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 Thunder. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Thunder. 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.
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.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Uncle Rusty is Gone
Color me surprised. I thought PJ would get at least half a season. I guess inherent in that statement is that he was more or less a dead man walking. By that reckoning why not make a move now? You could argue that by drawing this process out you reinforce bad habits and make things that much worse.
Still though, it's quite a development. I must admit that during the Hornets game two things stood out to me as it relates to the firing. First, the Thunder stayed in the locker room at halftime much longer than the Hornets. The entire Hornets team had been warming up several minutes before the first Thunder players appeared. I doubt this has any bearing whatsoever but something seemed amiss. Second, I looked through my sportglasses at the the Thunder huddle during one timeout to check out the body language. PJ was being very demonstrative, lots of body language etc. Meanwhile not even half the players, in particular players that were going to be on the floor post timeout, were paying any attention.
The bottom line is the players just were not playing for PJ. It's a shame that the coach takes the fall but that's the nature of the business. In a book called Loose Balls (highly recommended and a review is forthcoming once I finish it), players describe playing for two coaches, Slick Leonard of the Indiana Pacers and Bill Sharman of the Utah Stars. Players describe the love they had playing for these guys and how they would go to war for them.
The Thunder should be so lucky to find someone who can bring the best out of these guys and get them on the path towards improvement and respectability.
Still though, it's quite a development. I must admit that during the Hornets game two things stood out to me as it relates to the firing. First, the Thunder stayed in the locker room at halftime much longer than the Hornets. The entire Hornets team had been warming up several minutes before the first Thunder players appeared. I doubt this has any bearing whatsoever but something seemed amiss. Second, I looked through my sportglasses at the the Thunder huddle during one timeout to check out the body language. PJ was being very demonstrative, lots of body language etc. Meanwhile not even half the players, in particular players that were going to be on the floor post timeout, were paying any attention.
The bottom line is the players just were not playing for PJ. It's a shame that the coach takes the fall but that's the nature of the business. In a book called Loose Balls (highly recommended and a review is forthcoming once I finish it), players describe playing for two coaches, Slick Leonard of the Indiana Pacers and Bill Sharman of the Utah Stars. Players describe the love they had playing for these guys and how they would go to war for them.
The Thunder should be so lucky to find someone who can bring the best out of these guys and get them on the path towards improvement and respectability.
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
Sheik Yerbouti Over to nba.com and Vote!
http://www.nba.com/FanNight/
The Thunder v. Phoenix next Tuesday is up for a vote on nba.com. The winning matchup gets shown that night. Vote early, vote often.
The Thunder v. Phoenix next Tuesday is up for a vote on nba.com. The winning matchup gets shown that night. Vote early, vote often.
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.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Thunder vs. Knicks 11-14-08 Live Blog
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.
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.
Back in Time for the Weekend
I've been curled up in a ball, in the dark, sucking my thumb ever since Dwight Howard single-handedly pistol-whipped the Thunder on Wednesday night. Superman was 3 blocks shy of a triple double at halftime. Most of those blocks were on Russell Westbrook who was roughly 0-38 from the floor.
Wednesday proved, if nothing else, the Thunder are not the best team with a singular nickname. The good news is that "nationally known" recording artist Natalie kept the crowd, "hyped" at halftime.
I must say out of all the games at the Thunderdome thus far, this game had the most fun and relaxed atmosphere. I would speculate this is because the outcome was never in doubt. There were never those tense moments where everyone holds their breath and hopes that nothing bad happens a la the Atlanta game. Quoth my sister who made it to her first game, "If you can't have fun at a Thunder game, you're not a fun person." Well then.
Also, in case anyone thinks Kevin Durant doesn't make a difference on the defensive end of the floor think again. 71 points for the Magic at the Half! We need KD back and how. And whilst he lulls people to sleep with smoothness, he evidently is much of the heart and soul. This fact evidenced by the lack of either on the floor for the Thunder in the first half.
So, it's on New York tonight. If the Thunder get off to their patent-pending slow start this could be a nightmare. The Knicks are not winning a title this year but they certainly score in bunches. If the Thunder don't have it together this could easily be a 120-92 type game. That would not be the party-time Friday night Thunder fans are looking for if you are scoring at home.
Saturday it's on to Philly in what, I'm guessing, is a little better matchup. It'd be nice if the boys can come home with a split.
Wednesday proved, if nothing else, the Thunder are not the best team with a singular nickname. The good news is that "nationally known" recording artist Natalie kept the crowd, "hyped" at halftime.
I must say out of all the games at the Thunderdome thus far, this game had the most fun and relaxed atmosphere. I would speculate this is because the outcome was never in doubt. There were never those tense moments where everyone holds their breath and hopes that nothing bad happens a la the Atlanta game. Quoth my sister who made it to her first game, "If you can't have fun at a Thunder game, you're not a fun person." Well then.
Also, in case anyone thinks Kevin Durant doesn't make a difference on the defensive end of the floor think again. 71 points for the Magic at the Half! We need KD back and how. And whilst he lulls people to sleep with smoothness, he evidently is much of the heart and soul. This fact evidenced by the lack of either on the floor for the Thunder in the first half.
