Well, the last game I was able to see in person was last week's last second loss to the Nuggets. Over the weekend the Thunder beat down a quality Trail Blazers team and a bad Sacramento team. I was unable to make either. I've missed at least half this team's wins. If I didn't know better I'd think my presence was a bad thing.
A great win against Portland
I posted a few weeks back about how fun it is to read the other team's home paper. Nothing brings out bitterness, shock and disappointment quite like losing to the Thunder.
This story from Joe Freeman in The Oregonian illustrates this point.
Some choice cuts:
"In one of their worst and uninspiring performances of the season, the Blazers were outworked, outclassed and overmatched against the lowly Oklahoma City Thunder, falling 102-93 in an even-worse-than-it-sounds head-scratcher before 18,694."
From Brandon Roy, "They weren't scared of us -- at all," Roy said. "They came out from the opening jump and said, 'None of you guys can stay in front of us.' It was different than any other game. It was almost like they didn't have any respect for us. From the opening jump, they felt like they could beat any one of our players at any time. I don't know, I feel they just disrespected us. But if you can do it (and get away with it), do it."
Growth in the win over Sacramento
If the win over Portland was a confidence builder, the win against Sacramento could be even more important. As the Thunder continue to grow it's going to become more important to win games against teams of the King's (and the Thunder's) caliber. Portland dropped from 4th to 5th in the Western Conference with Friday's loss. Hopefully the Thunder find themselves jockeying for playoff position and every win is going to be critical.
The Thunder also showed great fight. The Thunder lost a huge lead but battled back. The Thunder have lost probably 10 games that followed this script.
New Mascot a bison
Here's the link from The Oklahoman
I like it. Bison is what I liked for a name and I think it works well with Thunder. I am surprised it wasn't some kind of Thor figure because so many people at games dress up in that sort of costume.
I just hope they make it look tough more than cartoonish and, for the love of all things holy, it has to be better than the horse mascot's that OU started using a few years ago. This hideousness sets the bar for me.
A Tacky Move
I was looking around the "Interweb" for Thunderwear and noticed that the price of identical products on the official "Thundershop" website and NBA.com are different. The Thundershop prices are way higher. At Thundershop you can get an authentic jersey, any size, for $240.00. At NBA.com the same jersey is $209.99 for XXL, $179.00 for smaller sizes.
Shooting Shirts (warmup shirts) on Thundershop are $80.00 for short sleeves and $90.00 for long sleeves. NBA.com has them for $53.99 and $69.99.
There are other examples. You can find Thunder gear on Yahoo! as well and it eflects the NBA.com pricing.
This is either poor work by merchandisers who can't get on the same page somehow or it's gouging on the part of the Thunder.
I hate to say it but I think it's the latter. Unfortunately, if true, it lends credence to the argument that Clay Bennett et al are money-hungry, opportunistic bastards. I know it's a business but they are robbing their neighbors. I can't imagine much merchandise goes outside of the state.
That's my public service for the day. All the extra money they are getting on merchandise had better go towards keeping Kevin Durant.
Showing posts with label The Oklahoman. Show all posts
Showing posts with label The Oklahoman. Show all posts
Monday, February 9, 2009
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Long Time No See
Ah, let me kick off the shoes and scratch the toes here a little bit. Sure has been a while. Thanks to all the loyal followers out there who conspired to coax me out of the Holiday Coma I've been in. Really, emails are flattering but smooching a bobblehead in my likeness out in the front yard is a little creepy.
In any event, Happy 2009 and what a start it's been. Let's see, where were we:
In any event, Happy 2009 and what a start it's been. Let's see, where were we:
- The Thunder put 2008 to bed with a win on New Year's Eve at the Thunderdome against the dysfunctional Warriors. Of course I didn't see it because $200 dinners with friends are much more important. I kid, I kid it was wonderful (It had better be, eh?).
- Carmelo Anthony took all the fun out of what would have been the Thunder's first two game win-streak of the year when he did his best super-kung-fu-backflip-off-the-wall-dagger-to-the-heart-routine. It took less time for him to do it than it did for me to write it. I didn't get to see that either because of yet another dinner party. Do you think I blog from Mom's basement or something?
- Nenad (Krusty) Krstic has officially cleared customs and is on the squad, though he has yet to suit up. There is rumor and hope that his first game could be this very night against the suddenly frisky Timberwolves. By the way, Krusty has to be one of the best nicknames on the team. I know one other Krusty and it's served him well for ages. The two actually look similar. I'll have to do a side by side if possible.
- Assistant coach Ron Adams joined the coaching staff. By all accounts he's a defensive specialist and if the game against the Knicks (see below) is any indication, things are working out.
- After defeating the Celtics (now looking as though the Playoff Intensity carried over from last season has finally worn the old fogies down), the Knicks got beat by our own youngin's in a game that really shouldn't have been as close as it was. KD, Young Dro and Slim each had over 20 points.
Yes sir, 2009 is starting out looking alright for the Thunder. Russell Westbrook is starting to get some notice for Rookie of the Year consideration (he was named the NBA's top Rookie for December). The boys are playing with some fire and are proving they can compete with anyone.
