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.

Agreed. It's really hard to suck it up when you know you're right and some idiot is on a power trip vendetta against you. But that's just life... gotta work with the other humanoids, including and especially the officials in Russ' case.

I'll always have Russ' back until he leaves OKC, but I also know he's probably not mature enough to suck it up and bury the hatchet. I get that bc we all know I'm kind of the same way lol...

Oklahoma City Thunder 121 - Denver Nuggets 106

Box score: http://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore/_/id/400899976

Westbrook now has 17 triple-doubles on the season, one away from his total from last season.

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Oklahoma City Thunder 109 - Chicago Bulls 94

Box score: http://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=400899990

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Oklahoma City Thunder 103 - Memphis Grizzlies 95

http://www.mcclatchy-wires.com/wire_photos/id7uju/picture126038994/ALTERNATES/FREE_960/Grizzlies_Thunder_Basketball_38920.jpg

Box score: http://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=400900002

Standings: http://www.espn.com/nba/standings

Westbrook's 18th Triple-double. One game down; 9 to go to round out January's brutal schedule

Horrible loss. This a game they have to win, especially considering the schedule only gets harder from here on out.

Horrible loss. This a game they have to win, especially considering the schedule only gets harder from here on out.

Terrible shot selection and decision making at the end of the third. Tight game throughout but that little run put the twolves over the top. Agreed, tough loss and one we needed given the upcoming schedule. Westbrook's passing was brutal tonight, contributed to lots of TO's and missed opportunities.

Thunder are in serious need of players that can shoot the basketball.

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Oklahoma City Thunder 122 - Sacramento Kings 118


Box score: http://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=400900031

Westbrook gets 20th triple-double this season: 36 point, 11 rebounds, 10 assists.

Tough game tonight on second night of a back-to-back. 9:30 tip TNT

We go back to Oracale on Wednesday for another 9:30 tip ESPN. Warriors are playing the Lebrons tonight. So at least this time both teams will be on similar rest schedules (last time we played the Clippers the night before).

EDIT: Hopefully Adams is available, we will need him to have any chance against GSW.

Adams update:

4 hours ago>


If in fact Steven Adams was deemed to have a concussion and has entered the NBA concussion protocol it’s unlikely he’ll be on the court for the Clippers match tonight.

Steven Adams: Concussion Protocol Testing Explanation:

Link: http://thunderousintentions.com/2017/01/16/steven-adams-concussion-protocol-testing/

Royce Young reports Steven Adams does, in fact, have a concussion and is out tonight versus the Clippers. Hope he gets better soon.

Kanter Time!

Not the ideal match up for Adams to be out. Kanter gets destroyed in the pick and roll and the Clippers are really good at making bigs guard in space. Kanter has really been playing great lately as he's improved his passing out of the post, which is huge for the offense. But the one area where he is still terrible is when he has to guard in space. Chris Paul is really good at taking advantage of mismatches like that. The Warriors are a really tough match up for Kanter also for the same reasons. I'd be happy if the Thunder can just get one of these next three.

Yeah, Adams is now likely to be out against Warriors too, right?

Yeah, Adams is now likely to be out against Warriors too, right?

Probably, but there is never a set return date for a concussion. Some players come back within a couple days. Others have taken a couple weeks.

Probably, but there is never a set return date for a concussion. Some players come back within a couple days. Others have taken a couple weeks.

Starting to hear Adams will be out for the next 2 games then they have a few days off. That will give him 6 days or so to recover. Hopefully everything is Ok.

As expected, Thunder got dismantled in LA last night. Grant had a great game, so that was nice to see. He has a lot of upside.

Now let the hype begin for an (likely) injured performance against GSW.

i stayed up and watched the game last night...it clearly was evident they were on game 2 of a back-to-back. Hopefully they'll get some rest and show up Wed.

Golden State Warriors won't expend a lot of energy against the Thunder.

Glad to see players like Grant (under $1million salary) continue to show improvement. He was a better fit for the Thunder even though we gave up Ilyasova ($8.4 million salary), a win-win situation for the Thunder & 76ers.

http://a2.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=%2Fphoto%2F2016%2F1030%2Fr146853_1296x729_16 %2D9.jpg&w=570

Tonight could be a real beating if GSW play anything like they did on Monday... Not having Adams is going to be a huge blow.

