that would be a big help. Petro needs to imitate a true Center long enough to give Collison and/or Wilcox a breather. If he can grab some boards and play some D that will be just fine.
-Better shooting from KD, Collison and Jeff Green will come.
-Collison and Wilcox play really well together.
-I wasn't sold on the away uni's until Mike Sherman of The Oklahoman made the following made the point that, "Spelling it out is a political statement. This team is representing the city and the taxpayers who made its presence here possible. And the ownership group is broadcasting that to the world and every NBA city the Thunder visits by wearing “Oklahoma City” across the franchise’s chest. It’s a sign of appreciation, respect and gratitude. Good call, Clay."
I don't expect the uniforms to be around too long but from that perspective it now makes more sense.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Here We Go
Hello. I am a 30 year old lifelong resident of Oklahoma City. My dream growing up has been to live in a city with a professional sports franchise and to have season tickets. My hometown now has that team in the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Summer of 2008 has seen the circumstances and feelings of the move be discussed ad nauseum so I will not get into it here. It's over, it's done and now it's about basketball.
My goal with this blog is to offer a fans perspective of the team and to hopefully offer a glimpse that fans outside of the city or state might not get to read about or see for themselves. I will also offer my own commentary on the games, players, news and notes surrounding the team. Full disclosure; I am a horrific basketball player. I can execute a weave drill, a pick and roll and little else. That said, as I learn the team I think I can offer some coherent and hopefully interesting opinions.
I am lucky enough to be a season ticket holder. My dream is now reality. Hopefully the Thunder will win a few.
My goal with this blog is to offer a fans perspective of the team and to hopefully offer a glimpse that fans outside of the city or state might not get to read about or see for themselves. I will also offer my own commentary on the games, players, news and notes surrounding the team. Full disclosure; I am a horrific basketball player. I can execute a weave drill, a pick and roll and little else. That said, as I learn the team I think I can offer some coherent and hopefully interesting opinions.
I am lucky enough to be a season ticket holder. My dream is now reality. Hopefully the Thunder will win a few.
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