I don't think Donovan should be fired, although I do think he'll be first to go if things don't turn around. There are a lot of reasons why this team is bad.

Donovan isn't an amazing coach or anything, but from the sounds of the last postgame, it seems like the players just aren't really listening to what he's telling the team. You can say it's his job to get the team to buy-in, which is true, but it's also on the players to, you know, actually play well and play efficient basketball. They aren't doing that right now.

Right now this team stinks. Westbrook was 4-13 fg from two point territory. Antonio Daniels who had over a decade in the league blistered them in the post game.
http://www.sportingnews.com/nba/news/nba-oklahoma-city-thunder-antonio-daniels-paul-george-stats/1umksuqs2adak1fybkslxeutbg

Here is the clip of this rant:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UNpPCy8Pt9E

Wow, someone give this man's phone number to Presti.

If you’re Presti, who would you get to replace him?

That's always the question that has to accompany talk of firing a coach. Could you get someone who could come in and immediately turn things around? Having said that, Memphis just fired a pretty good coach in David Fizdale. ;)

I'm neither here nor there on firing, but here are a few coaches that are available

Fizzdale
MVG
Mark Jackson
David Blatt?

Can we go ahead and rule out Mark Jackson? Lol. He was such a bad coach for the Warriors. Their growth after he was fired was almost unprecedented.

Can we go ahead and rule out Mark Jackson? Lol. He was such a bad coach for the Warriors. Their growth after he was fired was almost unprecedented.

Agreed. Mark Jackson held the Warriors back tremendously.

Coach Donovan last night in the post was discussing the team needs to move the ball around a lot more on offense and yet I just did not see it. Coach is apparently being ignored, so in my opinion it is on the players. The team seems to have a swagger about them that is totally unearned at this point. Additionally the Thunder bench is worthless outside of Grant. Now I also know it is easier to fire the coach than the players but it is also just as easy to consider a new GM. If a new coach is what the team decides, Jeff Van Gundy is out there.

What's with the Mark Jackson hate?

Jeff Van Gundy is out there.

Ah. Definitely meant JVG, not M haha

As for the the Mark Jackson hate, *shrug*. I don't think anybody remembers the Warriors before him, nor would I expect anybody to.

2009: Curry gets drafted
2009-10 season : 13th in the West
Coach: Don Nelson

2010-11 season : 12th in the West
2011: Klay gets drafted
Coach : Keith Smart

2012: Draymond gets drafted
2011-12 season : 13th in the West
2012-13 season : 6th in the West, WCF semi finals
2013-14 season : 6th in the West, 1 and done in game 7 vs Clippers
Coach : Mark Jackson

and we know the rest with Kerr.

Questionable practices aside for Jackson (never trusting any of his assistants, making Ezeli cry, etc), he's often credited for their defense.

No need to fire or trade anyone.... Easy answer to the problem.... Melo needs to be coming off the bench. He would be more effective with the second squad and Patterson or Grant would work better with the other starters.

The Warriors were bad before Mark Jackson because he had terrible or really young players. By the time Jackson took over, they had really good players and those players immediately were far more successful the second Kerr took over. And, most of the changes were being called for by pretty much everyone. He was super stubborn ioffensively. I like him as an analyst, but he just is a really poor Xs and Os guy as he completely misused his team's talent and stubbornly resisted the changing game. In other words, Mark Jackson is basically another Scott Brooks at best.

If OKC went a different direction I'd take Jeff Van Gundy first and Fizdale second.

No need to fire or trade anyone.... Easy answer to the problem.... Melo needs to be coming off the bench. He would be more effective with the second squad and Patterson or Grant would work better with the other starters.

In my opinion, the problem is with how the big 3 are playing, not who they're playing with. Melo has already been playing a lot of minutes with bench lineups and it hasn't resulted in a lot of success.

In my opinion, the problem is with how the big 3 are playing, not who they're playing with. Melo has already been playing a lot of minutes with bench lineups and it hasn't resulted in a lot of success.

Changing the lineup changes how they play..... Patterson or Grant in the starting lineup would improve spacing and slightly improve the first squads defensive capability.

Moving Melo to the second squad lets him take advantage of getting iso on players way below his caliber on a more regular basis.

I'll agree that Jackson wasn't as smart offensively as Kerr is, and for that reason alone, the change had to be made.

