It's a huge blow, but we still have 2 of the best 10 players in basketball. Brooks is going to have to push the right buttons and I think our best chance is going small. KD will play a lot at the 4 and I could see Perry Jones getting minutes again. Adams, and to a lesser degree, Collison, will have to be good. Fisher and/or Butler need to shoot well and Reggie needs to have big games like he did against the Spurs all season. The defense will have to be more disciplined... which means Russ has to quit gambling for steals and stay in position. Winning this series just got a lot harder, but sometimes things work out in strange ways. The Heat had to go small when Bosh was injured last season and it changed their offense for the better permanently. Hopefully, the Thunder find something positive out of this.

We pulled away from the Clippers last night with Serge in the locker room. I'd rather have him on the court, but you play with what you're dealt.

I'm just thankful it wasn't Thabeet


Let's be thankful that we've put ourselves in a position to win the Western Conference playoffs. We may need the services of Thabeet; he has the right attitude and his size can be an intimidation factor.

The Dallas Mavericks took the Spurs through a full seven game series. The Trailblazers didn't match up with the Spurs who knocked them out in five.

San Antonio Spurs know that they have problems matching-up with the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Steven Adams is playing at a high level; he will fill the void for Ibaka. Durant & Westbrook will cause problems for the Spurs.

The key San Antonio players in this series will be Kawhi Leonard and Patty Mills.

Coach Popovich relies heavily on a 'rotation rest' for his players; especially those ailing veterans. The Thunder have the horse power to exhaust and exacerbate the Spurs. Let's take one if not two of the opening games in San Antonio; then we can shake some apples off Coach Popovich's tree.:mad:


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

I like the optimism, Laramie, but no way Adams is replacing Serge's production. It'll have to be a group effort.

Without Ibaka I'm gonna have to go spurs in 5. Just think we've ran out of luck. Hope I'm wrong though

Without Ibaka I'm gonna have to go spurs in 5. Just think we've ran out of luck. Hope I'm wrong though

If we go out I doubt it will be in five

Still just makes me sick Ibaka got hurt.


Two years in a row. Dang. So unlucky.

Parker was unbelievable in the Portland Series. Scott Brooks should look at what Dallas did defensively against Parker.

Thunder have no chance unless they can contain him. Duncan will be Duncan and Leonard will have an impact. However, in games 3-6 of the 2012 series, OKC figured out how to keep Parker out of the lane. Without Ibaka, it will be tough.

Parker was unbelievable in the Portland Series. Scott Brooks should look at what Dallas did defensively against Parker.

Thunder have no chance unless they can contain him. Duncan will be Duncan and Leonard will have an impact. However, in games 3-6 of the 2012 series, OKC figured out how to keep Parker out of the lane. Without Ibaka, it will be tough.

In at least one of the interviews a couple days ago it sounded like Perk had already been looking into what happened with the Dallas series.

Parker was unbelievable in the Portland Series. Scott Brooks should look at what Dallas did defensively against Parker.

Thunder have no chance unless they can contain him. Duncan will be Duncan and Leonard will have an impact. However, in games 3-6 of the 2012 series, OKC figured out how to keep Parker out of the lane. Without Ibaka, it will be tough.


Thabo can bother Parker. They have no answer for Reggie or Russell. And they used to have no answer for Ibaka, but luck took care of that. However, they have Leonard, Mills, and Green - who can all pour it on from 3. Limiting these shots will be the biggest key to Ws.

Like others have said, we will need everyone to help pour on the extra help with Ibaka missing.


I think tonight in game 1 is our best chance to steal. Brooks has no revealed the starting lineup, and SAS does not really know what to prepare for, yet.

It has been a while, so help me remember, what did we do different in games 3,4,5 and 6 than we did in games 1 and 2 of the WCF of 2012? Did Thabo switch to guard Parker?

