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.

Pete, can we consider a lifetime ban for this comment? ;)

But seriously, what is your basis for Westbrook "sucks the air out of the offense"? I know you're not going to use any statistics because Russ' on/off numbers show that your post is incorrect. When Westbrook plays, the offense is great. When he sits, the offense is terrible. We have years of data on this. It's hard to convey how big of a downgrade Schroder is from Westbrook. I'd say that would cost the Thunder around 10 wins in a season.

Buddy Hield is having a break out year. Really happy for him. He's a hard worker. Just don't like that it came at our expense last night.

^ Agree...Buddy was on fire and his buckets last night were big ones. He can play.

Thunder losses like this one can usually be tracked back to defense - or lack of defense. They get 69 in first half and outrebounded us. Story of the game in a nutshell. Kings are improved - fringe playoff type team. I admit I only saw the 4Th quarter due to that epic MNF game last night.

Pete, can we consider a lifetime ban for this comment? ;)

But seriously, what is your basis for Westbrook "sucks the air out of the offense"? I know you're not going to use any statistics because Russ' on/off numbers show that your post is incorrect. When Westbrook plays, the offense is great. When he sits, the offense is terrible. We have years of data on this. It's hard to convey how big of a downgrade Schroder is from Westbrook. I'd say that would cost the Thunder around 10 wins in a season.

I think he’s basing it off of an extremely small sample size of 5-6 games against very low level competition. In the past, if we lose those games without Westbrook, it’s bc we have no bench support. We actually have a team now that can compete, and Schroder is a huge get for us and looks to be a solid floor manager. But he can’t replace Westbrook.

Thunder @Warriors: http://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=401070945

Westbrook: a A quadruple-double DREB 11, REB 11, AST 13, PTS 11

Thunder @Warriors: http://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=401070945

Westbrook: a A quadruple-double DREB 11, REB 11, AST 13, PTS 11

I don't think that counts as a quadruple-double. Still a good win for the team.

I don't think that counts as a quadruple-double. Still a good win for the team.

Let’s try 11 pts, 11 reb, 13 ast, and 15 fga. Boom, quadruple double!

So what Schröder did last night is really something that probably 70% of NBA players are incapable of ever doing in an NBA game.

He and Westbrook played great together last night. A relatively easy team for OKC to crush as they had so much athletic advantage with the warriors missing 3 of their Big 5, but they did the crushing and showed a lot of good offensive chops.

If this team can grind past the 1st round and find a way to get hot in the playoffs, they could make a run for it. Still don't think it will be enough to beat a healthy Warrior's squad, but there are a lot of good pieces here and it seems that Billy is finding some ways to get more out of the role-players and a whole lot earlier in the season than he's ever done so before. The way the role players are playing reminds me of the 2016 playoff run role-players.

https://www.ebony.com/power100-2017/images/honorees/russell-westbrook.jpg

Westbrook's transformation is taking place right before our eyes. His contagious energy can be seen among the players who look up to his leadership. He has grown as a player, leader & family man.

Our community is happy to have an all individual of Russell Westbrook's character.

Hamidou Diallo injury update:


Royce Young ESPN Staff Writer

Update on Hamidou Diallo: After further evaluation today, he officially has a left ankle sprain and will be re-evaluated in 7-10 days.
12:17 AM - Nov 22, 2018

That looked way worse live than it just being an ankle sprain. Hopefully he gets healthy soon, such a promising player.

Thunder! Best team since?

Thunder! Best team since?

2015-2016. You could argue that, in the playoffs, that team was the best in Thunder history. Maybe even better than the 2011-2012 NBA Finals Thunder.

2015-2016. You could argue that, in the playoffs, that team was the best in Thunder history. Maybe even better than the 2011-2012 NBA Finals Thunder.

could argue? I think you'd have a hard time arguing the other way...That was not nearly as strong of a year for the West as the 2015/16 season.

I think it's pretty safe to say that the NBA is all around better the last 5 seasons than the previous 5. The league is as loaded with talent as it has been in a long time. If you say there are 3-4 generations of players at any given time in the league, and you set 3 6-year time frames since 200 they would be: 2000-2006, 2006-2012, 2012-2018. Some incredible talent from 2000-2006 is still playing at a high level, more so than the people from 1994-2000 were playing in 2012. The 2006-2012 players are in their primes, and there are some stupid talented players post 2012 (Giannis anyone???).

Nuggets @Thunder Box score: http://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=401070963

Both teams played 5 games in 8 days coming off back-to-back. Denver's Nikola Jokic, Mason Plumlee & Juan Hernangomez are a beastly combination cocktail.

