Thanks for the analysis Laramie but I'm afraid at this rate we won't make it long enough to play the Spurs.

Be not afraid...

We don't need to burn ourselves out trying to secure the top seed. Keep our eyes on the prize.

Sure the competition is getting tough because teams like Phoenix, Houston & Memphis are fighting for their playoff lives; they have more pressure to win games (home & away) if they want to make the playoffs. We got the breaks needed to win in Phoenix at the free throw line. Phoenix played like there was no tomorrow.

The biggest question we need to address is Durant. Does he need a rest; is he getting burned out? He does more than his share of scoring despite being double & triple teamed. Durant's defensive energy sometimes breaks down. Now, we don't want him injured this late attempting to get us the highest seed. We can maintain that 2nd seed and concentrate our efforts on whoever we meet in the playoffs--follow Scott Brooks' philosophy and take it one game at a time.

Westbrook is at 85-90% and when the playoff begin, he won't be sitting out any game.

Phoenix is not going to be able to sustain an appetite of three-pointers on us if we're at full strength.

Thabo Sefolosha's defensive puissance can't be understated.


http://www.thunderfans.com/vforum/images/smilies/okc.gif "Oklahoma City looks oh-so pretty... ...as I get my kicks on Route 66." --Nat King Cole.http://www.thunderfans.com/vforum/images/smilies/okc.gif

Great analysis, Laramie. Managing the playoffs all comes down to jockeying for position.
I think the Thunder wants a first round match between the Spurs and the Suns, maybe tried to help that along.
The reasoning is this: The Suns are one of the four hottest teams in the league besides being the fastest.
If the Spurs have to run their old legs all night long with the Suns, they might wear out, even if they advance.

Our biggest threat is the Clippers and if we can get HCA against them, we'll have a good advantage.
If not, we'll still have to play them in the second round.

When the playoffs come around, I'm ready to place more emphasis on defense. Hopefully Sefolosha can
contribute but if he can't go full bore, I want to see more Andre and more Perry Jones. A lineup of
Adams, Ibaka, Perry Jones, KD & Westbrook could be a very tall and effective defensive crew.

I really hope Perry Jones can get some more playing time... Dude is so athletic it is baffling how he never plays some games.

Chip shot was good last night. KD's streak of 25+ is over. It ended in the best way, he sat the 4th. I think having this goofy little streak out of the way will help everyone refocus on Thunder BBall and get playoff ready.

Tongiht is a big game. If we beat the Clips, we are essentially #2 seed. If we lose, it becomes more possible to drop to #3.

I'm hoping the streak being over helps KD and everyone. Look at the game against the Suns. he struggled to get the ball in the basket until he hit 25. After that the rest of the 38 points seemed to go easier. I'm glad he at least got past Jordan, would have hated to see him get so close and not make it, but also glad it is over.

Playoff banners about to go up downtown:



http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/thunder1a.jpg



http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/thunder2.jpg



http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/thunder3.jpg



http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/thunder4.jpg

Awesome. Getting playoff fever. When I got my procedure done all the medical peeps in the room were wearing Thunder surgical caps. Made me feel safer somehow.

The Thunder looked like the Thunder team we're used to. A spirited defensive performance overall in spite of the run they surrendered to LAC to end the first half and throughout much of the 4th quarter. Essentially a lock for the #2 seed now.

The Thunder looked like the Thunder team we're used to.

Maybe because they're all back healthy now? :)

Maybe because they're all back healthy now? :)

Or because they had something to play for tonight.

Spurs lost to timberwolves a couple days ago. And they have a back to back with the 'fighting for their lives' Mavs tonight, and Suns tomorrow night. Both should be excellent games.

It is an outside shot since we lost to Houston and Phoenix, but OKC still has a chance at #1 seed.



Last night the team looked great. Thabo back on the floor is huge, he is so much a better defender than Butler.

Maybe because they're all back healthy now? :)

You could say that.

