Most definitely...I was playing the part of a Sooners fan lol

Traptors.


They always seem to do this to us. Can only learn from it. On to the next!

That was exactly how I took it.

I wasn't pointing you out, lol.

I wasn't pointing you out, lol.

I know, I was just agreeing with you.

Most definitely...I was playing the part of a Sooners fan lol

Wow! You had me concerned; glad you brought that up because you convinced me. I should know better as much as I have read your posts.

It is typical of fans who become spoiled like those in college football to demand competitive play and become additive with a team's winning success. We are indeed fortunate to have an NBA franchise here in OKC. Our fans are great and they know when to turn on the amplifier to rally the Thunder. A unique situation in which some OU & OSU fans unite together in an NBA major league setting.

Had Birmingham obtained the NFL franchise that's now in Jacksonville, just wonder if that state (Alabama/Auburn) would have united behind a common cause?

Great play by a united Thunder front. The non-starters or second string of mixed greens are truly beginning to mature as Scott Brooks keeps a Durant and/or Westbrook on the floor to bring in the harvest. True they (Knicks) didn't have Carmelo Anthony available in their 123-94 beat down by OKC.

My friend called me from New York; he couldn't believe how the Thunder manhandled the boys in the Big Apple. He said it was the worst beating the Knicks have taken in the Garden in a long time.

Our team is really bonding together; especially our back-up players; they have displayed real ball movement. The non starters are showing the starters the benefits of spacing and ball movement anchored by Adams, Collison, Jackson, Jones & Lamb. Notice how Brooks inserts a veteran (Durant, Fisher and/or Westbrook) in with that bunch and the team doesn't skip a beat.

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.

Your friend needs to watch more Knicks games. They were just beat at home by 41 by a weak Celtics team two weeks ago. The terribleness of the New York teams is off-the-charts right now.

^^damn

Your friend needs to watch more Knicks games. They were just beat at home by 41 by a weak Celtics team two weeks ago. The terribleness of the New York teams is off-the-charts right now.

Wow! A game in which the Knicks had Carmelo Anthony play 32 minutes with 19 points losing 114-73 at the Garden.

New York City area has two NBA basketball teams (Knicks, Nets) with 2013-14 team salaries of $88,249,065 (New York) and $102,211,009 (Brooklyn).

Oklahoma City Thunder's team salary is $70,343,704 according to NBA Team Salaries 2013/14 | HOOPSWORLD | Basketball News & NBA Rumors (http://www.hoopsworld.com/nba-team-salaries-2013-2014)



Oklahoma City Thunder Team Salary | HOOPSWORLD | Basketball News & NBA Rumors (http://www.hoopsworld.com/oklahoma-city-thunder-team-salary)


Oklahoma City Thunder 2014 Team Roster - ESPN (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/roster/_/name/okc/oklahoma-city-thunder)

According to the HoopsWorld (U.S.A. Today) and ESPN 2013-14 sources their reporting on player salaries aren't the same.

And with the tax penalties, I think both will pay significantly more than that for their teams, particularly the Nets. The Nets mortgaged their future (i.e., draft picks) for THIS season. I have no clue what they're going to do moving forward with so many huge contracts and almost no assets. It's depressing to even consider...

Looks like Russell is out again.

More surgery on his knee for swelling. Slated for post Allstar-break return.


They seem to be getting it overwith now so he will be ready for a championship run into playoffs.

Out at least 7 weeks...Really sucks since he has been on fire...May cost us a seed or two but definitely better now than in March

It's a good thing Coach Brooks has been experimenting with the rotations. So with Reggie running the point, who backs him up now? Or will we see KD as a hybrid point?

OKC Thunder: Russell Westbrook has knee surgery, out at least 7 weeks | News OK (http://newsok.com/article/3918379)

Crap, out until the all-star break.

Step up, Reggie!

It's a good thing Coach Brooks has been experimenting with the rotations. So with Reggie running the point, who backs him up now? Or will we see KD as a hybrid point?

Fisher obviously will run the second team but you will probably see KD and possibly even Lamb running it with Fisher in.

I am glad they are getting him healthy now for the big run later on. This team is not the same one that lost Russell last year. The players have really been stepping up their game this year. Might be a little stumble but they will not fall.

Fisher obviously will run the second team but you will probably see KD and possibly even Lamb running it with Fisher in.

I like the timing on this. I just don't want Russell to turn into our own little Derrick Rose...

I like the timing on this. I just don't want Russell to turn into our own little Derrick Rose...