Cavaliers @Thunder Box score: http://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=401070994

https://usatthunderwire.files.wordpress.com/2018/11/gettyimages-1066274702.jpg?w=2000&h=1200&crop=1

Westbrook ties Jason Kidd for third-most NBA triple-doubles all-time

Westbrook always seems to followup his worst games with his best. If he could just even that out a little, it would mean more Ws for us.

I am not sure why Felton had minutes last night, with most of our team back from random illnesses etc, I don't see why BD is playing Felton at all. Felton should be the 3rd string PG for when Russ or Shroeder is down. Also what happened to 2Pat? He has fallen off a cliff.

I am glad PG is finally becoming consistent. It will be interesting to see how the team does on this roadtrip next week.

One thing to make you smile is that we were 8-12 after 20 games last year. Difference in my view - defense. Thunder is giving up the sixth-fewest 3-point attempts in the league at 29.4. Opponents are making 9.6 3s per game , the third-fewest in the league. And that is without Dre.

I believe the bench depth to be a big factor this year, along with not having old vets who think they can play when they really couldn't.

^without a doubt the bench is a huge improvement over last year...how many times did the first group come out with a lead and go back in under water.....a bunch.

Nice article on Steven Adams in the latest issue of the OG. https://www.okgazette.com/oklahoma/family-matters/Content?oid=5130529

Roberson out another 6 weeks. Man, terrible injury. Feel bad for him.

2015-2016. You could argue that, in the playoffs, that team was the best in Thunder history. Maybe even better than the 2011-2012 NBA Finals Thunder.

That is what I am thinking. When healthy this team can be pretty darn good. If they just had that 1 lights out outside shooter they would be a serious contender. If Abrines gets his shot back and starts lighting it up they could go a long ways.

We have an awful lot of medical setbacks with this team.

Wow that is horrible news. This would put a full calendar year from original injury. I think we would be lucky if he even plays this season at all. I was really looking forward to our defense with him back. That is too bad and I can't see how this isn't really bad news if he got a fracture from just coming down off a jump.

I swear yesterday I saw a clip of him cutting and dunking at practice. I feel horrible for the guy, but have you seen his girlfriend? He isn't missing too many shots these days while on the bench!

Wow that is horrible news. This would put a full calendar year from original injury. I think we would be lucky if he even plays this season at all. I was really looking forward to our defense with him back. That is too bad and I can't see how this isn't really bad news if he got a fracture from just coming down off a jump.

I swear yesterday I saw a clip of him cutting and dunking at practice. I feel horrible for the guy, but have you seen his girlfriend? He isn't missing too many shots these days while on the bench!

It sucks, though we still have had one of the best defenses in the league without him so far. Hopefully it won’t be the death sentence it was last year if we don’t get him back for the playoffs.

Wow that is horrible news. This would put a full calendar year from original injury. I think we would be lucky if he even plays this season at all. I was really looking forward to our defense with him back. That is too bad and I can't see how this isn't really bad news if he got a fracture from just coming down off a jump.

I swear yesterday I saw a clip of him cutting and dunking at practice. I feel horrible for the guy, but have you seen his girlfriend? He isn't missing too many shots these days while on the bench!
You did see a clip of him practicing. The Animal says he’s practicing but not making any hard cuts with the knee. They’re saying Christmas to first of the year he might be back.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_LRRoN_x60w

Thunder @Detroit Pistons Box score: http://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=401071024

You did see a clip of him practicing. The Animal says he’s practicing but not making any hard cuts with the knee. They’re saying Christmas to first of the year he might be back.

I think this is either the day of, or the day before he got this newest fracture.

https://twitter.com/ErikHorneOK/status/1068208822668455938?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5 Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1068208822668455938&ref_url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thunderfans.com%2Fvforum% 2Fshowthread.php%3F15954-Any-injury-updates-on-Grant-Abrines-Ferguson-amp-Roberson%2Fpage2

I think this is either the day of, or the day before he got this newest fracture.

https://twitter.com/ErikHorneOK/status/1068208822668455938?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5 Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1068208822668455938&ref_url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thunderfans.com%2Fvforum% 2Fshowthread.php%3F15954-Any-injury-updates-on-Grant-Abrines-Ferguson-amp-Roberson%2Fpage2At least another six weeks apparently. I feel really bad for Roberson. At least the team seems to have learned to play good defense without him.

Russ did a good job on Fallon last night. Kid in the audience did good wearing that jersey - scored some sweet signed shoes!

Russ did a good job on Fallon last night. Kid in the audience did good wearing that jersey - scored some sweet signed shoes!