:Welcome:Thabo Sefolosha and Kendrick Perkin's defensive prowess can't be overstated.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=39WxH6adFRQ&feature=player_detailpage

Most impressive was how the second team performed. Perkins was a beast with six points. Steven Adams was equally stellar with three fouls and seven points. Kevin Durant (27) has exhibited the leadership necessary to take the team to the next level. Russell Westbrook (30) was a thorn in the Clippers' side all night; coupled with Reggie Jackson (9)--the home team was seeing doubles. Thunder are getting their swagger back.

Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Los Angeles Clippers - Box Score - April 09, 2014 - ESPN (http://espn.go.com/nba/boxscore?id=400490046)


http://www.thunderfans.com/vforum/images/smilies/okc.gif "Oklahoma City looks oh-so pretty... ...as I get my kicks on Route 66." --Nat King Cole.http://www.thunderfans.com/vforum/images/smilies/okc.gif

Maybe because they're all back healthy now? :)

Heard on the radio this morning that Thunder starters have missed a combined 78 games this season versus just 6 games last season. I'd say this team has vastly improved and they have plenty of room for improvement over the next couple of seasons.

Thunder appears to be getting their swagger back with a 'full bloom' starting lineup.

Does anyone have concerns that we should start resting Durant--if you can tie him down; prior to the playoffs? He seems to be suffering a little mental & physical fatigue.

New Orleans Pelicans vs. Oklahoma City Thunder - Box Score - April 11, 2014 - ESPN (http://espn.go.com/nba/boxscore?id=400490057)


http://www.thunderfans.com/vforum/images/smilies/okc.gif "Oklahoma City looks oh-so pretty... ...as I get my kicks on Route 66." --Nat King Cole.http://www.thunderfans.com/vforum/images/smilies/okc.gif

Given that the Thunder can neither improve nor worsen their seeding through the final, what, four or five games, I could see limiting the starters minutes significantly for the balance of the regular season - especially given those just coming off injury.

The Indiana Pacers are an impotent NBA basketball team.

https://sp3.yimg.com/ib/th?id=HN.608018475587994043&pid=15.1 performing like https://sp3.yimg.com/ib/th?id=HN.607998422391129591&pid=15.1AMC Pacer


Oklahoma City Thunder http://www.thunderfans.com/vforum/images/smilies/okc.gif 96
Indiana Pacers 88


http://www.thunderfans.com/vforum/images/smilies/okc.gif "Oklahoma City looks oh-so pretty... ...as I get my kicks on Route 66." --Nat King Cole.http://www.thunderfans.com/vforum/images/smilies/okc.gif

Rebounds: Indiana 46, 52.8% Oklahoma City 32, 42.9%

Give it up to the Indiana Pacers; they connected on over 50% of their field goals. Maybe the Pacers are getting back on track; this was a must win for the Pacers.

We have two games left: @New Orleans & home against Detroit. We still have a chance to win 60 games.

Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Indiana Pacers - Box Score - April 13, 2014 - ESPN (http://espn.go.com/nba/boxscore?id=400490073)



http://www.thunderfans.com/vforum/images/smilies/okc.gif "Oklahoma City looks oh-so pretty... ...as I get my kicks on Route 66." --Nat King Cole.http://www.thunderfans.com/vforum/images/smilies/okc.gif

So have we locked the 2nd seed in the west or is there still a chance the Clips could take it from us?

So have we locked the 2nd seed in the west or is there still a chance the Clips could take it from us?

All we need is one Thunder win or one Clippers loss to lock up the 2 seed.

So, it looks like we will get Dallas in the first round and then the winner of the Clips/Warriors series. The road to the finals will not be an easy one. Dallas has beaten us the last two times but we didn't have Perk or Thabo at that time. Think that will be the difference maker?

Dallas has beaten us the last two times but we didn't have Perk or Thabo at that time. Think that will be the difference maker?

Russ sat for one of those games as well.

Those games were aberrations. Over the past couple of seasons OKC has owned the Mavs, and I really don't see that changing. Clippers though...

Those games were aberrations. Over the past couple of seasons OKC has owned the Mavs, and I really don't see that changing. Clippers though...

We swept the Clippers last year, and made a statement in LA last week.

We swept the Clippers last year, and made a statement in LA last week.