Agreed. I think if Reggie has a good couple of months in Westbrook's absence, he could command quite a payday after next year. I hope he is humble enough to want to stay in OKC for less and be a part of something great instead of just jumping ship to get a starting PG job replacing Steve Nash, Darren Collison or Isaiah Thomas at SAC.

It is now completely obvious his surgery earlier this year was not as minor as some on here insisted it was

Observation: First game back following the All-Star break would be at home against the Heat.

Observation: First game back following the All-Star break would be at home against the Heat.

Stay on target.......STAY on target!

Let's don't underestimate Russell. Remember he came back from his last surgery much sooner than expected.

Let's don't underestimate Russell. Remember he came back from his last surgery much sooner than expected.


Which might have been the problem? Maybe? I hate to think it, because I would love to see him back ASAP!

Which might have been the problem? Maybe? I hate to think it, because I would love to see him back ASAP!

OKC Thunder: Russell Westbrook has knee surgery, out at least 7 weeks | News OK (http://newsok.com/russell-westbrook-has-knee-surgery-out-at-least-7-weeks/article/3918379)


When asked about the possibility of Westbrook returning early, Presti said the team “needs to let nature take its course.” But he insisted that Westbrook's early return to start the season did not lead to this setback. Presti added that this third surgery wouldn't make him more cautious about allowing Westbrook to again attempt an early return.

Like tonight, every win without Russell, especially on the road is a big plus. Miami would have been very happy with a four point road win tonight against a Golden State with only 9 wins on the season.

Listed below are some key impact players on NBA teams who could be out for an indefinite period of time.

This has been an unusual year for NBA player injuries:


Eastern Conference

Al Horford, Atlanta
Brook Lopez, Andrei Kirilenko, Brooklyn
Rajon Rondo, Boston
Brendan Haywood, Charlotte
Derrick Rose, Chicago
Chauncey Billups, Detroit
Zaza Pachulia, Carlos Delfino, Milwaukee
Carmelo Anthony, New York
Jason Richardson, Philadelphia
Glen Rice Jr., Al Harrington, Washington



Western Conference

Devin Harris, Dallas
JaVale McGee, Danilo Gallinari, Denver
Jermaine O'Neal, Golden State
Omer Asik, Houston
Reggie Bullock, L.A. Clippers
Kobe Bryant, Steve Blake, Steve Nash, L.A. Lakers
Quincy Pondexter, Marc Gasol, Memphis
Ronny Turiaf, Minnesota
Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City
Emeka Okafor, Phoenix
Carl Landry, Sacramento

Basketball Injury News and Analysis - Rotoworld.com (http://www.rotoworld.com/teams/injuries/nba/all/)

Miami has a big game in Portland tonight and Lebron is day-to-day with a strained groin. Portland is 11-0 against Eastern Conference opponents.

Side note: Greg Oden is still injured...

Miami has a big game in Portland tonight and Lebron is day-to-day with a strained groin. Portland is 11-0 against Eastern Conference opponents.

Side note: Greg Oden is still injured...

Unfortunate for Greg Oden; he is probably history...

Miami thought that they could rest a few guys and it backfired; they underestimated the Sacramento Kings and they paid to the piper (DeMarcus Cousins). Brooks' has emphasized 'to always respect your opponent.' Portland will be out for a signature win and to make a statement to the rest of the NBA. Erik Spoelstra doesn't have the experience yet to pull a Popovich chest move.

Popovich's aging Spurs can't run up and down the court against teams which uses the same youth pattern as our Oklahoma City Thunder.

Sure it's a blow to hear that we are going to be temporarily without the services of Russell Westbrook.

The Thunder will have to move forward and continue to develop players who can assist Durant in getting the job done and not have all of this fall on K.D.'s shoulders. If Kevin takes on more than he can handle--he just might succumb to an injury.

When R.W. is given the green light to play; limit his minutes and gradually work him back into the line-up. Let's face it, Westbrook is a stubborn, bull-headed competitor and a gym rat :cool: who doesn't know, feel or recognize pain--like an energizer bunny--he feeds on it. :hungry:

Thunder coaches need to consider:

Keep Reggie Jackson on the second unit where these guys have developed continuity; also continue to rotate him in with both units. This combination has maintained production; sometimes extending leads when one of our big three were not productive.

Thabo Sefolosha needs to be put in a situation in which he has to perform. He plugged the hole of Charlotte's fat lady before she had a chance to sing (two key game ending free-throws).

Bring Andre Roberson off the bench and insert him back into the starting lineup.

http://www.thunderfans.com/vforum/images/icons/icon14.png Finally, for goodness sakes leave Kendrick Perkins alone--we need that intimidation x-factor to keep the opponents honest; if looks could kill, Perkins would be up for manslaughter charges. We know that he's an expensive piece in that role--use him. Perkins has fouled opposing team players so hard that IMO it affected their free throw shooting along with the distraction of a noisy and barebelly intimating beneath-the-basket gallery.

