If OKC plays like they did tonight (minus about half the turnovers); they can play with the best. Kanter and Adams just wrecked the Knicks. Russell orchestrated an amazing game. Roberson finally seems to have some confidence in his shot (we'll see how long it lasts).

OKC played a tough game tonight, very physical. Glad tomorrow is a rest day for them before revisiting Scott Brooks at the capitol.


Just kidding, tomorrow is a home game.

If OKC plays like they did tonight (minus about half the turnovers); they can play with the best. Kanter and Adams just wrecked the Knicks. Russell orchestrated an amazing game. Roberson finally seems to have some confidence in his shot (we'll see how long it lasts).

OKC played a tough game tonight, very physical. Glad tomorrow is a rest day for them before revisiting Scott Brooks at the capitol.

Absolutely. That was some great, solid basketball. Everyone contributed and played with energy. That's one of the first games in the last 10 that I've seen everyone go out and play with energy. If we could keep that consistent, we'll rise back to the top 3 or 4 in the standings.

I'm especially glad to see Morrow getting time and no more Kyle Singler. He's ability to hit shots from the outside is giving Russ and Adams/Kanter room to work in the paint, which is devastating for our opponents.

Just kidding, tomorrow is a home game.

Hey, it's okay, OKC is a capital, too. Not THE capitOl, but A capital.

I really want to know what this team will look like with Cameron Payne. It doesn't seem like it should be such a big deal, but when you insert one of your main 8 players back into the rotation, it can have a major impact. It should allow both Russ and Dipo to get more rest, and should increase Kanter's efficacy when the starting guards are on the bench.

Not a giant sample size, but Payne also seemed like a decent 3-point shooter as well as someone who can handle the ball, which of course always helps.

I agree, I want him to hurry back!

Different players continue to step up night after night. Now there's some consistency especially with the latest breakout of Morrow & Kanter. Yet, you have the newly acquired players like Oladipo, Lauvergne, Grant, Sabonis & Christian who can become a difference making on any given night.

The 3-pointer taken by Roberson with 3:48 left in the 4th quarter gave the Thunder a 104-99 lead after the Knicks had closed within 2 at 101-99. Roberson didn't think twice about it; he took that shot with confidence.

Westbrook is making the players around him better. He has energized the whole team to another level; something our fearless leader Durant couldn't do in his time here.

Thunder have a very young and fast team. If they can continue to speed up the game to RW's pace, we could be in for a surprise with a team going deep into the playoffs.

Russell Westbrook is pretty good at basketball.

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Oklahoma City Thunder 126 - Washington Wizards 115

Box Score: http://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore/_/id/400899720

Russell Westbrook is pretty good at basketball.He certainly is! Now we just need some consistent play to gel around him.

Russell Westbrook is pretty good at basketball.

I personally don't understand how Chesapeake Arena isn't completely packed every game with people clamoring to see him play. This guy is a once in a lifetime player who will go down as one of the best to ever play the game. It is mind boggling the amount of talent he has.

He is so fun to watch. I also have fun watching Adams. When he gets paired with up some big dude on the other team, it is sometimes hard to watch the ball, because it is fun to watch Adams and whoever fight it out.

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Oklahoma City Thunder 101 - New Orleans Pelicans 92

Box score: http://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=400899743

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Oklahoma City Thunder 102 - Atlanta Hawks 99

Box score: http://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=400899749


Westbrook records 6th straight triple-double...

They almost let this game get away from them. Atlanta wanted it bad. Luckily the game ended before they could get up in the score. Another minute and I'm not sure we could have held it.

We are three possessions away from a 17-5 record.

We're starting to click more and score with greater ease. Love the progress. Let's keep it up.

It's really important for the Thunder to building up some wins before the brutal January schedule hits. Oladipo is playing a bit better during this recent streak and Adams hand seems to be getting better (can't say the same about his ankles). Morrow has been good since taking Abrines' minutes. More than anything, everyone seems to better understand their roles on the team. Hopefully, Cam Payne comes back healthy and gives the bench a bump...

Yea the last week has been a great showing of never giving up in close games. Losing to those three game-winners in that week stretch prior, was killer.

After Christmas, the Thunder plays something like 9 games in 14 days with nearly all of them on the road.