Yeah, but in a seven game series where we are all they are playing? I am with Urbanized on this.

Yeah, but in a seven game series where we are all they are playing? I am with Urbanized on this.

I'm talking about the second part, the Clippers...

I'm talking about the second part, the Clippers...

I am too. I was referencing Urbanized post:


Those games were aberrations. Over the past couple of seasons OKC has owned the Mavs, and I really don't see that changing. Clippers though...

I know we split the season with them and I think it would go a full seven games if we were to meet them in the second round.

Good chance the Thunder will be playing the Dallas Mavericks...

So, get your pillows to Dallas!

Wed, Nov 6 vs. Dallas; Thunder Win 107-93. Dallas Mavericks vs. Oklahoma City Thunder - Box Score - November 06, 2013 - ESPN (http://espn.go.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=400488942)

Sun, Mar 16 vs. Dallas; Thunder Loss 109-86 (without Westbrook) Dallas Mavericks vs. Oklahoma City Thunder - Box Score - March 16, 2014 - ESPN (http://espn.go.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=400489865)

Tue, Mar 25 @ Dallas; Thunder Loss 128-119 OT Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Dallas Mavericks - Box Score - March 25, 2014 - ESPN (http://espn.go.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=400489932)

Let's see what the Mavericks can do against the Thunder in a best of seven series.


http://www.thunderfans.com/vforum/images/smilies/okc.gif "Oklahoma City looks oh-so pretty... ...as I get my kicks on Route 66." --Nat King Cole.http://www.thunderfans.com/vforum/images/smilies/okc.gif

Why Dallas? We'll play the winner of the Memphis-Dallas game being played tomorrow night.... in Memphis. The Grizzlies will certainly be favored to win at home.

I hope Dallas wins though. I'd rather play them.

Pretty cool that they are both tied at 7th and 8th, and their last game is against each other. NBA is awesome.

OKC just needs to take care of business tomorrow and we are good. However, I doubt the Clips beat both DEN and POR tonight and tomorrow.

Has game 1 time and date been leaked yet? usually game 1 gets leaked before the whole series is announced?

Has game 1 time and date been leaked yet? usually game 1 gets leaked before the whole series is announced?

One of my coworkers has season tickets and she said she got sent an e-mail that is was going to be on Saturday with the time yet to be announced. The Bleacher report is saying there are four games on Saturday: 3, 5:30, 8 and 10:30. My guess would be the Clippers/Warriors game would be at 10:30 and anyone of the Eastern conference games in the 3:00pm slot. That would leave the 5:30 and 8:00 slots available. I know I would prefer the 8:00 game, but on a Saturday, that could very easily go to the Bulls/Nets which is the largest market match up in the first round of the playoffs.

Why Dallas? We'll play the winner of the Memphis-Dallas game being played tomorrow night.... in Memphis. The Grizzlies will certainly be favored to win at home.

I hope Dallas wins though. I'd rather play them.

Marc Stein's NBA Power Rankings - ESPN Video - ESPN (http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=espn:10786791)


Thanks for the correction: I jumped the gun, dankrutka

It's going to be tough for Dallas to beat Memphis four straight with the last two being in Memphis.

Dallas (49-32) vs. Memphis (49-32) (Dallas leads series 3-0)

Nov. 2 @ Dallas 119-111 Dallas +8
Dec. 18 @ Dallas 105-91 Dallas +14
Feb. 5 @ Memphis 110-96 Dallas +14

Dallas & Memphis probably want to avoid San Antonio; Spurs have won all four against Dallas & Memphis

Spurs vs. Dallas 116-107 . . . . . 112-90 . . . . . 112-106 . . . . . & . . . . . 109-98
Spurs vs. Memphis 101-94 . . . . 102-86 . . . . . 110-108 OT . . . & . . . . . 119-92

Links: Dallas Mavericks 2014 Schedule - Mavericks Home and Away - ESPN (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/schedule/_/name/dal/dallas-mavericks)

San Antonio Spurs 2014 Schedule - Spurs Home and Away - ESPN (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/schedule/_/name/sa/san-antonio-spurs)


http://www.thunderfans.com/vforum/images/smilies/okc.gif "Oklahoma City looks oh-so pretty... ...as I get my kicks on Route 66." --Nat King Cole.http://www.thunderfans.com/vforum/images/smilies/okc.gif

If it's Dallas I will only go to a game there if I am really needed (ie, lost home-court advantage, down in series, etc). My best friend and I have been there five times now for Mavs-Thunder games, including playoffs, including the Mavs' championship season, and including when the Thunder stunk, and we are undefeated. We have now decided that we won't jinx them by going to an unimportant game.