It has been a while, so help me remember, what did we do different in games 3,4,5 and 6 than we did in games 1 and 2 of the WCF of 2012? Did Thabo switch to guard Parker?

Yes. That was one adjustment. We also just executed fantastically and in addition to KD and Russ, Harden had a huge series.

Here's a depressing write up from Zach Lowe, who is the best in the business in my opinion, on why Ibaka's loss hurts so much: Conference Finals Preview: How the Absence of Ibaka Will Tip the Series to the Spurs « (http://grantland.com/the-triangle/conference-finals-preview-how-the-absence-of-ibaka-will-tip-the-series-to-the-spurs/)

And here's a more optimistic analysis: http://fivethirtyeight.com/datalab/the-thunder-may-have-just-discovered-an-amazing-new-lineup/

Where are the biggest sports bar screens in the city to watch the game?

Where are the biggest sports bar screens in the city to watch the game?

BWW on Expressway, Edmond and Moore (those are the only ones I have been to and they all have projector screens), Belle Isle Brewery upstairs bar (smoking), RePUBlic and BJ's. Those are the ones I can think of off the top of my head.

Parker was unbelievable in the Portland Series. Scott Brooks should look at what Dallas did defensively against Parker.

Thunder have no chance unless they can contain him. Duncan will be Duncan and Leonard will have an impact. However, in games 3-6 of the 2012 series, OKC figured out how to keep Parker out of the lane. Without Ibaka, it will be tough.


Oklahoma City Thunder vs. San Antonio Spurs

We have the tools and the knowledge to beat the Spurs:

2011-14: The Thunder are 4-2 against the Spurs in playoff meetings; we are 7 - 4 against them in the regular season during that time span.

Scott Brooks already has a plan for the Spurs. Sure, the playoffs are a different animal; the Spurs are the team that should be concerned about the Thunder. The last time we met in the playoffs, we spotted them the first two games; then beat them four straight. This year we have beaten them four straight; once without Westbrook. If we are resilient and make the right adjustments; we will wear the Spurs down. They had an easy series against Portland (4-1) after pulling a full seven games against Dallas.


Playoffs: Oklahoma City vs. San Antonio

Results of 2011-12 Playoff Finals: Thunder win series 4-2

Game

1. @San Antonio (L) 101-98
2. @San Antonio (L) 120-111

3. @Oklahoma City (W) 102-82
4. @Oklahoma City (W) 109-103

5. @San Antonio (W) 108-103

6. @Oklahoma City (W) 107-99

Regular seasons: (2013-14, 2012-13, 2011-12)

2013-14 Regular season results: Thunder win regular season series 4-0

Game

1. @Oklahoma City (W) 94-88
2. @ San Antonio (W) 113-100
3. @ San Antonio (W) 111-105
4. @Oklahoma City (W) 106-94

2012-13 Regular season results: Series tied 2 - 2

Game

1. @San Antonio (L) 88-86
2. @Oklahoma City (W) 107-93
3. @San Antonio (L) 105-93
4. @Oklahoma City (W) 100-88

2011-12 Results: San Antonio won series 2 - 1

Game

1. @Oklahoma City (W) 108-96
2. @San Antonio (L) 107-96
3. @Oklahoma City (L) 114-105


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

We're lucky to be down 8 at the half. Good news: our interior defense can't get much worse. Bad news: if it doesn't get better, it'll be uphill every game. San Antonio is too good not take take advantage of this kind of situation.

It ain't over til it's over! Thunder actually took the lead in the 3rd.

Ibaka in the early running for Defensive Player of the Year next year.

Freakin nail biter tonight.

Bummer. Still 6 games to go though. Thunder Up!

Bummer. Still 6 games to go though. Thunder Up!

Very true. Remember the first playoff game against the Clippers?

Very true. Remember the first playoff game against the Clippers?

That game also ended 122-105.

I was at Urban Johnny last night watching the game and I remember late in the 4th, Butler hit a 3 - pointer and I've heard people cheer even when it didn't matter and that didn't happen last night.