It's going to be a tough test for the Thunder. I'm interested on how Billy D. is going to adjust his game plan without Adams.

Trade rumors regarding Rudy Gay are heating up again. Before the season, it was widely speculated a deal for Rudy Gay in exchange for Cameron Payne was about to go down until Payne broke his foot.

Rudy Gay would be a good add, giving us much needed outside shooting ability, but I'm not sure he puts us back in contention.

No team Rudy Gay has ever joined has got better. Every team he left has improved... sometimes dramatically just by removing him. Giving up any assets for him would be a mistake in my estimation and would not move the needle for this team. I'd rather have Payne.

Klay Thompson questionable for tonights game.... That might help offset losing Adams a little bit.

Golden State has a lot of eager bench players waiting on the chance to make the most of their situation. OKC is not a market known for attracting free agents; let's hope that changes.

Gay's track record speaks for itself. Just don't think he would pair with Westbrook. Agree with Dan, no team Rudy Gay has ever joined has gotten better as a result of Gay's performance.

Klay out.

Klay out.

Where do you see that? Woj is reporting Thompson intends to play tonight after returning from Portland to visit his ill grandfather.

At the time I reported, he was out. Afterwards he was upgraded to questionable

We can dispense with the Rudy Gay discussion. He has a torn Achilles' tendon.

We can dispense with the Rudy Gay discussion. He has a torn Achilles' tendon.

I've always thought the Gay rumors were leaked by his people's to up his value. But if there was truth to them then that's over now. I think it's good for OKC.

Team showed some fight tonight, but Golden State is too good. Barring injury, they're going to cruise to the title this year and maybe for years to come. It's really dumb they can have that much talent.

I've gotten to the point to where I dont even like watching the NBA anymore. Everything is so predictable, and I'm tired of it always being the Cavs and Warriors. There's isn't an even playing field which makes things mundane. We have season tickets for the Thunder, and we aren't renewing next year simply because it's not worth it. I love the Thunder, but things have changed not only because Durant left, but even the atmosphere at Chesapeake Arena has dwindled. There's no pep, no excitement, and the term "Loud City" has completely lost its meaning. It's been so quiet in the arena lately which makes things worse. It also doesn't help that resale tickets won't even sale for face value for the games we can't go to. If things don't change and things continue to spiral downwards, my prediction is that this team will be moving on elsewhere.

I've always thought the Gay rumors were leaked by his people's to up his value. But if there was truth to them then that's over now. I think it's good for OKC.

Team showed some fight tonight, but Golden State is too good. Barring injury, they're going to cruise to the title this year and maybe for years to come. It's really dumb they can have that much talent.

The NBA is allowing for some 'Super' teams to be created like GSW, San Antonio, LAC & Cleveland. It's not going to be favorable for the small markets like Memphis, New Orleans, OKC & Utah. These markets can't retain or attract the quality free agents; yet they have a continuous uphill climb building through the draft.

I've gotten to the point to where I dont even like watching the NBA anymore. Everything is so predictable, and I'm tired of it always being the Cavs and Warriors. There's isn't an even playing field which makes things mundane. We have season tickets for the Thunder, and we aren't renewing next year simply because it's not worth it. I love the Thunder, but things have changed not only because Durant left, but even the atmosphere at Chesapeake Arena has dwindled. There's no pep, no excitement, and the term "Loud City" has completely lost its meaning. It's been so quiet in the arena lately which makes things worse. It also doesn't help that resale tickets won't even sale for face value for the games we can't go to. If things don't change and things continue to spiral downwards, my prediction is that this team will be moving on elsewhere.

Silly. If you like good basketball and watching one of the top five players in the entire league play the game at record setting pace, then it is worth it. Unfortunately, OKC fans are generally immature basketball observers who were spoiled by the success of the last six years, so going to a game is akin to going to the movies for a night of entertainment rather than investing themselves in the team and enjoying the game for the game's sake.

The NBA is allowing for some 'Super' teams to be created like GSW, San Antonio, LAC & Cleveland. It's not going to be favorable for the small markets like Memphis, New Orleans, OKC & Utah. These markets can't retain or attract the quality free agents; yet they have a continuous uphill climb building through the draft.

Cleveland is a small market so maybe the problem is just how teams can stockpile stars. The new CBA actually addresses this issue.