Don't look now but this worst-team-in-history nonsense could be behind us by the All-Star Break.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Clippers 98, Thunder 88
Stop me if you've heard this one before. The Thunder come out of the gates slowly, resulting in a double digit deficit at the end of the quarter. The Thunder work their way back into the game eventually taking the lead in the second half. In the 4th, untimely turnover, missed free throws and a run by the visitors eventually doom the Thunder.
Another loss. To be fair, the Clippers are a team on the rise. Zach Randolph is a good addition and Eric Gordon is an impact player. Nonetheless, it's now been 45 days since the Thunder won at home. On a personal note, I didn't even see the victory against the Grizzlies because of the Bedlam game.
It's getting hard to handle. It felt like there was no life in the Ford Center at the start of the game last night. There was a palpable sense of impending doom. It's like nobody wanted to go all-in cheering for this team only to have it go for naught. And, regrettably, the feeling was well founded.
It takes a lot out of me I have to admit. It's not like I go home and kick the dogs or anything but when you lose by 10 and have 20+ turnovers to go along with 60% free throw shooting it's frustrating.
The Oklahoman suggested that maybe the Thunder are pressing at home, desperate to give the hometown crowd something to cheer for. I can see it.
While there is the aforementioned palpable sense of doom there is also a tangible sense that the fans desperately want something to cheer about. They want to connect with this team and vice versa.
Not only that but the Thunder did not play nearly as free as they did against the Mavs or Spurs. Jeff Green in particular struggled more than usual.
If I would have written a post last night after the game it would have sounded really bitter and ungrateful.
So here's a list of cliches, anecdotes, etc. that I keep telling myself to cope with the bitter defeats:
Another loss. To be fair, the Clippers are a team on the rise. Zach Randolph is a good addition and Eric Gordon is an impact player. Nonetheless, it's now been 45 days since the Thunder won at home. On a personal note, I didn't even see the victory against the Grizzlies because of the Bedlam game.
It's getting hard to handle. It felt like there was no life in the Ford Center at the start of the game last night. There was a palpable sense of impending doom. It's like nobody wanted to go all-in cheering for this team only to have it go for naught. And, regrettably, the feeling was well founded.
It takes a lot out of me I have to admit. It's not like I go home and kick the dogs or anything but when you lose by 10 and have 20+ turnovers to go along with 60% free throw shooting it's frustrating.
The Oklahoman suggested that maybe the Thunder are pressing at home, desperate to give the hometown crowd something to cheer for. I can see it.
While there is the aforementioned palpable sense of doom there is also a tangible sense that the fans desperately want something to cheer about. They want to connect with this team and vice versa.
Not only that but the Thunder did not play nearly as free as they did against the Mavs or Spurs. Jeff Green in particular struggled more than usual.
If I would have written a post last night after the game it would have sounded really bitter and ungrateful.
So here's a list of cliches, anecdotes, etc. that I keep telling myself to cope with the bitter defeats:
- This time last year there was no NBA team in town to root for.
- It's easy to root for a winner.
- It's better to get in on the ground floor.
- You have to pay you dues.
- It's just karmic retribution and it eventually will pass.
- How fun will it be when this team wins?
- Sustained success is built through the draft.
- We have a 25% shot of getting Blake Griffen- by most accounts the only sure-thing in this draft.
- It beats sitting at home.
- My hometown is a major league city.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Just a quick post today before the boys take on the Charlotte Bobcats. I'd like to mention a couple of interesting tidbits that have resulted since Scotty Brooks took over as coach.
First, the changes he's made to the lineup. Most notably, Russell Westbrook taking over the starters role at Point Guard and Nick Collison heading to the bench in favor of Chris "Weezy" Wilcox. Westbrook and Wilcox have only started one game, the Thunder's most recent against Memphis, and the Thunder won. Though it's only one game it's been coming to this for a while as Brooks seems to favor speed and athleticism so the Thunder can spread the court and create mismatches.
Check this out though, courtesy of 82games.com. It's the top 5-man combinations for the Thunder this season. It's put in order by total minutes played together but look at the +/- stat for the units (+/- is the net point differential between the 5 man unit and the 5 man unit they played against).
The worst 3 units for the Thunder (Min. 20 minutes together):
Watson-Durant-Green-Collison-Petro (-50)
Watson-Durant-Green-Wilkins-Collison (-43)
Watson-Durant-Green-Collison-Swift (-41)
The best 3 units for the Thunder (Min. 20 minutes together):
Westbrook-Mason-Smith-Green-Wilcox (+3)
Westbrook-Durant-Mason-Smith-Wilcox (+3)
Westbrook-Durant-Green-Wilcox-Collison (-9)
This could mean many things. First, Uncle Rusty was stubborn because these worst 3 lineups are also the top 3 lineups as far as minutes played together. Second, it could mean it hasn't been updated in a while to reflect Damien Wilkens insertion into a starters role since Scotty took over. Third, it means that Westbrook on the floor, and Weezy to a lesser extent, have a positive impact on the game.