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S5

Yea, pretty much the fans have already accepted our fate. Losing Ibaka is the ideal situation for the Spurs. I am actually surprised we were competitive for as long as we were, last night.

Maybe we can steal tomorrow and try to push through with HCA.

The injury bug reared its ugly head against one of our key starters for back-to-back years in the Western Conference playoffs. It hurt us last season against Memphis without Westbrook; now Ibaka is out--what a blow to open the finals against a veteran-laced Spurs squad.

Durant 28, Westbrook 25 scored 53 of our 105 points. Need more production from three of the five starters (Sefolosha 0, Perkins 5, Collison 0). The Spurs exploited the Ibaka-less Thunder inside the paint 66-32. Our bench production (47 - 43 over S.A.) was good (Fisher 16, Jackson 13, Butler 9, Adams 4).

San Antonio's experience showed tonight. Popovich has the luxury of being able to rotate & rest his players. Someone needs to step up defensively for us inside the paint. Our best chance will be to stretch this series out and wear them down.

Oklahoma City Thunder vs. San Antonio Spurs - Box Score - May 19, 2014 - ESPN (http://espn.go.com/nba/boxscore?id=400558954)

You would think that a city like San Antonio who finished the season with the best record in the NBA 62-20 could have sold out all of their regular season games. The AT&T Center seats 18,581; the Spurs averaged 18,415. San Antonio like OKC only has one major league team. Their metropolitan areas of boasts 2,277,550. Oklahoma City has 1,319,677 in its metropolitan, 906,000 less than S. A.

Oklahoma City Thunder has approximately 150 consecutive sellouts of 18,203.

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

And here's a more optimistic analysis: The Thunder May Have Just Discovered an Amazing New Lineup | FiveThirtyEight (http://fivethirtyeight.com/datalab/the-thunder-may-have-just-discovered-an-amazing-new-lineup/)

Scott Brooks didn't even use the lineup that destroyed the Clippers after Ibaka went down in game 6 for one minute last night...

Adding Collison, a woeful offensive player, to a starting lineup with arguably the two worst offensive starters in the NBA seemed pretty dumb too. Also, KD and Russ should never both be off the floor at the same time. Stagger their minutes.

Having said all that, those lineups are probably not the major factors in the loss.

Very true. Remember the first playoff game against the Clippers?

Remember the first two games about SA in 2012?

Remember the first two games about SA in 2012?

Won 4 in a row after that. Spurs were 1 seed then too.

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S5

Won 4 in a row after that. Spurs were 1 seed then too.

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S5

Exactly. Also, there is an article in the Oklahoman (referencing yahoo) that says Serge might try to come back if we can get to the next round.

Is Serge Ibaka trying a postseason comeback? | News OK (http://newsok.com/is-serge-ibaka-trying-a-postseason-comeback/article/4840158)

Scott Brooks didn't even use the lineup that destroyed the Clippers after Ibaka went down in game 6 for one minute last night...

Adding Collison, a woeful offensive player, to a starting lineup with arguably the two worst offensive starters in the NBA seemed pretty dumb too. Also, KD and Russ should never both be off the floor at the same time. Stagger their minutes.

Having said all that, those lineups are probably not the major factors in the loss.

Collison might be woeful, but isn't he the best offensive big man of what we have left?
Collison has always been pretty consistent with the mid-range jumper. Not Ibaka consistent
but very good.

Sefalosha is a question mark. Last year he was our best or second best three point shooter
giving him Bruce Bowen type qualities. We need him to be a disruptor but we need to pull the
trigger quicker and insert Butler if he's losing confidence in his jumper.

I keep thinking Perry Jones can help. He splashes the three and can run guys off the line. Plus
he's got enough mobility to not be in trouble if a short guy tries to post him up inside.