I've gotten to the point to where I dont even like watching the NBA anymore. Everything is so predictable, and I'm tired of it always being the Cavs and Warriors. There's isn't an even playing field which makes things mundane. We have season tickets for the Thunder, and we aren't renewing next year simply because it's not worth it. I love the Thunder, but things have changed not only because Durant left, but even the atmosphere at Chesapeake Arena has dwindled. There's no pep, no excitement, and the term "Loud City" has completely lost its meaning. It's been so quiet in the arena lately which makes things worse. It also doesn't help that resale tickets won't even sale for face value for the games we can't go to. If things don't change and things continue to spiral downwards, my prediction is that this team will be moving on elsewhere.

I actually am having a blast watching this team. They're really fun, like each other, and are really good. Watching all these youg guys develop is really fun and Russ is having one of the greatest seasons in NBA history. OKC is incredibly lucky to have a big league team in town. I'm surprised you're not finding joy in this year's team, but I'm sure there will be plenty of people lining up to take your tickets.

As to the "downward spiral" and the team moving, there is no reason to think the team isn't doing fantastic.

I'm as hard on the team as anyone, but claiming that the franchise will move because the team is losing games that most people expected them to lose (without their 2nd best player, btw) seems like a bit of a stretch.

It sucks, but franchises have rebuilding years all the time. In every sport and every size market. The team just lost one of its MVP candidate/hall of fame players. Of course we're not as good this year. We've been spoiled because the team has been a title contender almost every year since it's inception. There needs to be some perspective here.

I'm having fun watching an MVP-level player put up historic stats and watching young players develop into potential core pieces moving into the next few seasons. I assume other fans have similar feelings.

If people stop supporting the team simply because they aren't as good as they used to be then they're the textbook definition of fair-weather fans. "The team sucks? Sell it and move it."

This team isn't winning a title soon by any means, but it is still set up for a better future than maybe 2/3 of the entire NBA, even with Durant leaving.

With TV contracts exploding and the league being more popular than ever (both nationally and abroad) I don't think the team is in jeopardy of moving anytime soon. The value of owning a franchise has never been higher, especially a relevant one with a great player in a growing city.
Unless Bennett demanded a new arena or he'd leave (like some the recent franchises have faced in the NFL) I don't see the team going anywhere.

Wow... KD sure knows how to turn it up against OKC. That wasn't even fair. He plays a nearly perfect game against us, with his previous best game being against us earlier this year.

You could tell the emotion in everything KD did last night, it was weird.

That being said, it is kind of neat that OKC was able to hang through almost 3 quarters without Adams and with KD playing out of his mind. But everyone is right, beating the Warriors 4 times this post-season would take injuries, or an epic choke on their part. That team was hardly fair before adding a top 2 player... Now, well the rest of the league just get to sit around and wait for it to be over.

Wow... KD sure knows how to turn it up against OKC. That wasn't even fair. He plays a nearly perfect game against us, with his previous best game being against us earlier this year.

You could tell the emotion in everything KD did last night, it was weird.

That being said, it is kind of neat that OKC was able to hang through almost 3 quarters without Adams and with KD playing out of his mind. But everyone is right, beating the Warriors 4 times this post-season would take injuries, or an epic choke on their part. That team was hardly fair before adding a top 2 player... Now, well the rest of the league just get to sit around and wait for it to be over.

This is my point exactly. Yes, I admit I can be a fair-weather fan at times, but it's hard not to be one when you know exactly what the outcome is going to be. Every single fan in the league already knew how this season would go down the minute Durant made his decision to leave for GSW. Maybe they will choke at some point, but the chances of that happening? Slim to none. In regard to what I mentioned about the franchising leaving, I was referring to how well OKC has supported the team. I have a friend who works within the Thunder offices, and she has told me that attendance and ticket re-sales are tremendously down from last year. What happens now if we lose Russ? I'm sure attendance and sales will continue to decrease. My question is just this: Is OKC really ready to support a team throughout the rebuilding phase? How is it going to be if and when we have a season like last years Lakers or 76ers? Yes, we have been spoiled the last 6 years, but we have not yet seen the other side.