There are 3 home games in the whole month of Jan. Three.

There are 3 home games in the whole month of Jan. Three.

Only two road games in the following month of February, so they kind of balance out.

Only two road games in the following month of February, so they kind of balance out.

Feast or famine.

Only two road games in the following month of February, so they kind of balance out.

Of course, Feb. is also a short month that is also bisected by the All-Star game.

But, OKC had a lot of home games to begin the season.

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NBA: The 6 Most Unbelievable Triple-Double Streaks:

5. Magic Johnson (1986-87)
Straight games: 4

4. Maurice Stokes (1956-57)
Straight games: 4+

2. Russell Westbrook (2016-17), Oscar Robertson (1961-62), Michael Jordan (1988-89)
Straight games: 7

1. Wilt Chamberlain (1967-68)
Straight games: 9

http://www.cheatsheet.com/sports/the-6-most-impressive-triple-double-streaks-in-nba-history.html/?a=viewall

Well, I got to say it, that was one ugly game. For both teams. Even Red Panda dropped a couple of bowls.

Russell has to make better late-game decisions. That chuck while Bev was draped on him was unacceptable.

And don't give me the BS about how we wouldn't be in that position without Russ. Obviously you can be both good in the 4th and better at late-game decision making. Russ needs to have more confidence in his team in those situations. I do like that Donovan has been writing up actual plays instead of 35 footers we were used to from the Brooks era.

Thunder drops both games on this back-to-back roadtrip. Really need Oladipo (and Cam) to be back. Really hope we can see Cam sometime this decade.

This team lacks reliable shooting and playmaking. Both Cam and Dipo provide a bit of each. Need to get them back, but OKC needs more of those skills off the bench. Without those two, every team is just going to cram the lane, taking any space away for Russ drives (which is infuriating Russ), and leave everyone open for threes. It's a strategy that is going to work with this flawed roster.

Anthony Morrow had 28 minutes with 1-4 shooting and three points. There is a reason he doesn't play very much. If he is on, it's great, but if he is off, he is a complete hindrance on the defensive side of the ball.

https://www.facebook.com/bleacherreport/videos/10154624573146006/

Just five home games left until February. Thunder is comfortably in 7th place in the West. The fear of dropping out is unlikely, as the bottom teams are really struggling.

The chances of a GSW - OKC round 1 matchup is getting more and more real.

http://www.prsguitars.com/imgs/signatureclub/logo_sigclub.png

http://203.86.194.7/Sites/rosetownmotel/images/win.original.png


Oklahoma City Thunder 117 - Boston Celtics 112

Box Score: http://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=400899887

Westbrook was amazing. Just put the team on his back and won this game. I think this was his best one in an incredible season.

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Oklahoma City Thunder 112 - Minnesota Timberwolves 100

Box Score: http://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=400899901

This team is getting better and better and the bench is finding its identity with a Kanter-led attack, which will help a lot.

Just as important, Russ seems like he's having fun out there, like he's absolutely enjoying himself. I've said it many times and I'll say it again, we OKC Thunder fans are witness to one of the best, most dynamic NBA players in the history of the game. Very fortunate.

This team is getting better and better and the bench is finding its identity with a Kanter-led attack, which will help a lot.

Just as important, Russ seems like he's having fun out there, like he's absolutely enjoying himself. I've said it many times and I'll say it again, we OKC Thunder fans are witness to one of the best, most dynamic NBA players in the history of the game. Very fortunate.


It would be nice if they could go on a long win streak and get in the 3rd position in the west. It's within reach and if that 2nd unit keeps playing like they have and continues to improve I think they will get there. Getting Dipo and Payne should also give a boost esp. Dipo. Payne I would really ease in since Criston seems to be playing pretty good and getting better. If Sabonis and Abrines continue hitting the 3s like they have the past few games that will continue to open the door for Kanter and the guys down low. The real threat of 3 point shooters make it so much easier to get good shots.

It's worth noting, the Thunder schedule is about to get a lot harder. If OKC has a .500 record in the month of January that woud be a huge win.

