I don't think anyone is so down because we lost…

We're down because we were absolutely manhandled, slaughtered, dismantled…whatever really really horrible word you want to use. Luckily the game doesn't matter, but it's been so long since we have seen the team play so badly.

We're not the little darlings of the league we once were when Westbrook was drafted by Seattle and never played there. We're in a league with the big boys (Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Philadelphia & San Francisco-Oakland).

The last time we were manhandled and pushed around like a rag doll was during our initials first two years in OKC; since then we have had competitive games in which we in the game throughout the second half and blew a gasket after being down by as many as 20 points to make it respectible. Last night against Minnesota we couldn't come back.

We have some key pieces missing; put this game behind us and move on with life in the NBA.

One poster knocked this out of the park:


Clay Bennett and Co. need to consider spending into the luxury tax. That's the only legit way this small market team will have a chance from this point forward.

Problem is this, they (owners) lost so much money in Seattle, they are just now recovering from those loses with profitable years here in OKC.


So, with Westbrook still out--we lose and look shabby. This is the beginning of the sixth season here. Count our blessings, the first two were years we struggled; the past three we were competitive. Westbrook is a key element to this team. He and Durant are our franchise players. Now, we realize Harden and Martin's (once our sixth men) value.

We remember how so many fans threw darts at Westbrook for taking too many shots. Wouldn't you love to have Westbrook back as that ole bull-headed aggressive player?

Ibaka needs a summer with Hakeem

I don't think anyone is so down because we lost…

We're down because we were absolutely manhandled, slaughtered, dismantled…whatever really really horrible word you want to use. Luckily the game doesn't matter, but it's been so long since we have seen the team play so badly.

To give a little perspective, however, I remember absolutely giving Miami a beat down at the Peake during the regular season, the year they beat in the finals. I can't remember if they were missing Wade for that game or not.

Problem is this, they (owners) lost so much money in Seattle, they are just now recovering from those loses with profitable years here in OKC.


So, with Westbrook still out--we lose and look shabby. This is the beginning of the sixth season here. Count our blessings, the first two were years we struggled; the past three we were competitive. Westbrook is a key element to this team. He and Durant are our franchise players. Now, we realize Harden and Martin's (once our sixth men) value.

We remember how so many fans threw darts at Westbrook for taking too many shots. Wouldn't you love to have Westbrook back as that ole bull-headed aggressive player?

...and I don't disagree with anything you're saying. Realizing Harden's value and the team organization's value that is placed on Ibaka, even to keep those players, you'd have to cross the line and spend in the luxury tax. Also, no one ever said that owning a sports franchise was profitable, lol.

Ibaka was statistically the 2nd best mid-range shooter in the NBA last season. His jumper will come. Don't overanalyze small sample sizes. Serge needs to improve in several areas, but he had improved every year and his shooting will improve (he shot 57% last season!)

However, I've said it since way before the decision. I still can't believe we essentially signed Serge over Harden (not exactly, but pretty much). That's done though.

http://m.newsok.com/article/3900539

Holy Cow - some of you need to step back from the ledge.

Sports fans are always teetering on the edge. That game in Minnesota just very graphically brought back memories of 2008. That's scary. However, they're my team, good or bad. I may worry, but I'll be in the arena no matter the record or the players.*

*Unless Ed Shadid becomes mayor and dismantles MAPS 3. I have an apartment in Chicago and in that case, I'll see them when they play the Bulls;)(that's only half a wink).

Sports fans are always teetering on the edge. That game in Minnesota just very graphically brought back memories of 2008. That's scary. However, they're my team, good or bad. I may worry, but I'll be in the arena no matter the record or the players.*

*Unless Ed Shadid becomes mayor and dismantles MAPS 3. I have an apartment in Chicago and in that case, I'll see them when they play the Bulls;)(that's only half a wink).

THANK YOU, YOU'RE A TRUE THUNDER FAN & SUPPORTER...

Chicago? Shadid's chances of becoming Mayor of OKC are like that of a mosquito pushing a train.

Westbrook is back tonight.

Westbrook is back tonight.


How many times are we allowed to push the "like" button?

westbrook is back tonight.

say whaaaaaaaa?

How does Russ look thus far??

I believe the game is on NBATV along with Fox Oklahoma.

He looks alright. Definitely not 100% but that is expected. He has 5 pts thus far.

He could be shooting 0/10 and have 10 Turnovers and I'd still say he looks wonderful :D

Seriously though, he looks like he'll be fine. Just needs to get reoriented. I'd guess he'll be back to his pre-injury form in no more than 6 games.

How does Russ look thus far??

Timing and breaks to the basket are slightly off; he'll be alright--just needs to calibrate his rythum. Russell is one of those players who plays to a tempo as the game progresses.