So, it's on New York tonight. If the Thunder get off to their patent-pending slow start this could be a nightmare. The Knicks are not winning a title this year but they certainly score in bunches. If the Thunder don't have it together this could easily be a 120-92 type game. That would not be the party-time Friday night Thunder fans are looking for if you are scoring at home.
Saturday it's on to Philly in what, I'm guessing, is a little better matchup. It'd be nice if the boys can come home with a split.
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:
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Thunder v. Celtics- Drag Racing Gone Bad
The 1st quarter of the Thunder's 96-83 loss to the Celtics on Wednesday seemed like magic hour. The Thunder played their most inspired ball of the season. They got to the basket, hit shots, played solid D. They looked like a team. They sprinted to an 8-point lead to the delight of a crowd who was very into it.
And then, after scoring 29 points in that 1st quarter, the Thunder did their best impersonation of a Top Fuel Dragster crash, skidding to 26 total points in the 2nd and 3rd quarters combined. The Celtics, conversely, put the hammer down.
The Celtics not only got back into the game but took the lead for good with beautiful passing and tenacious rebounding and by forcing the Thunder to settle for jump shots which they did not often make.
The Celtics passing was awesome to watch. They whipped the ball around the perimeter in a blink with picks set up to give Ray Allen or Paul Pierce or whomever else an open look at the basket. Unlike the Thunder they hit many of these shots with deflating regularity.
No one believed the Thunder would win this game. No one certainly expected it so let's look and try to take some positives away.
And then, after scoring 29 points in that 1st quarter, the Thunder did their best impersonation of a Top Fuel Dragster crash, skidding to 26 total points in the 2nd and 3rd quarters combined. The Celtics, conversely, put the hammer down.
The Celtics not only got back into the game but took the lead for good with beautiful passing and tenacious rebounding and by forcing the Thunder to settle for jump shots which they did not often make.
The Celtics passing was awesome to watch. They whipped the ball around the perimeter in a blink with picks set up to give Ray Allen or Paul Pierce or whomever else an open look at the basket. Unlike the Thunder they hit many of these shots with deflating regularity.
No one believed the Thunder would win this game. No one certainly expected it so let's look and try to take some positives away.
- The Thunder did play absolutely beautifully in the 1st quarter. If they can replicate that for 4 quarters, in the same game, they can hang with anyone. It's great to see that a high level of play is possible for this team.
- Jeff Green played one of his best games probably. He definitely showed his range in scoring both inside and out. He finished with 14 points and 6 boards.
- After attempting only 10 3-pointers through the first 3 games combined, the Thunder connected on 6 of 13. Buyer beware; part of the reason for this is the Celtics defense forcing the Thunder into taking jumpers. Nonetheless, maybe these guys do know what that semi-circular line means after all.
- The babies, Kevin Durant, Jeff Green and Russell Westbrook led the team in points and were the only three players in double figures. Glass half-full they played well. Glass half-empty, nobody else scored.
- While I was hoping the Thunder could narrow the losing deficit to less than 10, 13 isn't embarassing considering the competition. The line, I heard, was 23. Also, Doc Rivers played his starting lineup in crunch time to stave off the Thunder who did not quit.
Other notes:
- I didn't think I would miss the loud-asses who have sat behind us in each game thus far. However, when the Celtics started coming back it was as though the team and crowd were content watching them go to work. The loud-asses in 309 would have been an asset and I intend to tell them as much when they come back.
- Way way way too much Celtic green in the Thunderdome. I can understand people rooting for other teams when the Hornets were here but this is our team. I honestly don't know how you can live with yourself if you are from OKC and don't support the Thunder. There are very few excuses for this. So few, that I'll have to approve each of them in writing and consider them on a case by case basis. Submit excuses here. This has to be the worst it will be save maybe for the Lakers. I think I'm just sick of Boston sports and their bandwagon fans that literally canvas the entire country.
- The sportglasses I purchased were probably the best $25 I've ever spent and easily paid for themselves the first time the Thunder Girls took center court for a dance routine. Thank you Hans Lippershey.
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.
Yes We Can!
Yes we can , Thunder fans. We can beat the Celtics. The long road ahead will be daunting, the price steep. (In a low whisper, yet optimistic) Yes we can. Shooting will be difficult, stopping the Big 3 of Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen nigh on impossible. But from the humble beginnings of a 1-2 season to the promise of a greater tomorrow with Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, the Thunder can seize control of it's destiny and set itself on the path towards greatness with a victory over the Boston Celtics tonight at the Thunderdome. (Now in a more guttural roar) Yes we can!
Apologies, I got a little overwhelmed there by the election.
Seriously, it's going to take a herculean effort from the boys tonight to pull this one out. A fast start will be key, especially from KD. The Thunder need to run and gun and get to the foul line a lot more than the Celtics. The Thunder need to rebound even better than they did against Minnesota. In short, the Thunder will need to play their best game yet to have a shot.
There is a chance though. The Celtics have shown they can be prone to turning the ball over. They are playing the second game of a back-to-back. Houston pushed them pretty hard last night.
Still, these are the champs. Let's prove we're not the chumps.
In other news:
The Thunder signed seven-footer Steven Hill. Hill is the defending SEC Defensive Player of the Year. But by all indications Hill will most notably serve as a warm body in practice and at the end of the bench as well as being another goofy white guy for Robert Swift to talk to.
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.
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