I honestly, don't see OKC getting higher than the 6 seed barring some major injuries to other teams. There's no chance of passing the Warriors or Spurs, and it's going to be really hard to pass the Clippers or Rockets. The Rockets are much better than I expected. The Jazz and Grizzlies have about the same records as the Thunder, but have been decimated by injuries. I could see the Grizzlies coming back to earth at some point, but I think the Jazz record is just going to getter better as they get healthy... they're really good. With over a third of the season gone and based on what we've see so far, here's how I'd predict the West finishes:

1. Golden State
2. San Antonio
3. Houston
4. Utah
5. LA Clippers
6. OKC
7. Memphis
8. Portland

That would be a pretty good finish because I think the Thunder could potentially beat the Rockets in a 3/6 match up and I also think the Thunder could challenge the Spurs (assuming they beat a rugged Grizzles team).

Agree 100% Dan with your 6. OKC seed finish.

.500 month of January will be a brutal time with 3 home & 12 games on the road. 7 wins & 8 losses, anything better would be gravy.

Could see the Thunder possibly shaking thru the first round of the playoffs. The team has youth, these guys are learning fast; this could be a major factor come playoff time.

Donovan has quickly adjusted the lineup to match-up against individual opponents.

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Evaluation of the Ersan Ilyasova trade?
http://image.theoaklandpress.com/storyimage/OP/20161126/SPORTS/161129664/AR/0/AR-161129664.jpg&maxh=400&maxw=667
2016-17 Salary $980,431
Jerami Grant has length. His overall stats has improved with the Thunder vs. his time with the 76ers.

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http://www.periodicoelgancho.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/AlexAbrines.jpg
2016-17 Salary $5,994,764, Alex Abrines - time to breakout!

Well, if Jerami Grant is a legitimate 3 point shooter (he's at 43% right now!!!) then that trade was quite the coup for the Thunder. I suspect he'll drop, but even if he can just be in the mid to high-30s with his defensice versatility and athleticism, he could really be an incredible role player.

I know the Thunder have a lot of away games, but a lot of them are against some pretty bad teams, at least to start. OKC plays @ Milwaukee, Charlotte, Houston, Chicago, Minnesota, Sacramento, Clippers, Golden State, Utah, NO, Cleveland and San Antonio. I feel like all the ones in bold are wins (6), the ones underlined are toss ups (3) and the remaining (3) could be losses. Also Denver, Memphis and Dallas at home, all winnable games.

I know the Thunder have a lot of away games, but a lot of them are against some pretty bad teams, at least to start. OKC plays @ Milwaukee, Charlotte, Houston, Chicago, Minnesota, Sacramento, Clippers, Golden State, Utah, NO, Cleveland and San Antonio. I feel like all the ones in bold are wins (6), the ones underlined are toss ups (3) and the remaining (3) could be losses. Also Denver, Memphis and Dallas at home, all winnable games.

I think you're being pretty optimistic (and I hope you're right!). For example, I don't think any of Milwaukee, Charlotte, Chicago, Minny, or the Sacramento games are easy wins. Those are all decent teams and several are starting to play better (Minny) or are better than their record indicates (Milwaukee). Every team you mentioned as a likely road win except for the Timberpups is currently a playoff team. OKC can win any of those games, but most of them are closer to 50/50 than a likely win.

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http://www.periodicoelgancho.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/AlexAbrines.jpg
2016-17 Salary $5,994,764, Alex Abrines - time to breakout!

His game is starting to pick up. hopefully it continues.

I know the Thunder have a lot of away games, but a lot of them are against some pretty bad teams, at least to start. OKC plays @ Milwaukee, Charlotte, Houston, Chicago, Minnesota, Sacramento, Clippers, Golden State, Utah, NO, Cleveland and San Antonio. I feel like all the ones in bold are wins (6), the ones underlined are toss ups (3) and the remaining (3) could be losses. Also Denver, Memphis and Dallas at home, all winnable games.


I see the Thunder at 8-4 in that stretch. They are coming on.

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Oklahoma City Thunder 106 - Miami Heat 94

Box Score: http://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=400899915

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C0uzfnCUoAEu5im.jpg:small
Westbrook's 15th triple-double of the season.

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http://www.happy-yom-kippur.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Happy-New-Year-2017-Animated-GIF-Images-for-Sharing....gif

Oklahoma City Thunder 114 - Los Angeles Clippers 88

Box score: http://www.espn.com/nba/game?gameId=400899949

Let's wish Alex Abrines a speedy recovery.

