My goodness. If we consistently looked like the team that played in the 3rd quarter, which is what I think this team should look like consistently, we would be unstoppable.

I think the team is starting to gel more and Russ is starting to looking more like his old self. Adams was also moving better, so hopefully he's over his ailments.

Abrines doing it on both ends the last two games. Really nice since PG decided to stay in OKC for this road trip.

I am really liking our bench. Once Dre is back, this team is going to be the most defensively annoying team in the league.

Improved passes, defensive play, reserves bench play and many player contributions...

Thunder @Hornets box score: http://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=401070792

GO THUNDER!

78-4 here we come

78-4 here we come

LMAO.... Love the enthusiasm!

Abrines doing it on both ends the last two games. Really nice since PG decided to stay in OKC for this road trip.

I am really liking our bench. Once Dre is back, this team is going to be the most defensively annoying team in the league.

Keeping it 100

Time to eat at least a little crow. Ferguson has looked better in recent games.

I do believe that this might be the deepest bench we have ever had. At least from the last few games it looks that way. If they can continue good play the Thunder might surprise.

I have been impressed with the ball movement the last few games and especially in the game against Charlotte. Russell is my favorite player to watch in the NBA but he will be scary good when he finally has some wing players he can trust at the end of close games.

It’s hard to believe that Sam so quickly gave up on Kyle.
The Homie would be just deadly on this 2nd Unit.
Instead, we’re stuck with Diallo. ;)

It’s hard to believe that Sam so quickly gave up on Kyle.
The Homie would be just deadly on this 2nd Unit.
Instead, we’re stuck with Diallo. ;)

But he had a high basketball IQ.

Big game tonight. NO supposed to have a very good bench so we will get to see our backups against another decent cast.

Didn't see the doom & gloom in Russ' absence. Thunder now plays more as a team; sure they were motivated to win this one for Westbrook. Little Schroder isn't afraid to get up into the tree tops.

Six Thunder players in double-digit figures; RW looks more like a true point guard.

Box score: http://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=401070825

Russell Westbrook exits game with severe ankle injury UPDATED: x-rays negative: https://thunderousintentions.com/2018/11/05/okc-thunder-star-russell-westbrook-exits-game-leg-injury/

https://screenshotscdn.firefoxusercontent.com/images/212e0674-3fcb-4a9a-b2d9-5aca68c6ca68.png

Thunder's defense is roguest; proud of these pick pocket thieves.

Box score: Thunder @Cavaliers - http://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=401070834

Get well Russell, your energy is contagious. Westbrook's status for tonight's game against the Rockets is day-to-day.

Thunder's defense is roguest

roguest? can you define? cause this lost me

This "freedom of movement" deal in the NBA is interesting. Scoring is up but at same time seems games are slowed down due to a lot more fouls being called. I guess the thought is players will adjust as the season goes forward and will stop the holding if it is called aggressively. A lot higher volume of players getting to the rim so far.

roguest? can you define? cause this lost me

Rogues steal and the graphic indicates we have the most steals so roguest is what I got from it.

78-4 here we come

Only 71 more to go!

Taking the Rockets to the woodshed without our best player feels pretty good. The best part of the season so far is the Rockets fans who have been shouting "RuSsEl WeStBrOoK mAkEs PlAyErS wOrSe" are slowly realizing Melo is truly hot garbage with a crumby attitude. I like the dude, but he should have a minimal role off the bench at most on any NBA team.

Grant and Ferguson are really coming up big in these Ws. Schroeder is obviously Russ 2.0 and PG is finally getting more consistent. This is the most excited I have been for a Thunder team since the last year of KD. Russel's revenge tour with the triple-double MVP season was fun, but not a whole team excitement. This year it just feels like we can really wreak havoc. We are waiting for you, Dre.

Not really loving the rule changes this year. Most rule changes in the past have been GREAT for the game...however, these
super high scoring games are just kind of silly...last night was a refreshing change from most games I've seen this year.

I really love the rule change that resets the shot clock to 14 seconds instead of 24 after an offensive rebound. Different stokes I guess.

The best part of the season so far is the Rockets fans who have been shouting "RuSsEl WeStBrOoK mAkEs PlAyErS wOrSe" are slowly realizing Melo is truly hot garbage with a crumby attitude. I like the dude, but he should have a minimal role off the bench at most on any NBA team.

I agree with your overall post, but why do you think Melo has a "crumby" attitude. It seems like Melo got along with everyone in OKC and is getting along with everyone in Houston. He thinks he's better than he is, but that's really just a coaches job to address with role and minutes allocation. Anyway, I think you're right, but I don't have any hard feelings towards Melo.

His stubbornness to not accept a bench role. Him begging coach to be put back into the only game we won against Utah in that epic comeback. His horrible defense. His laughing about the media asking him why he won't come off the bench. His salty exit interview saying he wasn't utilized to his full potential in OKC.