No. Collison is not a very good jump shooter. It takes him forever to get it off and he rarely takes them. His percentages (except on 3s) aren't terrible, but he basically can't shoot it unless he's wide open, which makes him a pretty weak offensive weapon. Thabo was a good 3 point shooter last year, but last year is long gone. He's been an awful shooter all season long. The Spurs kept baiting him to pump fake and take 15 foot jumpers and he bricked, or airballed, them all.

I'd start either Butler, Jones, or Jackson. Lamb just seems likes he's not ready. He was good earlier in the year, but really faded down the stretch.

The problem is that we're having to experiment to find functional line ups in the Western Conference Finals. Obviously not ideal.

We sure could use the Butler that showed up to games in the regular season. Not this non-entity that has appeared for the playoffs.

Occasionally I feel a little bit guilty for not watching every Thunder game.

The truth be told, I don't like basketball. In fact I can't stand it. It's
about as boring as an activity can be. As a matter of fact I call basketball
"competitive aerobics".

I'd rather watch a stimulating chess match or a baseball game. As a
matter of fact I see little difference.

Basketball is all about getting the ball to the big scorer unless the
other scorer will work.

People who watch basketball aren't stupid. They simply don't expect much.

I will admit that any game, even soccer, is exciting during the last minute.
With baseball every inning is the last minute.

I've only talked to one person who can explain basketball and the plays.
Believe me, basketball isn't a fast game. That's a misconception.

^^

Why does this even matter? You don't like basketball. Congratulations.

Why does this even matter? You don't like basketball. Congratulations.
My post explains it succinctly. Maybe you should read it again.

Honestly, I feel absolutely nothing when I miss a Thunder game because I know they're gonna do what they're gonna do whether I watch them or not.

Truth be told, I love basketball and I can't stand to miss it. I love it even more than football and its one of the best activities I can think of. As a matter of fact, I call basketball, basket ball (with a space in it, in honor of James Naismith who invented the sport in 1891).

I'd rather watch it over football because even though they call it a non contact sport, it really is a contact sport. To me, it's amazing how much the sport has morphed since it was first played. Did you know the first games were played 9-on-9 and that dribbling did not exist? It's all a rather interesting read. To me, football, with its thick playbook is somewhat like a chess match...too much stimulation for my brain which only wants to watch a back and forth contest on wood instead of grass.

I will admit that any sport, except for croquet or badminton, can be exciting but basketball just gets my heart pounding--especially Thunder basketball.

I've talked to several people that think that they're qualified to replace Scottie Brooks and run the team. Believe me, they're in for a shock cause basketball operations in the NBA is one tough cookie to crumble. They're totally delusional.

^^sorry, Prunepricker. I just had to do that ;-)

My post explains it succinctly. Maybe you should read it again.

I'd prefer to keep my brain functioning. Thanks though.

Honestly, I feel absolutely nothing when I miss a Thunder game because I
know they're gonna do what they're gonna do whether I watch them or not.

Exactly. However while I enjoy the last few minutes of even a soccer
game, it's only because of the suspense. The only suspense in a
basketball game or a soccer game is only if it's close and during the
last few minutes. The suspense of a baseball game happens twice
every inning. The intensity increases when extra innings are necessary.

Nothing comes close to the suspense of a Baseball game except maybe
a Hitchcock movie. However, there are only so many Hitchcock movies.
There are continually more baseball games.

Nothing comes close to the suspense of a Baseball game except maybe
a Hitchcock movie. However, there are only so many Hitchcock movies.
There are continually more baseball games.

Are you sure you're not thinking of tug o' war? I have a friend who loves the St. Louis Cardinals and he has Vertigo... lol.

My post explains it succinctly. Maybe you should read it again.
You might consider the possibility that those who like basketball have no interest at all in why you don't. If you don't like basketball there is no reason for you to even look at this thread. You may play around happily in your baseball thread. Please note that I made a polite post in that thread even though I'm not a baseball fan.