But the Warriors kept getting better on defense with Jackson.
Something that the opposite could be said of Scott Brooks (remember all those ISOs! that are still around).

Changing the lineup changes how they play..... Patterson or Grant in the starting lineup would improve spacing and slightly improve the first squads defensive capability.

Moving Melo to the second squad lets him take advantage of getting iso on players way below his caliber on a more regular basis.

First, Melo provides far better spacing than Patterson or Grant, right? Players respect Melo's shot, but they completely ignore Grant and only kind of care about Patterson. Second, that's actually been a problem for Melo, PG, and Russ is that they keep thinking they have to take advantage, but they do so my isoing and taking an inefficient shot. Melo is pretty much best as a three point spot-up shooter at this point in his career and that works better when he's playing with Russ or PG3 IMHO.

First, Melo provides far better spacing than Patterson or Grant, right? Players respect Melo's shot, but they completely ignore Grant and only kind of care about Patterson. Second, that's actually been a problem for Melo, PG, and Russ is that they keep thinking they have to take advantage, but they do so my isoing and taking an inefficient shot. Melo is pretty much best as a three point spot-up shooter at this point in his career and that works better when he's playing with Russ or PG3 IMHO.

Yes wrong.... Spacing has and is still an issue and Melo is taking too many contested 2pt shots because of it. He can still get his spot-up 3pt shots coming off the bench and once again against inferior players which should improve his potential to score..... The most pertinent point I am making here is that Melo coming off the bench puts him consistently on lesser talent and maximizes his ability to take advantage of that..... Did you see what he did in the Olympics coming off the bench?

Moving Melo to the second squad lets him take advantage of getting iso on players way below his caliber on a more regular basis.

This.

Melo laughed when someone asked him if he was willing to come off the bench during media day at the start of the season.

He's not coming off the bench.

Yes wrong.... Spacing has and is still an issue and Melo is taking too many contested 2pt shots because of it. He can still get his spot-up 3pt shots coming off the bench and once again against inferior players which should improve his potential to score..... The most pertinent point I am making here is that Melo coming off the bench puts him consistently on lesser talent and maximizes his ability to take advantage of that..... Did you see what he did in the Olympics coming off the bench?

Honestly, if you reverse everything in this post then it is accurate.

It was late last night so let me explain. Melo and the other big three have been duped into taking lots of inefficient shots because they’re taking advantage of “lesser” players and mismatches. “Olympic Melo” was effective because he played with lots of other stars and thus reduced his game to being a spot up three point shooter and cutting out his isolation offense that consists of lots of bad shots. That’s what he needs to do... just be a spot up shooter and quit trying to take on mismatches. I actually think Melo is the worst one to play with the second unit because then he tries to take over, which is really bad at.

It was late last night so let me explain.

Glad you cleared that up... I generally respect your thoughts on the game but that comment last night had me sitting on the fence about that respect. ;)

It was late last night so let me explain. Melo and the other big three have been duped into taking lots of inefficient shots because they’re taking advantage of “lesser” players and mismatches. “Olympic Melo” was effective because he played with lots of other stars and thus reduced his game to being a spot up three point shooter and cutting out his isolation offense that consists of lots of bad shots. That’s what he needs to do... just be a spot up shooter and quit trying to take on mismatches. I actually think Melo is the worst one to play with the second unit because then he tries to take over, which is really bad at.

I agree with this. Honestly if Russ just played exactly like last season, it would be way better. Because instead of Russ kicking out to wide open Roberson or Oladipo, he will be kicking out to Melo and PG. The awkward feed to Melo from Russ for an ISO pullup is so cringe. Russ/KD got away with it so often because well.... it is KD.

Glad you cleared that up... I generally respect your thoughts on the game but that comment last night had me sitting on the fence about that respect. ;)

Yeah, my bad. I actually typed a long response on my phone, I accidentally deleted it, and that snarky response is all I could muster before falling asleep. I respect you and enjoy the discussion so I apologize for the snarky comment. I try not to do that online because that's what turns discussions south quickly.

Ugly win against an injury plagued Spurs. But I must say that we had probably the best ball movement I have seen all season. Guys just couldn't knock down their open shots.

Ugly win against an injury plagued Spurs. But I must say that we had probably the best ball movement I have seen all season. Guys just couldn't knock down their open shots.