All of that combined is a sour attitude. The dude won't accept that he is 34 and that jab-stepping long 2s is the opposite of modern NBA. I and the players like the dude's personality, and that is evident with him laughing with Russ and PG. But when you have a guy who thinks he is better than he is, it is not a good recipe. Ever heard of the first step to quitting something? 1. Admitting. And Melo can't admit he isn't an NBA starter anymore, and honestly he is barely a bench player.

Sure. He also got along with all his teammates, has positively praised OKC and the organization repeatedly and consistently, and he largely changed his game to play in OKC (his shot selection and role as a three-point shooter was a huge shift). The big problem is that Melo wasn't as good as he, his fellow players, and the organization all expected him to be.

I actually see Melo's expectations about his role as a coaching/management problem. Role expectations come from the top. A player's role is not their decision. It seems pretty clear that Donovan/Presti convinced Melo to come with certain expectations agreed upon. Would Melo have come if they told him he'd have a limited role off the bench? Maybe not, which is why you must be clear up front. A lot of professional athletes -- including aging Hall of Famers like Melo -- think they're better than they are. Melo has not handled it perfectly, but he is coming off the bench for Houston now. He's changed how he's played and his role twice. He's just not that good.

Anyway, it's not a big deal. I just kind of like Melo so I'm sticking up for him. ;)

The fact that Melo elected to waive his no-trade clause for the Thunder is enough reason for me to remember him fondly.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DriL_1tUcAAe3IV.jpg

It's refreshing to Russ that the Thunder can win with his current injury. Westbrook & George are the leaders; they need to be more TEAM oriented than last season--George gets it. RW seems to be slowly buying into the concept 'make those around you better.'

Schroder knows how to break down our opponents' defense. On spot passes, spacing the floor and take advantage of the wide open shots & lanes seem to play right into Billy Donovan's formula for success.

Hamidou Diallo is a player many thought would have to be developed by the OKC Blue. So far, he has exceeded expectations.

http://www.thunderfans.com/vforum/images/smilies/okc.gif Go Thunder!

https://i1.wp.com/thunderdigest.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DquIgILV4AEbfCw.jpg?w=1024
http://thunderdigest.com/2018/11/09/rockets-meltdown-11-8-18/

https://i1.wp.com/thunderdigest.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DquIgILV4AEbfCw.jpg?w=1024
http://thunderdigest.com/2018/11/09/rockets-meltdown-11-8-18/

i’m pretty surprised at tonight’s line. Hottest team in the Association rolls into Dallas to play the 3-8 Mavs, and somehow we are an underdog?

Those opulent casinos were not built because they don't know what they are doing. Amiright?

Thunder had 3 games in 4 nights. A little leg wary.

This was a rough game to attend. So far I've made the Boston meltdown in OKC and this Mavs no-show in Dallas. Hopefully, I see a win this season. lol.

On another note, it is so cool to go to Thunder games in Dallas and always see so many Thunder fans. I'm sure that bugs Mark Cuban (who was the only owner to vote against the Thunder move to OKC) to no end. Considering how it's clear Cuban is a scumbag who oversaw a hostile work environment for women, I am all about pissing Cuban off. Thunder up.

Those opulent casinos were not built because they don't know what they are doing. Amiright?


Definitely. I was thinking about dropping a few Thou in favor of the Good Guys, and I'm glad I didn't.

This was a rough game to attend. So far I've made the Boston meltdown in OKC and this Mavs no-show in Dallas. Hopefully, I see a win this season. lol.

On another note, it is so cool to go to Thunder games in Dallas and always see so many Thunder fans. I'm sure that bugs Mark Cuban (who was the only owner to vote against the Thunder move to OKC) to no end. Considering how it's clear Cuban is a scumbag who oversaw a hostile work environment for women, I am all about pissing Cuban off. Thunder up.

I think Paul Allen voted against it too. RIP

I think Paul Allen voted against it too. RIP

You are correct.

Cuban also predicted the Thunder would be bankrupt within a few years after the relocation.

Thunder had 3 games in 4 nights. A little leg wary.

No doubt that was factored into the line and dog status.

Paul Allen in Portland and Mark Cuban in Dallas voted against the move of the SuperSonics to OKC out of political self interest. Can’t blame them for making symbolic votes against something they both knew would pass without them.
Allen lived in Seattle, but he sure didn’t recruit a buyer for the Sonics willing to overspend the market for the team and take short revenue in the short term.
Cuban just didn’t want to give up the OKC revenue stream for his Mavericks.

Besides the quality of play on the floor, it was tough to watch due to the uniforms. It just felt... weird.

@ Thunder Box score: http://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=401070877

surprised no mention of the latest Durant/Green thing

surprised no mention of the latest Durant/Green thing

Some things are too beautiful to put into words. ;)

Screw both of those guys. Draymond can't use KD joining a team that already could win as ammunition when Draymond is the one who begged him to join. Both of them are B-words, but KD is definitely the bigger one.