It's worth noting that OKC's support thus far is off the charts for an NBA franchise. You don't have to have every seat filled and a hectic environment to keep your franchise. I've been to NBA games in a bunch of cities and the environment is not near what happens in OKC even now. I went to a game in Utah last year and there were so many empty seats and the environment was weak... and this was against a top 3 team in the league in the Thunder. It was the same situation when I saw the Thunder in Orlando a few years ago. Heck, my first NBA game was a Warriors game about 15-20 years ago and the stadium was half full and dead. So, even if there is decline, I think OKC is in a good position with fan support. There is a real love for the franchise.

As to watching a struggling or rebuilding team, I'd argue that once people's expectations adjust, it can be pretty fun to watch young, talented players too. Maybe I'm not a good representative of the Thunder fan base because I am a pretty adamant NBA fan, not just Thunder fan, but if you appreciate the growth process of players and teams, there is always something really interesting to watch. For example, the Lakers are in complete rebuild mode right now, but their team is really intriguing. They have a lot of young, talented players trying to figure it out. I like watching the Lakers. The 76ers are actualy one of the most fun teams in the league right now with Joel Embiid process taking off... Just my two cents.

Honestly the argument he is making about the franchise not surviving is so weak that it isn't even worth clogging this thread up. OKC isn't losing this NBA team anytime soon.

Back to the current situation. Last night the commentators kept arguing back and forth about if KD would be applauded or boo'd in OKC. Later on in the broadcast, an OKC fan had told them they have no idea of the hurt in OKC if they think KD would be applauded. I think this is a good example of how the media and rest of the NBA fans see OKC. Almost like we aren't allowed to be bitter about KD leaving us to join the super team that just beat us? Somehow claiming that we aren't allowed to feel mad/sad about KD doing that because of the good things he did here?

February 11 will be the most emotional game in OKC since we made it to the finals with the three current MVP front-runners in 2012.

Cleveland is a small market so maybe the problem is just how teams can stockpile stars. The new CBA actually addresses this issue.

:ot:

Support your stockpile stars angle.

Cleveland (Pop., 2,060,810/19th in TV Households--1,498,960) is not a small market--it's more of an overextended median market.

Small markets do not possess 3 major league franchises (MLB Indians, NFL Browns & NBA Cavaliers.)

Currently there are only three Big or Mega markets (roughly 3.5 million or more DMA TV Households/10-20 million plus population range), they are New York, Los Angeles and Chicago.

As far as french tradition rich New Orleans (NFL, NBA - Pop., (1,262,888) being a small market; they are one of those cities that fall in the exception category--overextended post Katrina with a smaller MSA than OKC (1,358,452). Another exception is overextended Denver (Pop., 2,814,330/17th DMA 1,630,380 TV Households) supports five major league sports franchises (MLB, NFL, NBA, NHL & MLS).

Not that up-to-date with the new CBA, please enlighten us on how this was addressed.

Honestly the argument he is making about the franchise not surviving is so weak that it isn't even worth clogging this thread up. OKC isn't losing this NBA team anytime soon.

A few fans on Daily Thunder have shared this same fear too for some reason. "Westbrook isn't an All-Star starter? This is a bad omen for the team and the franchise..." And claiming that the team is hemmorhaghing money and can't sell seats.

People in OKC still don't know what it's like to have a professional sports franchise and all that comes with it.

A few fans on Daily Thunder have shared this same fear too for some reason. "Westbrook isn't an All-Star starter? This is a bad omen for the team and the franchise..." And claiming that the team is hemmorhaghing money and can't sell seats.

People in OKC still don't know what it's like to have a professional sports franchise and all that comes with it.

Some people out there don't have a clue, and keep in mind that a lot of those DailyThunder posters are a bunch of teenage kids - The Basketball Club of Oklahoma paid $ 350 million in 2007 for the Sonics. According to Forbes, the franchise (Thunder) is now worth $ 930 million.

http://newsok.com/article/5386548

With Rudy Gay out for the season, what do you guys think Presti does at the trade deadline? I'm starting to think Presti doesn't make a move, unless it's a minor one to offload someone for a future pick.

With Rudy Gay out for the season, what do you guys think Presti does at the trade deadline? I'm starting to think Presti doesn't make a move, unless it's a minor one to offload someone for a future pick.

Yeah, I think we either do something huge like Payne and Kanter for Griffin or something small to free up cap space. I would love to see a deal to get Singler off the books.

Braylon Edward's tweet: So Westbrook is averaging a Triple Double but hes not starting in the all- star game? Please get this man to a major city soon.