Derek Fisher's participation in training camp has really improved his game and timing with the team.

Timing and breaks to the basket are slightly off; he'll be alright--just needs to calibrate his rythum. Russell is one of those players who plays to a tempo as the game progresses.His movement without the ball looked a bit awkward too. But being Westbrook it won't take long to get his rhythm back. Maybe it was wishful thinking but I think he already looked better by the end of the game.

He had a better second half than first. He looked as explosive as ever, he got nothing but net on his 4 crunch time free throws.....He's Back !

I always thought Gerald Green would be a good pick up for the Thunder as a bench player. He makes $3.5 million a year playing for the Suns and has this year and next year left on his contract. He is a bit of a defensive liability, but that can be taught and if he has any attitude issues, that can be taken care of with this team as well.

His movement without the ball looked a bit awkward too. But being Westbrook it won't take long to get his rhythm back. Maybe it was wishful thinking but I think he already looked better by the end of the game.

He definitely looked better at the end of the game.

I really think he'll be back to form within 2 or 3 games. And that includes how he plays with everyone else.

Glad to see Russ back. Team has been running like a engine missing a spark plug. Plug is back in, a few games for a tune-up and the Thunder will be ready for another run for the title.

The Thunder does need another piece. The outside shooting needs mending. In other words, part of Martins value last year was making sure everyone had to cover all our three point shooters. This gave Durant, Sefalosha and Jackson more time to set. I don't think Lamb has the experience or the confidence to fill in with what an eight year veteran provided. There are a lot of good shooters in the $ 3-5 million dollar range.

The Thunder does need another piece. The outside shooting needs mending. In other words, part of Martins value last year was making sure everyone had to cover all our three point shooters. This gave Durant, Sefalosha and Jackson more time to set. I don't think Lamb has the experience or the confidence to fill in with what an eight year veteran provided. There are a lot of good shooters in the $ 3-5 million dollar range.

Totally agree Stan,

Based on the preseason exhibition games and the Orlando Summer League, we don't have any three-point marksmen identified. This team will need time to develop; therefore I wouldn't hit the panic button. There will be time for trades, based on the Thunder's previous seasons--don't get your hopes up.

Here are some important NBA dates:

2014

Jan. 6 -- 10-day Contracts can now be signed
Jan. 10 -- All Contracts are guaranteed for remainder of the season

Feb. 14-16 -- 2014 NBA All-Star (New Orleans, LA)
Feb. 20 -- 2014 NBA Trade Deadline (3 p.m. ET)

March 1 -- Playoff Eligibility Waiver Deadline

April 16 -- Last Day of 2013-14 Regular Season

April 19 -- 2014 NBA Playoffs begin

May 5 -- Conference Semifinals begin (possible move-up to May 3 or 4)
May 20 -- Conference Finals begin (possibly move-up to May 18 or 19)
May 20 -- 2014 NBA Draft Lottery

June 5 -- The Finals begin
June 16 -- NBA Draft Early Entry Withdrawal Deadline (5 p.m. ET)
June 26 -- 2014 NBA Draft

I agree, but I don't think the Thunder do not want to go in the tax this year. So... they'd have to trade someone and throw in an asset (maybe a draft pick) to get anyone decent.

I would think they'll stay set this year, it's worth missing the tax-line this year.

What I would rather see than getting a guy whose presence requires more attention than your average shooter, is do at least some of what San Antonio does getting people great shots by efficient movement. It drove me insane against Minnesota how someone would pass the ball to another guy on the arc, and then everyone sat there, and no dribbling occurred. Watch sometime the 2nd unit is in, Sefolosha will get the ball at the top of the key from say Reggie or Lamb…he won't dribble and no one will move. So literally nothing is happening for 2 to 4 seconds while the defense figuring out exactly what spacing is present.

The only people who consistently move or dribble when they get the ball are Durant, Westbrook, Reggie and Fisher. Nobody on this team moves particularly well off-the-ball except for Perkins, Collison, Fisher, and Westbrook. The offense only ever initiates at one point. That is not efficient for getting less skilled player better opportunities for easy baskets.

Drew Gooden is still available on the market. It wouldn't hurt the Thunder to a look at him.

Welcome back Russ!

Drew Gooden is still available on the market. It wouldn't hurt the Thunder to a look at him.

In addition to Gooden, Daequan Cook is now available.


http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cqCT_w-I_h0/TWCrI4w01PI/AAAAAAAACBk/tyC5r39GUo4/s320/act_daequan_cook.jpg

Shooting improved in our 107-93 win over Dallas.