They will need time to adjust to taking open shots.... They're too accustomed to taking contested ones. ;)

They have a pretty easy schedule this month, save the Christmas date against the Rockets, but other than that, they should have a winning record this month.

Jazz tonight coming here on a 7 game win streak. Going to be tough. Adams being successful will be a huge part of this game.

Jazz tonight coming here on a 7 game win streak. Going to be tough. Adams being successful will be a huge part of this game.

Let's hope this provides an incentive to accept the challenge.

Thunder played with a sense of urgency; especially when they are behind on the scoreboard. Great come-from-behind win; superb defense by Dre and an energized Westbrook who saps the energy from opponents.


Thunder 100
Jazz 94

Box score: http://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=400975102

Jazz tonight coming here on a 7 game win streak. Going to be tough. Adams being successful will be a huge part of this game.

Good call on the Adams thing ����

The Thunder pathetically lost to a bad team again, keeping them two games below .500.

This team has been so disappointing.

On the plus side, the bench has scored the most I've seen it score with 29.

Carmelo Anthony and Russell Westbrook lost to a team led by Caris Levert and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson. Not sure what to say after that opening statement.

Carmelo Anthony and Russell Westbrook lost to a team led by Caris Levert and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson. Not sure what to say after that opening statement.

At least Caris Levert had a great night for my fantasy team. ;)

Yikes that was pitiful. What even is this free throw percentage?!

Russ is totally different this season. Guess he burned everything up for his MVP.


EDIT: So I guess Russ has an injury, right hip.

Thunder are 4 - 1 in December. Wins over Minnesota 111-107, San Antonio 90-87, Utah 100-94 @home & an OT @Memphis 102-101.

Brooklyn game in Mexico City is another below .500 team we let slip away.

Beat the struggling Charlotte Hornets (9-16) @home tomorrow, OKC should be poised to hit the road against Indiana (PG13 homecoming), Pacers are 16-11 with a 4 game win streak; Thunder snapped the Jazz' recent 6 game win streak.

Thunder will have a day of rest before back-to-back @ Philadelphia & New York both .500 teams. If we can go 2-1 on the road against Pacers. Nets & Knicks, I'll take that.

Note: When Charlotte reacquired the Hornets nickname, it's confusion since the Hornets use to call New Orleans & OKC home.

PG seemed pissed in his post game interview last night. Melo left without talking to anyone after the game.

Why is Felton and Russ playing together? That lineup is getting wrecked. Why is Dakari getting basically zero minutes? We have no confidence in a backup center. Felton shot 10 times. PLEASE get Grant more involved, he is so athletic. The weird use of Collison and Patterson is super cringe-worthy.

Presti is on the phone today, if he hasn't been already the last two weeks.

Billy is getting the ax earlier than I thought, my original guess was AS Break, but maybe even before 2018. Also maybe we should just try to get a shooter for PG or something, he looks like he hates it here right now.

Paul George's overall stats in OKC are higher than there were in Indiana 2016-17.

If you're looking for someone who could put this team on the right path; Billy Donovan (has all the answers) is where we need to start. He's accountable...

http://cdn1.thecomeback.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/94/2016/05/nba_g_vangundy_d1_576.jpg
Jeff Van Gundy is one you would want to consider if Billy Donovan is forced out.

The real question that must be asked is will Oklahoma City Thunder fans continue to support (attend games/buy tickets) the team during down or even losing seasons? Is the Thunder OKCs team? and will the team receive support based on that fact alone? Has there been an allegiance established over ten years that will endure?

Many are skeptical that the market will sustain through droughts. thoughts?

The real question that must be asked is will Oklahoma City Thunder fans continue to support (attend games/buy tickets) the team during down or even losing seasons? Is the Thunder OKCs team? and will the team receive support based on that fact alone? Has there been an allegiance established over ten years that will endure?

Many are skeptical that the market will sustain through droughts. thoughts?

Yes, it’ll be fine. I have no doubts. OKC has the population to support the team and one sport pro teams tend to do very well. I’ve been to a lot of arenas and I don’t think most people realize how bad the atmosphere and attendance are in a lot of NBA cities. I went a game in NOLA last year with probably 8,000 people there. I went to a Jazz game two years ago against OKC with Russ and KD and there were probably 3,000 empty seats. Same thing when I saw OKC against Dwight and the Magic 5 years ago. I expect OKC fans to be some of the best to come for the foreseeable future. OKC’s worst game experience in franchise history is better than the average for a lot of teams.