Ya Kyle Singler seemed really pumped to get those shoes!

Ya Kyle Singler seemed really pumped to get those shoes!

You just defamed that kid’s basketball skills.

PG saves the Thunder from +1 in the L column. Put the team on his back and hit the game winner in BKN.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w62rVL89h7s

Thunder @Brooklyn Nets Box score: http://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=401071039

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

Thunder @Brooklyn Nets Box score: http://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=401071039

Thanks to PG's wining shot, I have fresh Cat scratches on my thigh. I couldn't help yelling and scared the Cat. Worth it.

This team is starting too feel like the thunder of old. They can win games despite playing awful

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

Friday nite NBA blast, 7 p.m., 12/07/2018

TV: Thunder @ Bulls FoxOklahoma: Cox Cable 37/HD 722, Direct-TV, Dish Network 445, U-verse 751/1751
Radio: WWLS-AM 640/98.1 FM

Nipping off with that Cartoon. Love it when the Fourth Quarter Thunder strikes.

Yuck. Can't be giving up games to 5 win teams. Terrible defensive effort in the first half. These are the kind of games that end up being important in seeding in the ultra competitive Western conference. Next four games are very important against four very good teams.

Thunder @Chicago Bulls Box score: http://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=401071054

Westbrook triple-double - REB 17, AST 16, PTS 24

Yuck. Can't be giving up games to 5 win teams. Terrible defensive effort in the first half. These are the kind of games that end up being important in seeding in the ultra competitive Western conference. Next four games are very important against four very good teams.

Then that team gets beat the next game by the Celtics by 56.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qOOETie1i-8

Utah Jazz @Thunder Box score: http://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=401071077

Thunder @New Orleans Pelicans Box score: http://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=401071092

Tough back-to-back this weekend. A win tonight over DEN gets us back to #1 in the West.

Clippers in OKC tomorrow.

Tough back-to-back this weekend. A win tonight over DEN gets us back to #1 in the West.

Clippers in OKC tomorrow.

I think we are seeing both of these teams at an opportune time. DEN is pretty banged up and LAC has been struggling very recently. Winning both would be huge.

Thunder @Denver Nuggets Box score: http://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=401071107

Thunder free throw woes: 17-29 for 58.6%

Nuggets went 14-15 for 93.3%

Westbrook is really struggling this season. Never been good at threes, but 25% is crazy bad and free throws are down to 60%. Sure he will turn it around but the past few games have been painful to watch.

Westbrook is really struggling this season. Never been good at threes, but 25% is crazy bad and free throws are down to 60%. Sure he will turn it around but the past few games have been painful to watch.

Yes very painful to watch. But last night he was good on 3 out of 4 from distance.

Yes very painful to watch. But last night he was good on 3 out of 4 from distance.

He was also a beast on the boards and had a bunch of steals and assists. But no doubt he’s struggling with the shot and from FT line. Good Sat night with though - fun night to be out and about in OKC.

Los Angeles Clippers @Thunder Box score: http://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=401071115

Well DEN spanked us. And everyone not named Paul George can no longer make free throws.

Two revenge games this week with Bulls tonight and Kings Wednesday before a break.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QK6zA8mj7hk

Chicago Bulls @Oklahoma City Thunder Box score: http://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=401071128

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2VZ_OOHZiuI

Thunder @Sacramento Kings Box score: http://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=401071147

You can tell when the Thunder takes things personally. They put on that extra flare and look like a dominant team. After spanking the Jazz (because of playoffs last season) and now dismantling the Kings (After those 2 early Ls and Fox's comments).

If this team can get angry about something every single game, league better be on watch.

PG has his MVP campaign cooking up and Russ is starting to find his shot with his defense being next-level right now. Adams beasting the boards and all of our bench guys finding their groove.

Nuggets and Thunder both play on Saturday against good teams, we have a chance to get back into the lead if things swing our way.

We're second in the west and fourth overall right now. Definitely looking good so far. This is an exciting season!

By the way, I'll eat crow on Terrance Ferguson and Donovan sticking with him. He didn't look like an NBA player early in the season and a lot of fans including myself blamed Donovan for sticking with him. But coaches have to take the long view. And Ferguson has really continued to grow as a defender. This team is looking good and if Russ, Abrines, and Patterson can start shooting at their career averages then this team could really start to look dangerous.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJXdpeq5-bM

Thunder @Utah Jazz Box score: http://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=401071166

I love my man Westbrook but no excuse for giving him the ball up two at the end instead of PG13. At that point he was 3-16 shooting and he jacks up a three when two would ice the game?