I had a bad feeling going into tonight's game but the team played very well, minus the monstrosity of turnovers and bad free throw shooting. Seemed like Dallas was playing very well and for the fourth time without JR Smith. Regardless, everyone played their roles very well. I don't think Adams is going to spend any time in Tulsa this year. Ibaka needs to play like that every night to be worth his contract. Lamb looked comfortable even though he still looks nervous. That Westbrook dunk? Dayyyyyummmm!

Jr smith plays for the Knicks. Not Dallas

https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQypKN1d0yi_6xl0EZce8dtGUN1jVpRq Lu9_12u1Nvf1ixfa3O1

Those feelings were on display for a different veteran point guard less than a year later when the recently-released Derek Fisher returned to Dallas wearing an Oklahoma City Thunder jersey. Cuban told Tim MacMahon of ESPN Dallas that he would “just boo (Fisher) like hopefully everybody else (will do).” Cuban, who went on to say he “was just being nice” by granting Fisher’s earlier release, said that he “shouldn’t have been surprised” that Fisher signed with the Thunder given his history, a dig at Fisher’s integrity and loyalty.--Two Man Game, March 20,02013

Cuban better off silent - ESPN, Dallas Mavericks NBA | The Two Man Game (http://www.thetwomangame.com/2013/03/just-business/)

Now with the departure of Chandler, Kidd and Fisher from the Dallas--you can't help but think that Mark Cuban should come to grips with that fact that sports teams in the Metroplex which are micromanaged by their owners (Jones, Cuban) is not a good thing.

When will these owners learn to trust the people they hire. Has their arrogance reached and all time high?

https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQGOSsWEtro9bUTh0ixceeekRn4yQN7R 2fqxXHieYzaRFgpqih9

Jr smith plays for the Knicks. Not Dallas

Ok well someone on the Mavericks roster was suspended for the first 5 games... A difference maker.

Detroit tonight?

Our quiet and powerful Maurice Cheeks will host the Thunder as the Detroit Pistons (2-2) with wins over Washington & Boston, a heart-breaking OT loss to Memphis 111-108 and undefeated Indiana 99-91.

This game willl be tough; the Palace @ Auburn Hills will have an enthusiastic crowd as the Pistons have stepped up their game.

Brandon Jennings and Chauncey Billups are new additions to their roster.

Everytime I see a game here, I can't help but think of Ron Artest...excuse me, bad fans, lol...

The Thunder may not have a guy as talented as Harden to bring off of their bench this year, but I think with the guys they have playing in their second unit they could end up being very productive. If Lamb continues to improve and Reggie gets back to playing how he was in the Playoffs last year the two of them could be very potent off of the bench at the guard position. Adams has also been very impressive in the post so far when I have been able to watch them play. With Russ back I like what I see, I think they were missing his energy on and off the court.

Speaking of Harden, here is a little reminder of his defensive performance as of late:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NIyiEc1741s

Detroit tonight?

Our quiet and powerful Maurice Cheeks will host the Thunder as the Detroit Pistons (2-2) with wins over Washington & Boston, a heart-breaking OT loss to Memphis 111-108 and undefeated Indiana 99-91.

This game willl be tough; the Palace @ Auburn Hills will have an enthusiastic crowd as the Pistons have stepped up their game.

Brandon Jennings and Chauncey Billups are new additions to their roster.

Don't forget Josh Smith.

So how about Steven Adams! This kid has a big future and I hope he sticks around with the Thunder for awhile!

So how about Steven Adams! This kid has a big future and I hope he sticks around with the Thunder for awhile!

He is GREAT!

Adams is a great compliment to Perkins and it looks like he is going to help this team a lot.

So how about Steven Adams! This kid has a big future and I hope he sticks around with the Thunder for awhile!

Steven Adams is one draft pick that we can't lose; uncork the salary CAP when this guy's contract comes up for signature.

http://images.tvnz.co.nz/tvnz_images/basketball_news/2013/07/steven_adams_of_the_oklahoma_city_thunder_poses_N2 .jpg

Adams is a great STARTER IN LIEU OF Perkins and it looks like he is going to help this team a lot.

Fixed it for you.

I have to admit, I am VERY pleasantly surprised by Adams' production up to this point. He always seemed to have decent body control he just always looked like he was a little slow or out of position (in college), but that has not been the case up to now.

As for Harden's defense, it was never any secret that D wasn't his strongest attribute on the court.

Adams shouldn't start, but he should get starters minutes

Adams is a great compliment to Perkins and it looks like he is going to help this team a lot.

Who's Perkins ???

Adams shouldn't start, but he should get starters minutes

Adams got 30 minutes last night, Perk got 16....Perk didn't score either.

Adams got 30 minutes last night, Perk got 16....Perk didn't score either.

If Adams sets picks like Perk is infamous for then the controversy will grow even larger...

If Adams sets picks like Perk is infamous for then the controversy will grow even larger...