Attendance in OKC is strong; Thunder consistently rank top 15 among 30 franchises. We have a metro population base of 1.3 million; central city 635,000. Thunder have a streak of 310 consecutive sellouts since 2010 season:

OKC Arena capacities:


2002–2006 - 19,163 Ford Center

2006–2008 - 19,164

2008–2009 - 19,136 Oklahoma City Arena

2009–present - 18,203 arena reconfiguration: Oklahoma City Arena/2011 Chesapeake Energy Arena


NBA Attendance link: http://www.espn.com/nba/attendance

Oklahoma City Thunder 100 - Indiana Pacers 95

Box score: http://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=400975155

Well, this team seems to play well in the made-for-TV, storyline games (i.e. KD in OKC, George’s return to Indy). The big question is whether the team can motivate itself to beat the Charlottes and Sacramentos of the world. Hopefully they turn the corner on this road trip.

Well, this team seems to play well in the made-for-TV, storyline games (i.e. KD in OKC, George’s return to Indy). The big question is whether the team can motivate itself to beat the Charlottes and Sacramentos of the world. Hopefully they turn the corner on this road trip.

I’ve noticed they have an underdog complex. They win when they aren’t favored to win.

Big 3 went 10 of 45... and won. That' incredible. Russ, PG, and Melo are all shooting so bad over such a large sample of games. It's pretty stunning. Great job by Steven Adams, Alex Abrines, and Patrick Patterson to step up on offense.

Abrines is good when he gets substantial minutes who would have thought!?

I hope this Roberson injury has shown Billy that in order for players to get in rhythm, you actually have to let them play. Patterson with his best game for us so far. And Heustis came through on some 3 balls. The bench and Adams are responsible for what is now our best road win.

They should play Abrines more. He can play give the guy some run

Abrines hitting threes really opens up the offense for OKC. Unfortunately, Abrines playing defense really opens up the lane for the other team. Lol. Him and Melo can really put the defense at a disadvantage. However, I think it's an experiment worth trying. While I'm a Roberson defender (mostly because a lot of fans think he's garbage and don't recognize his defensive value at all), I have always been in favor of using Roberson as a situational defender, not an automatic starter. In other words, start Roberson when the matchups dictate it and Abrines when he seems like a better fit.

But, yeah, another interesting note from last night. I think one reason some guys broke out is that Billy went with those all bench units and those guys actually felt the confidence and responsibility to make plays. I just think there's a lot of offensive deference to the Big 3 when one of them is on the floor that maybe playing all bench units more is necessary to get those guys going.

Still a lot of good signs for OKC long term if they can address some of the larger offensive problems.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=___TKd7XTMk
It's our turn... ...ugly wins, we'll take them just like ugly losses.

I'm looking forward to Adams v. Embrid. Westbrook needs to feed Adams in all 4 quarters, not just the first 3.

.
Oklahoma City Thunder 119 - Philadelphia 76ers 117

Box score: http://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore/_/id/400975172

Gonna be tired for tomorrow's game lol

Westbrook, George and Anthony get beat easily by a team led by Michael Beasley.

.

Oklahoma City Thunder 95 - Denver Nuggets 94

Box score: http://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=400975198

If OKC can put together a solid string of Ws heading into Christmas against HOU, then we could be sniffing the 4th-5th seed. Beating Jazz twice this week would help gap ourselves into the playoff picture.

We need Adams to come back soon. Not sure how many more heroics Russ can pull off. PG is playing miserable, he bricked at least 6 wide open shots against DEN @ home. Abrines is finally getting minutes that put up the much needed threeball we have always lacked. I think we may have finally found that catch and shoot 3 guy. It was nice to see Melo actually pass the ball and find teammates, he needs to shoot probably 4-5 more times, it would be solid if he had about 10 or 12 shots each game.

Not sure what is going on with George. He looked absolutely lost last night.

Oklahoma City Thunder 107 - Utah Jazz 79

Box score: http://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=400975211

.

Oklahoma City Thunder 120 - Atlanta Hawks 117

Box score: http://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=400975228

Winning solves everything. Thunder finally getting Ws, even with PG playing like doodoo on offense.

Still not blowing out these crap teams like good teams should. Will see if this turnaround is for real with the Rockets and Raptors coming up.