Basketball is both extremely complex and simple. No sport is inherently better or more exciting than another sport. It's all in the eye of the beholder. Enthusiasm makes sports fun - a sold out arena where people can't wait to see what happens or kids on a playground playing because they love it. In some countries it's soccer, others cricket, rugby, football, or basketball.

If you don't enjoy the game, don't watch it. And please don't post about it here. But if you've watched KD play and you still don't love it... Then move on with your life because you never will.

If you think basketball is simple, or you just don't understand it, then read some Zach Lowe articles of follow the analytics movement. Or don't. Whatever. I love the game - from beginning to end. But that's just my perspective.

Are you sure you're not thinking of tug o' war?
I'm 100% sure. I don't dis anyone who likes basketdull. I simply don't
understand the attraction. Seriously. I have friends that watch every
single game. I don't get it. What is the attraction? It's not strategy. It's
not athletisim. It's not sportsmanship. Serious, what's the attraction?

Basketball is both extremely complex and simple...
Are you serious? What's complex about basketdull? Please tell me and
don't use the "it's so fast" routine because it's anything but. Hockey makes
more sense than basketdull.

Just what is complex about basketdull?

I'm 100% sure. I don't dis anyone who likes basketdull. I simply don't
understand the attraction. Seriously. I have friends that watch every
single game. I don't get it. What is the attraction? It's not strategy. It's
not athletisim. It's not sportsmanship. Serious, what's the attraction?
Obviously millions of people complete disagree with your assessment. It's that simple.

You might consider the possibility that those who like basketball have no interest at all in why you don't. If you don't like basketball there is no reason for you to even look at this thread. You may play around happily in your baseball thread. Please note that I made a polite post in that thread even though I'm not a baseball fan.

PP is a narcissistic troll who evidently isn't getting enough attention. So his MO is to post some condescending garbage and revel in the responses. Don't fall for it.

So back to the subject of this thread... I really hope Brooks gives Perry Jones some burn tomorrow. Maybe his athleticism will help us offensively.

I think it might be time to ditch the traditional starting line up and go with Butler instead of Collison. Might bite us but that starting unit wasn't getting it done last night.

On another note, Collison had 6 stitches on his mouth from the head butt during the game? This guy is the walking wounded for sure. Need to have a bag of his blood type nearby just in case.

And shouldn't that have been a technical? I could tell it wasn't intentional but I thought even accidental contact like that was tech worthy. Not flagrant or ejection worthy, but atleast a common foul? He got head butted in the face!

So back to the subject of this thread... I really hope Brooks gives Perry Jones some burn tomorrow. Maybe his athleticism will help us offensively.

I think it might be time to ditch the traditional starting line up and go with Butler instead of Collison. Might bite us but that starting unit wasn't getting it done last night.

Who do we have that can harass Duncan without getting into foul trouble? Interior defense was one of the Thunder's strengths is now only ok. Duncan looked ten years younger in Game 1 - make some of those other guys beat us. Can a rotation of Perk, Adams, Collison, and Jones get it done? Is Thabeet mobile enough for some minutes if for nothing else clog up the middle for a few minutes? Game 2 will be interesting.

Are you serious? What's complex about basketdull? Please tell me and
don't use the "it's so fast" routine because it's anything but. Hockey makes
more sense than basketdull.

Just what is complex about basketdull?

Can you explain how the Triangle or Princeton offenses work? Have you ever studied SportsVU data to understand how coaches make adjustments? Can you understand how certain sets might yield increased spacing that leads to higher percentage shots? A ton of basketball decision-making is made by analytics experts with deep knowledge of all these things and more.

But... I'm sure you're not actually interested in learning. Just posting negativity...

On another note, Collison had 6 stitches on his mouth from the head butt during the game? This guy is the walking wounded for sure. Need to have a bag of his blood type nearby just in case.