Yeah, I'm hoping it's Dallas as I'll probably be able to make a game in both cities. And I think we'll beat the Mavs in 5 or 6.

I hope it's Dallas just so I can sell my extra tickets for more money

"Definitely. No quesiton"- James Harden on if money wasn't a factor would he still be in OKC

Harden: Money was the deciding factor in leaving OKC | Daily Thunder.com (http://dailythunder.com/headlines/harden-money-was-the-deciding-factor-in-leaving-okc/)

That was a squeaker.

Wow, was that first lead of the game??

Good thing to not be going into the playoffs on a 3-game losing streak.

Nice fight back! Now, let's get ready for the playoffs!!

Wow, was that first lead of the game??

Good thing to not be going into the playoffs on a 3-game losing streak.

Nice fight back! Now, let's get ready for the playoffs!!

They were putting up banners and getting the area around the arena ready today.

Here we go. Glad we got Grizz over Mavs. Mavs may actually challenge Spurs a bit.


Game 1:

MEM at OKC | Sat., Apr. 19, 9:30 PM ET | ESPN



Game 2:

MEM at OKC | Mon., Apr. 21, 8:00 PM ET | TNT



Game 3:

OKC at MEM | Thu., Apr. 24, 8:00 PM ET | TNT



Game 4:

OKC at MEM | Sat., Apr. 26, 9:30 PM ET | ESPN



Game 5:

MEM at OKC | Tue., Apr. 29 | If Needed



Game 6:

OKC at MEM | Thu., May 1 | If Needed



Game 7:

MEM at OKC | Sat., May 3 | TNT | If Needed

Mavs may actually challenge Spurs a bit.

I'd like to see it, but the Spurs absolutely own the Mavs. They've taken 9 straight over a few seasons. I think the Spurs win in 5, but I hope the Mavs give them a series.

OKC gets the Dallas pick in the draft at the best slot possible #21. So the Thunder now have some combination of the 21/29/30 pick in the first round (the 30 in place of either pick should either team win the championship). Realistically, Dallas has no shot to win it all so it will be 21 + 29/30. OKC does NOT have a 2nd round pick in this year's draft.

Remember, Reggie was the #24 pick in what has turned out to be a pretty unspectacular draft (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2011_NBA_draft) (looking through that list, there may be 4 players at most that I think are unquestionably better than Reggie).

Next year's current Depth Chart looks like this:

5 - 12 - 34
9 - 4
35 - 3
21/11
0 - 15

With 10 roster spots taken already + Thabeet's $1.2M contract that's non-guaranteed, OKC for sure needs 2 more players to meet the 13 minimum. They are currently at $69.89M. Sefolosha may take one of those positions, I think it depends on how he does in the playoffs and what he wants financially. I can't see OKC giving him more than $5M and that's only if he plays fantastic in the playoffs. I think Derek Fisher is done after this year, but not sure about Butler (if OKC would even want him).

Beyond re-signing current players not under contract, OKC has quite a variety of options to add depth to the squad. No question the playoffs will be important in deciding the exact outcome.

Players with the most on the line in this order:

Reggie Jackson
Thabo Sefolosha
Jeremy Lamb
PJ III

Nobody else has a realistic chance of being on another team next season.

How good Presti has been as a General Manager is still up for debate, but for sure he keeps it interesting more than just about any other GM. The amount of flexibility that OKC has right now is incredible for a team that is chasing titles. Most teams chasing titles have given up a decent amount of draft picks, don't have many bird rights, and have older players on contracts that people are rightly skeptical of.