If anything, I think this further proves that the Warriors veterans probably all feel the same about the KD situation. They didn't need KD. What they needed was OKC out of their way.


BTW in Thunder news, OKC debuts their new turquoise city jersey tonight.

Knicks @ Thunder Box score: http://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=401070890

It sounds like Carmelo’s time in Houston is coming to a close. Although I didn’t expect it to work out, this was a rather quick resolution.

He may not fit on any team at this point, even the Suns.

He may not fit on any team at this point, even the Suns.

To the contrary, he's the perfect veteran to help your team tank, sell a few tickets, and lead the locker room. Mainly, the former. He'd be the perfect piece the Suns need to get great draft odds. ;) (Sorry, Melo)

Melo would do well playing overseas.

https://i1.wp.com/thunderdigest.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DquIgILV4AEbfCw.jpg?w=1024
Knicks Meltdown! 11-14-18: http://thunderdigest.com/2018/11/15/knicks-meltdown-11-14-18/

Thunder @ Phoenix Suns box score: http://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=401070914

OKC is rolling right now without their best player. Revenge game against the Kings tonight and we visit the (struggling) Warriors on Thanksgiving Eve. OKC will likely be #1 in the west if they get the pair of Ws.

OKC is rolling right now without their best player. Revenge game against the Kings tonight and we visit the (struggling) Warriors on Thanksgiving Eve. OKC will likely be #1 in the west if they get the pair of Ws.
The Warriors are going to be without Steph and possibly Draymond, I like our chances with that.

Any chance of the Thunder trading for Beal and having a SG that can actually shoot?

http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/25320702/washington-wizards-include-john-wall-bradley-beal-trade-scenarios

Any chance of the Thunder trading for Beal and having a SG that can actually shoot?

http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/25320702/washington-wizards-include-john-wall-bradley-beal-trade-scenarios

Bradley Beal is an amazing player who makes $25, 27, and 28 million the next three years so OKC would have to unload either Steven Adams or a lot of rotation players to make it happen. There's almost no way OKC would take back more money so you'd have to add the salaries up to over $25 million. Here's the salary of players (rounded down) OKC would need to include:
- Steven Adams: $24 million
- Dennis Schröder: $15 million
- Andre Roberson: $10 million
- Jerami Grant: $8 million
- Alex Abrines: $5 million

It's also important to remember that Beal is a better player than anyone on this list so OKC would have to give a lot. Maybe Steven Adams, Terrance Ferguson or Hamidou Diallo, and a 1st round pick in the loaded 2022 draft gets it done. That's a lot to give up. Is it worth gutting the roster for Beal? Maybe, he's really good, but it would be a risk. I don't see it as likely and I think other teams could make better offers than OKC.

Source: https://www.spotrac.com/nba/oklahoma-city-thunder/cap/

Isn't Beal injury prone too?

Bradley Beal is an amazing player who makes $25, 27, and 28 million the next three years so OKC would have to unload either Steven Adams or a lot of rotation players to make it happen. There's almost no way OKC would take back more money so you'd have to add the salaries up to over $25 million. Here's the salary of players (rounded down) OKC would need to include:
- Steven Adams: $24 million
- Dennis Schröder: $15 million
- Andre Roberson: $10 million
- Jerami Grant: $8 million
- Alex Abrines: $5 million

It's also important to remember that Beal is a better player than anyone on this list so OKC would have to give a lot. Maybe Steven Adams, Terrance Ferguson or Hamidou Diallo, and a 1st round pick in the loaded 2022 draft gets it done. That's a lot to give up. Is it worth gutting the roster for Beal? Maybe, he's really good, but it would be a risk. I don't see it as likely and I think other teams could make better offers than OKC.

Source: https://www.spotrac.com/nba/oklahoma-city-thunder/cap/

So much depressing reality in your post lol. I figured the math wouldn’t work and I damn sure don’t want to give up my man Adams.

Adams is not going anywhere - he's becoming one of the more dominant post players in the league. He's part of the foundation along with Russ and PG13.

Trade Westbrook for Beal and have Schroder at point guard. I have been hammered on the forum before, but Westbrook has always been the problem when it comes to winning a championship. He sucks the air out of the offense and hurts the flow.

Thunder @Kings Box score: http://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=401070928

H. Diallo SG 22 minutes FG 7-7 3PTS 2-2 FT 2-2 PTS 18 +5

Tough loss, but we are apparently incapable of beating the Sacramento Kings.

TLC and Diallo looked really nice. Hope we can beat Golden State.

I will take that L considering all the role players we were missing and Russ being still hurt? He clearly was limping into the huddles and such last night, but the announces never mentioned it.

Kings could not miss. Then we decided to leave Hield wide open for the entire fourth quarter.


I like our chances against GSW if Grant isn't too hurt.

Any injury updates on the status of Grant, Abrines, Ferguson & Roberson?

Wish these guys the best and a speedy recovery...