I hate to not win all the games possible. It'll make a difference come playoff time.

I'd like to see Brooks bring in another ball handler as point guard, perhaps a D-Leaguer with 10 game contracts or a foreign player who might want to chase a ring.
Otherwise, we take the risk of overtaxing our only PG reserves - Reggie and Fish. Reggie, who was prone to back spasms early in the season could be stressed again
if not given enough rest. Fisher is... just old and to overtax him would be a dis-service despite how much Brooks trusts him.

Westbrook was just starting to get his shooting touch back. He was doing a bunch of good things but he still wasn't quite up to the par of last year. When he comes back
in February, I expect it will take even another adjustment to get back to where he was.

I don't get the whole Andre Roberson thing. He's good enough to start for Thabo when he was sick and injured. But he isn't good enough to play off the bench unless we are in garbage time. I just don't get it.

I don't get the whole Andre Roberson thing. He's good enough to start for Thabo when he was sick and injured. But he isn't good enough to play off the bench unless we are in garbage time. I just don't get it.

Brooks just wanted continuity in his lineup's when Thabo was out for just a couple games. Roberson is not ready to play night in and night out in my opinion. He has a ton of work to do on the offensive end and time spent in Tulsa will serve him well.

It sounds like this injury had nothing to do with him coming back early. The doctors indicated they saw swelling in his knee caused by something that hadn't shown up on the MRI's until recently. Likely just a coincidence they're in the same leg.

Destroying the Rockets without Westbrook last night was pretty nice. Granted Houston was on number 2 of a back to back.

Regardless, it should not have been a 30 point blowout. I think this team (and mostly KD) is taking the talk about losing games and falling seeds with Westbrook being out, personal.

Also every time we cream the Rockets, I wonder how many Harden-trade haters shut their traps? Especially when we do it using the pieces we got in the trade. Presti is a god.

It sounds like this injury had nothing to do with him coming back early. The doctors indicated they saw swelling in his knee caused by something that hadn't shown up on the MRI's until recently. Likely just a coincidence they're in the same leg.

You're probably onto something...

Russell is no stranger to shaking off pain. There was a game in which Russell collided with another player shortly before he was put back on the injury list and I said to myself then; oh no, not again.

My mom and I are going to the game tomorrow evening. Can't wait! The game against Portland holds a magnitude of importance for this team. As much as I can't stand Miami, I'm glad they beat Portland the other night.

I will be there tomorrow night, as well. Potentially a preview of one of our playoff rounds. NYE and playoff basketball in OKC, should be a great night in all of downtown.

Portland lost tonight in New Orleans and that could be both good and bad thing for the Thunder. They now have a two game lead but could let up a little in the game on Tuesday night because of that. Of course, Portland could be really tired in a back to back after a very tight game tonight.

Portland lost tonight in New Orleans and that could be both good and bad thing for the Thunder. They now have a two game lead but could let up a little in the game on Tuesday night because of that. Of course, Portland could be really tired in a back to back after a very tight game tonight.

As evidenced by our older but still young team, back to backs aren't good for the teams that have them.

As Perk said after the Rockets thumping, the team wants to prove they can play well without Westbrook and be even better for his return. I don't think there will be a letting up tonight for the Thunder.

As Perk said after the Rockets thumping, the team wants to prove they can play well without Westbrook and be even better for his return. I don't think there will be a letting up tonight for the Thunder.

When RW was lost for the playoffs last year the team played like they were feeling sorry for themselves. This time they look to be playing with a chip on their shoulder and wanting to show everyone that this team can win even while losing one of their best players. I like that.....

I went to the Houston game the other night, so I gave mine away for tonight...

What's amazing to me, is that we've been destroying a lot of contenders..S.A, Clippers, Houston, etc.

I would really like to see that again tonight as well. LaMarcus Aldridge is very fun to watch though. He seems to especially like playing against the Thunder.

Tough loss with a nightmare ending...

Did Durant score only one point in the whole second half? Which means he had 36 in the first half? Other players have got to step up in Westbrook's absence; everything can't fall on Kevin Durant.

Correction: I understand that Durant put up 14 points in the third quarter.

That's was what I thought I heard the announcers say on FoxOklahoma about the one point! Just like Granny use to say, "You thought like Little Orphan Andy, you thought a piece of (blank) was a piece of candy."