The next 6 months are going to be 10x more interesting than the previous 6.

I would love to see them bundle them together with maybe PJ3 to trade up to the top 15 maybe the top 10. Not sure who we would want but I always trust Presti.

Apparently after Detroit clanked the game-winner last night and confetti was coming from the rafters they quickly swung a camera for a crowd shot and got a close-up of me high-fiving everyone in my section like a goof. Good times.

I'd like to see it, but the Spurs absolutely own the Mavs. They've taken 9 straight over a few seasons. I think the Spurs win in 5, but I hope the Mavs give them a series.

Maybe the Mavericks can extend this series with the Spurs to five or six games. Coach Popovich would love to knock the Mavs out in four; this would allow him to rest his team for the next series. These old Spurs are surviving on a cocktail of Geritol, Centrum Silver & Viagra.

Let's hope that the Thunder emerges as the WC Champion to take on any beast in the East (Brooklyn, Indiana or Miami).


http://www.thunderfans.com/vforum/images/smilies/okc.gif "Oklahoma City looks oh-so pretty... ...as I get my kicks on Route 66." --Nat King Cole.http://www.thunderfans.com/vforum/images/smilies/okc.gif

Just got a text from NewsOK that George Kaiser has purchased a minority interest in the Thunder. Interesting development.

Just got a text from NewsOK that George Kaiser has purchased a minority interest in the Thunder. Interesting development.

He bought tom wards interest in the team

George Kaiser buys Thunder stake | News OK (http://newsok.com/george-kaiser-buys-thunder-stake/article/4056832)

Day one of the 2014 NBA playoffs have been tough for the home teams:

Eastern Conference
Brooklyn Nets 94 @ Toronto Raptors 87
Atlanta Hawks 101 @ Indiana Pacers 93

Western Conference
Golden State Warriors 109 @ LA Clippers 105
Memphis Grizzlies @ Oklahoma City Thunder




http://www.thunderfans.com/vforum/images/smilies/okc.gif "Oklahoma City looks oh-so pretty... ...as I get my kicks on Route 66." --Nat King Cole.http://www.thunderfans.com/vforum/images/smilies/okc.gif

The Thunder don't seem to be following that trend so far. :)

^^understatement^^

Spoke too soon.

Fat Lady has not sung yet.

Spoke too soon.

Nope, I don't think so.

Only home team to win. May this be the beginning of a wonderful playoff season.:band:

Amazing game!

Except for the 3rd QT... But we'll just sweep that under the rug...

Can't expect to blow out Memphis every game. They'd be equivalent to a 2nd or 3rd Seed in the Eastern Conference.

Of course blowouts matter not in the least. All that matters is a win.

NBA Top Plays - ESPN Video - ESPN (http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=espn:10811224)

Thunder showed signs of a seasoned team. Gasol & Randolph are beasts capable of wearing any team down. Despite the grit & grind game Memphis played; OKC didn't lose their cool. Kudos to Coach Scott Brooks for making the fourth quarter adjustments necessary to short circuit the Grizzlies. Defense limited Memphis to 2 of 16 (18.2%) from the 3-point arch.

Veteran leadership from Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, Derek Fisher & Caron Butler gave the Thunder the edge.

Ibaka's defensive block swatted out to Kevin Durant was the dagger!


Memphis Grizzlies vs. Oklahoma City Thunder - Box Score - April 19, 2014 - ESPN (http://espn.go.com/nba/boxscore?id=400553066)





http://www.thunderfans.com/vforum/images/smilies/okc.gif "Oklahoma City looks oh-so pretty... ...as I get my kicks on Route 66." --Nat King Cole.http://www.thunderfans.com/vforum/images/smilies/okc.gif

Thunder finishes the season 11th among 30 NBA teams in home attendance:

2013-2014 NBA Attendance - National Basketball Association - ESPN (http://espn.go.com/nba/attendance)


http://www.thunderfans.com/vforum/images/smilies/okc.gif "Oklahoma City looks oh-so pretty... ...as I get my kicks on Route 66." --Nat King Cole.http://www.thunderfans.com/vforum/images/smilies/okc.gif