These types of thoughts are what is a little frightening as an OKC fan. We have trouble enough getting free agents to come to town, now we have a guy who is having a historic season and can't even get a starting spot in the all-star game. There are guys like Russ who could probably care less, but there are plenty who do. Just another point that makes convincing an all-star caliber player to come here that much harder.

Too much weight is given to small/big market arguments.

The fact is, the fan vote got Curry in, and the fan vote is heavily weighted because the all-star game is for fans.

Curry's following demographics are way more expanded than Russ's. Curry is a national treasure to 13 year old kids everywhere jacking up threes @ their local YMCAs.

Isaiah Thomas, who plays in Boston, had pretty much the same thing happen to him and he's in a huge market. Kyrie Irving, who plays in Cleveland, dominated the fan vote and started over him.

Think this is more indicative fan voting being stupid than anything else.

Yao Ming constantly started over Tim Duncan, Dwight Howard, and other more worthy players because he had so many fan votes overseas.

Braylon Edward's tweet: So Westbrook is averaging a Triple Double but hes not starting in the all- star game? Please get this man to a major city soon.

These types of thoughts are what is a little frightening as an OKC fan. We have trouble enough getting free agents to come to town, now we have a guy who is having a historic season and can't even get a starting spot in the all-star game. There are guys like Russ who could probably care less, but there are plenty who do. Just another point that makes convincing an all-star caliber player to come here that much harder.

Russ being voted third by the fans has little do with OKC's market size. That's a lazy narrative. Steph Curry is a global brand and the two-time reigning MVP. He's really popular. As was pointed out, Isaiah Thomas (Boston) is having a way better season than Kyrie Irving (Cleveland), but got snubbed. It has little to do with market size.

Russ being voted third by the fans has little do with OKC's market size. That's a lazy narrative. Steph Curry is a global brand and the two-time reigning MVP. He's really popular. As was pointed out, Isaiah Thomas (Boston) is having a way better season than Kyrie Irving (Cleveland), but got snubbed. It has little to do with market size.

You're right, it has nothing to do with market size.

The NBA All Star Game is a weekend festival that many cities would love to host ($100 million economic impact). The skills competition & activities are what makes the festival a reputable event. As far as the All Star Game itself, there's about 5 minutes or less of serious play--the rest is a Joke.

Too much weight is given to small/big market arguments.

The fact is, the fan vote got Curry in, and the fan vote is heavily weighted because the all-star game is for fans.

Curry's following demographics are way more expanded than Russ's. Curry is a national treasure to 13 year old kids everywhere jacking up threes @ their local YMCAs.

:lol2: :lol2: :lol2: :lol2: :lol2: :lol2: :lol2: :lol2: :lol2:

OKC is in SLC tonight trying to end the 6 game winning streak of the Jazz. We got stomped by the Jazz earlier this season.

Adams is game-time decision I believe. But he did travel with the team this time.

8:00 tip.

They had a good couple of days off. hopefully they come back refreshed and ready to play tonight. Utah isn't a joke.

Some TV sports folks think that Robes will get traded. He didn't sign an extension this summer, is restricted and has defensive value. The Thunder have their replacement in Jeremy Grant, even though he's not quite as good defensively, he's way better on offense. A trade for a better wing could happen in the next few weeks.
Maybe they could throw Singlar in and clear some cap.

Roberson is the Thunder's best lock down defensive weapon, problem is he' s a liability on offense. We need to decide Dre's true value.

Does his offensive liabilities negate his defensive assets?

Roberson is the Thunder's best lock down defensive weapon, problem is he' s a liability on offense. We need to decide Dre's true value.

Does his offensive liabilities negate his defensive assets?

I think it depends on what a team is looking for when considering a trade for Roberson. If they are stacked with shooters, but lack good defenders, then they won't mind his offensive holocaust on the court as much.

Does his offensive liabilities negate his defensive assets?

For the Thunder, the answer is yes. Just look at the +/- numbers when he's on the floor. Most of the Thunder's best units include him.

I'd honestly hate to lose Roberson. He's the best defender on the team, besides maybe Adams, and by far the best wing defender we have.

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:bedtime: Oklahoma City Thunder 97 - Utah Jazz 95

Box score: http://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore/_/id/400900094