Thunder offensive production:

Durant 37
Ibaka 17
Jackson 12
Lamb 10
Collison 4
Fisher 4
Adams 4
Sefolosha 4
Perkins 2

Two of these five players scoring four points and less; have got to double their production.

We had fives points taken off the board with late whistles in the fourth quarter.

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

Weird game last night. Joey Crawford was in full effect. And Thunder went cold (raptors 4th anyone?) and started missing free throws.

Way too many key plays at the end blown by OKC. On to the next.

The Thunder didn't have near the ball movement they did against the Rockets, only 15 assists last night. When they move the ball the Thunder are still very good even without RW.

If Thabo would get his mojo back scoring wise it would be a big help.

If Thabo would get his mojo back scoring wise it would be a big help.

Yea it seems he has reverted back to his 2012 hesitation.

I think there was a problem with the game tonight. It was the same one from two nights ago.

Another 4th quarter choke.

On a side note. The amount of game winner buzzer beaters this season across the league is amazing.

The Hail Mary's are prominent this season.

If it makes anyone feel better, the Spurs lost at home tonight to the Knicks and the Heat lost at home to Golden State.

We now appreciate and know the value of Russell Westbrook...

That was a good, come from behind, road win tonight for the Thunder and helped take the sting out of the last two losses. Any road win without Russell is a good one. As a bonus, Portland lost at home tonight to Philly so we're back alone in first place in the West.

Got a little lucky with this win since Perk could have easily been the goat for fouling Love behind the line

That was an MVP performance by Kevin Durant.

Got a little lucky with this win since Perk could have easily been the goat for fouling Love behind the line

He definitely would have been the 'goat' for fouling Love.

NBA officials appear to express no love for players like Perkins who have a reputation for complaining.

How many times do you see teams get that call? There is an unwritten rule that officials claim that they do not like to make that call which could decide the outcome of the game at the free throw line. Were players getting the green light that it was OK to foul in the remaining moments of the game?

Now the NBA appears to be fine-tuning its officials. Remember how they were going to enforce the rule on an offensive player touching the ball after his team scores? Do you see them calling that now? Well, that did more to stagnant the flow of the game than the actual intent of what the rule was being enforced to resolve.

Kevin Durant was clobbered (by C.J. Miles) while taking a shot in the remaining seconds of a game in Salt Lake City some years ago and that call wasn't made; I remember the TV announcer saying, 'You're not going to get that call.' The NBA league office later stated that a foul should have been called--so much for that.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f380/1bigfan13/0c5a96f1.gif Thunder games are getting tough; we miss you Russell!

What Perkins did would normally be a no-call from what I have observed in the NBA; What direction is the league going now(?)... https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSvAODZ8LelEXLfGzydxdMirWSAkYpiF 2etwHIlIuk5jhXmoZf_NA

My belief is that a foul is a foul no matter when or what phase of the game it is made.


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

Westbrook on his rehab.

Oklahoma City Thunder: Will Russell Westbrook again return sooner than expected? | News OK (http://newsok.com/will-russell-westbrook-again-return-sooner-than-expected/article/3921054)


Russell Westbrook came as close as he could Sunday to confirming our suspicions.

There's no way he'll be on the shelf through the All-Star break.

Speaking for the first time since undergoing a third surgery to his right knee, Westbrook refused to reveal any clues about when he'll be back in action.

But he was again resolute that team timelines aren't his timelines.

“Yeah, I don't pay no attention to none of those projections, man,” Westbrook said. “I just wake up and try to get better each and every day. That's it.”

The last time Westbrook underwent an unexpected surgery, on Oct. 1, the Thunder announced he would miss the first four-to-six weeks of the regular season. He missed two games.

Upon his return, Westbrook told reporters he didn't know who made up that timetable and added “I never was on that timeline at all.”

Can I just say I love Steven Adams?

Oklahoma City Thunder notebook: Steven Adams show no ill effects after spraining right ankle | News OK (http://newsok.com/oklahoma-city-thunder-notebook-steven-adams-show-no-ill-effects-after-spraining-right-ankle/article/3921037)

My favorite quote:

“He's as tough as I've been around, any player,” Scott Brooks said. “Every day, he just plays. The elbows, the pushes, nothing phases him. All he cares about is eating a lot of food and playing basketball.”

Can I just say I love Steven Adams?

Me too. The Big Funaki is becoming my favorite player.

With two of our big three out, I'm giving Utah their 12th victory. The Thunder is a shell of itself tonight.

Jackson is more of a ballhog than Russell has ever been

The comeback would have been successful if they hadn't dug themselves such a big hole. Oh and if Opie (Haywood looks like Opie) had missed just a few down the stretch.