The other interesting factoid resulting from Scotty taking over also reflects the above. Courtesy of Darnell Mayberry of The Oklahoman:
"In 15 games under Carlesimo, the Thunder averaged 88.9 points. Under Brooks, OKC is averaging 98.2, which increases to 101.4 if you throw out the Cleveland clunker."
Of course, we're still in the honeymoon phase with Scotty but one has to be encouraged of what has been happening over this relatively short progress. At the very least it represents the kind of progress that everyone had hoped for from the beginning. Hopefully it portends that the season is not lost and the Thunder can quit being a freebie on everyone's schedule.
Tonight it represents an opportunity to start a winning streak.
First, the changes he's made to the lineup. Most notably, Russell Westbrook taking over the starters role at Point Guard and Nick Collison heading to the bench in favor of Chris "Weezy" Wilcox. Westbrook and Wilcox have only started one game, the Thunder's most recent against Memphis, and the Thunder won. Though it's only one game it's been coming to this for a while as Brooks seems to favor speed and athleticism so the Thunder can spread the court and create mismatches.
Check this out though, courtesy of 82games.com. It's the top 5-man combinations for the Thunder this season. It's put in order by total minutes played together but look at the +/- stat for the units (+/- is the net point differential between the 5 man unit and the 5 man unit they played against).
The worst 3 units for the Thunder (Min. 20 minutes together):
Watson-Durant-Green-Collison-Petro (-50)
Watson-Durant-Green-Wilkins-Collison (-43)
Watson-Durant-Green-Collison-Swift (-41)
The best 3 units for the Thunder (Min. 20 minutes together):
Westbrook-Mason-Smith-Green-Wilcox (+3)
Westbrook-Durant-Mason-Smith-Wilcox (+3)
Westbrook-Durant-Green-Wilcox-Collison (-9)
This could mean many things. First, Uncle Rusty was stubborn because these worst 3 lineups are also the top 3 lineups as far as minutes played together. Second, it could mean it hasn't been updated in a while to reflect Damien Wilkens insertion into a starters role since Scotty took over. Third, it means that Westbrook on the floor, and Weezy to a lesser extent, have a positive impact on the game.
The other interesting factoid resulting from Scotty taking over also reflects the above. Courtesy of Darnell Mayberry of The Oklahoman:
"In 15 games under Carlesimo, the Thunder averaged 88.9 points. Under Brooks, OKC is averaging 98.2, which increases to 101.4 if you throw out the Cleveland clunker."
Of course, we're still in the honeymoon phase with Scotty but one has to be encouraged of what has been happening over this relatively short progress. At the very least it represents the kind of progress that everyone had hoped for from the beginning. Hopefully it portends that the season is not lost and the Thunder can quit being a freebie on everyone's schedule.
Tonight it represents an opportunity to start a winning streak.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Encouraging Interview
Check out this video from The Oklahoman today. It's the first practice with interim head coach Scott Brooks, dba Scotty.
Am I being overly optimistic or does there sound like there's some pep and rejuvination in KD's voice? This is what I talked about yesterday when players are willing to go to war for coaches. KD says that Scotty helps him on and off the court and that they tell each other they love each other. Apart from blatent homoeroticism doesn't that sound like KD, if not anyone else, is going to play hard for the guy? Wouldn't it be ideal if KD plays hard then everyone else might follow since, at least today, KD is the de facto Alpha Dog on this team?
It just seems like the effort was there against the Hornets on Saturday night, even in a losing cause. Now you hear KD talking with some energy in his voice and you can see the beginnings of what hopefully is improvement.
I watched a recording of the Hornets game on Sunday and the difference between Friday night and Saturday was staggering. The Thunder passing was markedly improved. The shooting was better. There were no long scoring droughts.
Could it be a one-game anomoly? Sure it could. But it could also be that PJ and this team were just a terrible fit and the 25 point loss at home to the Hornets was the Thunder hitting bottom and now the rebound is on.
Am I being overly optimistic or does there sound like there's some pep and rejuvination in KD's voice? This is what I talked about yesterday when players are willing to go to war for coaches. KD says that Scotty helps him on and off the court and that they tell each other they love each other. Apart from blatent homoeroticism doesn't that sound like KD, if not anyone else, is going to play hard for the guy? Wouldn't it be ideal if KD plays hard then everyone else might follow since, at least today, KD is the de facto Alpha Dog on this team?
It just seems like the effort was there against the Hornets on Saturday night, even in a losing cause. Now you hear KD talking with some energy in his voice and you can see the beginnings of what hopefully is improvement.
I watched a recording of the Hornets game on Sunday and the difference between Friday night and Saturday was staggering. The Thunder passing was markedly improved. The shooting was better. There were no long scoring droughts.
Could it be a one-game anomoly? Sure it could. But it could also be that PJ and this team were just a terrible fit and the 25 point loss at home to the Hornets was the Thunder hitting bottom and now the rebound is on.
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.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
KD Speaks
This is The Oklahoman's Darnell Mayberry speaking to Kevin Durant at practice. I can hardly understand what they are saying. Evidently, Mr. Mayberry makes these videos himself. I appreciate his efforts nonetheless but think it's hilarious the difference in size between these two guys.
Enjoy.
Enjoy.
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!
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.
Friday, October 10, 2008
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.
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