Keep hearing about Perkins setting a good pick. What does it take to set a pick?

My support for Perkins has been fading as his production on offense has been stagnant. He does yeoman work on defense. Adams is quickly learning how to challenge the opponent's offensive sets and picks. Steven knows how to catch and finish...

Steven Adams' development is ahead of Kendrick Perkins who has been with the Thunder since 2011.

Adams is tough; did you notice how that elbow he took from Vince Carter in the Mavericks' loss to the Thunder didn't appear to phase him(?):


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FoaMfgvR_G8&feature=player_embedded

Vince Carter has been suspended one game without pay for throwing an elbow to the head of Thunder center, Steven Adams.

I have to admit, I am VERY pleasantly surprised by Adams' production up to this point. He always seemed to have decent body control he just always looked like he was a little slow or out of position (in college), but that has not been the case up to now.

As for Harden's defense, it was never any secret that D wasn't his strongest attribute on the court.

So far, in five games in the NBA, he's topped his career college highs:


Scored a career-high 16 points along with 10 rebounds against Bethune Cookman

From his NBA bio.

Our bench is starting to look pretty good. After the All Star Games we are going to have a serious run at the Championship.

If Lamb and Adams continue to make steady improvement in their own games throughout this season, coupled with a squad that is only going to gel more as the season goes on, then this team could be scary good. It looks as though Lamb, Reggie, and Adams all have the talent to start for a lot of teams in the NBA (to be sure, they all need some polishing).

I have a sort of nervous anticipation about this team. If they can really be as good as I think they can, then this is potentially a squad that could be as good as anything we ever envisioned with Harden, and a squad that is far more sustainable with a lot less drama than this team would have been with Harden.

Something to keep in mind, Serge and Sefolosha have both struggled early in this season and they will get locked in at some point…so we still haven't seen anything close to the best OKC has to offer.

All that being said…it's easy to be excited about the potential with new offensive pieces in the mix, but it really won't matter if these guys don't commit to the defensive side of the ball. Adams, Lamb, and Reggie all need to focus heavily on their defense…because if that doesn't develop then their offensive contributions aren't going to matter in May and hopefully June.

I agree. I not giddy with excitement but I see reasons to be very optimistic.

Wizards later tonight.

I would say easy win, except.... the Wizards are a little bit better this year, and we have a habit the last couple of seasons of not playing well against them.

Anyway, I'm still looking to improve to 5-1 after this game. :)

Oh, and the OKC ballet is totally pumped as well:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BX1Gto3CcAA1h7-.jpg:large

Some highlights of Steven Adams development in such a short time:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=nfDaNYpJWcI

Forgive me, for saying this: "Perkins' development remains the same; it's like a mosquito pushing a train."

Adams has progressed toward a stature of a herculean profile rookie center who has barely tapped his potential. Let's hope he continues to develop and improve surrounded by the Thunder's seasoned gym rats like Collison, Durant, Jacksoon, Sefolosha & Westbrook.

Really don't want to get too excited because the season is still young. Presti appears to be a real genius with his draft picks. The 12th pick of the 2013 NBA Draft (Steven Adams) could become a real gem. Many of us posters were skeptical of this Pitt freshman who could have followed the channel of Byron Mullens and Cole Aldrich.

The greatest challenge for successful small market franchises in NBA is to look at the Utah Jazz:

They were not able to hold on to some impact players:

Deron Williams
Andrei Kirilenke
Kyle Korver
C. J. Miles
Devin Harris
Paul Millsap

The Utah Jazz have lost their first seven games including a home opener to the Thunder. Presti will continue to build this team through the draft with an ever recurring eye on some potential trades.

The big markets like New York,Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, Boston & Philadelphia will be coming after this young man (Adams).

Now is the time to win some NBA championship and mirror the small market San Antonio Spurs as this young Thunder team does get back into the conversation among NBA championship caliber teams.

https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQUOZNCGgxJikik7vzvi6grXQ9z8Ft9B edfY6Mlj3e2pmMNKFys

Let's Go Thunder! O-K-C, O-K-C...

Referee explains new delay of game rule enforcement | ProBasketballTalk (http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/10/25/referee-explains-new-delay-of-game-rule-enforcement/) I still do not like this new rule.

Steven Adams' development is ahead of Kendrick Perkins who has been with the Thunder since 2011.

Adams is tough; did you notice how that elbow he took from Vince Carter in the Mavericks' loss to the Thunder didn't appear to phase him(?):


Doesn't surprise me. Kid is half Maori (Pacific Islander) and played rugby through his youth. He's one tough SOB.

Wowza! What a squeaker.

Yep, we were way behind late in that game and managed to pull it out in OT.

Great win!!

Presto!

Thunder pulls a rabbit from the hat. Outstanding determination by our

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