The Thunder injury report is getting to be a game of musical chairs, Oladipo back--Abrines out. Who's it gonna be when Payne returns?

Happy New Year, and fortunately, Abrines won't miss any time. He's been playing a lot better lately.

I'm picking us as the 4 seed. You saw it here first, people!

Thunder guard Cameron Payne assigned to Oklahoma City Blue

http://newsok.com/thunder-guard-cameron-payne-assigned-to-oklahoma-city-blue/article/5532800

Oh, wow! I have Dish; channel 52 had been televising many Oklahoma City Blue games from the Cox Convention Center Arena. Now KWTV 9/KSBI 52 are in negotiations with Dish Network. Dish isn't likely to blink. On the average, their customer rates are much lower than Cox Cable & Direct TV.

Hope I get to see Cameron in action; really miss the Westbrook-Payne pregame dance ritual :rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FO9hRBDIU0c
My Aunt Marie got a genuine chuckle watching these two. ^ ^ ^
Last time I saw dancing like this, Bricktown 54 was alive & kicking.

Couple of bad losses these past few games.

Yea the month of death is starting out pretty much worst case scenario.

HOU tonight will likely be real ugly.

Thunder continues to hang in there with this young core. Westbrook needs help. Maybe we can pick up an experienced player after the All Star Break.

Westbrook is absolutely right that OKC gets ref'd differently. Tonight was absurd.

Two bad calls in the last minute or so. First, they reversed a call and gave Houston the ball on an out of bounds play. It should have been a jump ball because the refs blew the whistle before it went out of bounds. Second, Jerami Grant cleanly blockd Nene's shot with 0.7 left. It was called a ful and Nene's free throws were the difference.

Tough break. That's 3 tough losses to start January and the schedule is only going to get harder this month. It would be nice to see a break or two fall this team's way...

I can't believe the ref actually called that last second dunk attempt foul... That NEVER happens... And of all people on Nene?!

AND it was a clean block... What a rip off. OKC is getting shafted on this roadtrip.

[conspiracy hat]NBA wants Warriors-Thunder round 1[/conspiracy hat]

Usually in the NBA, you're not going to get that call in the final seconds.

Houston got bailed out on what should have been a non call:
https://vine.co/v/5VHvijLzO2D

The only thing that could explain all of these coincidental tough breaks is the refs have had it with Russ.

I thought our (Russ') shot selection on the three possessions before the foul on Nene were not great. There was zero ball movement, the rest of the team stood there and watched Russ. We need Russ to be able to trust his teammates in crunchtime or make a move as soon as the All Star Break. Our second unit looked great down the stretch and really pulled us back, I would have loved to see the ball go into Kanter on one of those last possessions if for only to have him kick it back out.

I agree with sooner88 about Russ in the final minutes. There three or four possessions that Russ was the only Thunder to touch the ball and then he took questionable shots. I used to blame Russ completely for this but lately I don't see the team trying to move around and help.

The only thing that could explain all of these coincidental tough breaks is the refs have had it with Russ.

So true, Spartan; Westbrook has no one to blame but himself. He needs to change his attitude with the officials because it's obvious that some officials get irritated with Westbrook's objections to their calls.

My observation in the final minutes:

You see Westbrook motioning for his guys to move around; yet they continue to stand around like they're waiting on him to do something. He passes the ball, they give it right back to him.

If he holds the ball too long, then the shot clock becomes our foe--if no one gets open then he has to force a pass, drive the lane (refs won't give him that call in the final minutes) or jack up a shot which affects shot selection.

So true, Spartan; Westbrook has no one to blame but himself. He needs to change his attitude with the officials because it's obvious that some officials get irritated with Westbrook's objections to their calls.

My observation in the final minutes:

You see Westbrook motioning for his guys to move around; yet they continue to stand around like they're waiting on him to do something. He passes the ball, they give it right back to him.

If he holds the ball too long, then the shot clock becomes our foe--if no one gets open then he has to force a pass, drive the lane (refs won't give him that call in the final minutes) or jack up a shot which affects shot selection.

don't give Westbrook a call in the final seconds, but Nene?? sorry... i'm obviously bitter about last night...