And shouldn't that have been a technical? I could tell it wasn't intentional but I thought even accidental contact like that was tech worthy. Not flagrant or ejection worthy, but atleast a common foul? He got head butted in the face!

I don't think it was intentional. Incidental contact doesn't result in even a common foul in most cases... Unfortunately for Nick and the Thunder in this case...

Who do we have that can harass Duncan without getting into foul trouble? Interior defense was one of the Thunder's strengths is now only ok. Duncan looked ten years younger in Game 1 - make some of those other guys beat us. Can a rotation of Perk, Adams, Collison, and Jones get it done? Is Thabeet mobile enough for some minutes if for nothing else clog up the middle for a few minutes? Game 2 will be interesting.

Perk is our best option probably. He can push Duncan out of the paint better than anyone. Duncan played really well. I think you stick with Perk, Collison, and Adams though. Perry would be eaten alive by Duncan on the post.

Perk is our best option probably. He can push Duncan out of the paint better than anyone. Duncan played really well. I think you stick with Perk, Collison, and Adams though. Perry would be eaten alive by Duncan on the post.

True - I was thinking of Perry more in Ibaka's role. Athletic big that can help Perk - but if you do that I am sure Pop has an idea to beat that. Hopefully Perk will get back to containing Duncan and keeping away from his spots.

True - I was thinking of Perry more in Ibaka's role. Athletic big that can help Perk - but if you do that I am sure Pop has an idea to beat that. Hopefully Perk will get back to containing Duncan and keeping away from his spots.

Just saw a stat that Duncan actually only scored on Perk on the block. His other baskets came on other defenders or because of openings due to our perimeter defense breaking down. So... it seems Perk wasn't the problem. Accept for one time when he let Duncan get too low of position and then an And-1, I thought Perk did a good job of pushing Duncan off his spot.

Rumors swirling that Ibaka is eager to get out and play. He has so much heart it is admirable. He is watching at home and during the games sees/hears all the talk about him.

If I had to guess, I think he could show up Sunday night if he is able to decently run up and down the floor; and of course, the team doctors okay it.


It would be amazing if OKC could steal this game tonight. Like many other fans, I think Perry Jones is the answer, and have been saying that since Memphis.

Only problem with starting Adams, Perk, and Collison is that you have essentially no offense on the floor....

Someone off that bench is going to have to figure out a way to play above expectations - defend AND put some points on the board. I think that's what KD was trying to say when he was quoted "I've got to find another level to get this done" - think he's putting the notice out to EVERYONE that they can't rely on what's expected, they have to go above and beyond it if they're going to win this series.

Rumors swirling that Ibaka is eager to get out and play. He has so much heart it is admirable. He is watching at home and during the games sees/hears all the talk about him.

If I had to guess, I think he could show up Sunday night if he is able to decently run up and down the floor; and of course, the team doctors okay it.


It would be amazing if OKC could steal this game tonight. Like many other fans, I think Perry Jones is the answer, and have been saying that since Memphis.

I know nothing about a "calf sprain." Or is it literally a torn muscle? Or neither?

I mean, is there any notion at all he might play? Or is the risk of aggravating the injury into something more serious just too great?

Really a rhetorical question, I realize, but if things get "desperate" (and they're really close to that right now), might be time for "caution to the wind" and see what happens..

If you like to read good stuff -> Career Arc: Russell Westbrook « (http://grantland.com/features/career-arc-russell-westbrook/)

PP, you lost all credibility when you said basketdull. That's like one of us going into your baseball thread and saying baseball is Basebawful.

Only problem with starting Adams, Perk, and Collison is that you have essentially no offense on the floor....

I don't think it was meant to say play all of them at the same time, more of a play them in rotation on Duncan.

PP, you lost all credibility when you said basketdull.

Gotta have credibility to lose credibility.

PP, you lost all credibility when you said basketdull. That's like one of us going into your baseball thread and saying baseball is Basebawful.
Except that latter is a more truthful statement.