This ^^^ He needs to defer to the hot hand or drive to the basket. If we could shoot free throws this game wouldn't have come down to the wire.

Tonight, Thunder will play the 2nd of a back-to-back at the Peake against the Timberwolves who have had a day's rest after a punishing lost to the Spurs 124-98.

T-wolves have lost six of their last 7 games; current two game lost streak.

Minnesota Timberwolves @Thunder Box score: http://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=401071174

Thunder @Houston Rockets Box score: http://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=401070234

Can't believe this horrific schedule where the Thunder will play five games in 8 nights.


Dec 28 @Phoenix
Dec 30 @Dallas
Dec 31 vsDallas
Jan 2 @Los Angeles
Jan 4 @Portland

Thunder will have a challenge ahead. Stay focused; Abrines get healthy.

28th in 3 point shooting 28th in free throws and 15th over all in field goal percentage. If we don't go get a shooter or start shooting the ball better 2nd round is as far as this team can get.

28th in 3 point shooting 28th in free throws and 15th over all in field goal percentage. If we don't go get a shooter or start shooting the ball better 2nd round is as far as this team can get.

Definitely feels like this team is one piece away unless Andre has magically turned into Mike Miller on the offensive end.

Abrines and Patterson have shot well below their career averages so you'd hope they'd return to the mean. I would say that's the best chance for shooting improvement outside of picking up a player.

Thunder practice facility; north of Britton and east of Broadway Ext.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/thunder122218.jpg

Huge weekend coming up. Both Warriors and Nuggets keep losing, let's see if the Thunder can actually capitalize on the opportunity to get into #1 despite choking to do so twice so far.

Suns tonight, then B2B with Dallas for Sunday-Monday split.

EDIT: PG is out tonight, and Abrines is still sick.

Nader jersey sales are strong right now lol.

Nader jersey sales are strong right now lol.

Dude has been working hard. He got a couple of flexes in last night.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xMcR1DMQw-I

Thunder @Phoenix Suns Box score: http://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=401071201

Thunder @Dallas Mavericks Box score: http://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=401071215

Westbrook followed up one of his best games of the season with one of his worst games of his career.

He's having a rough season. Is he beginning to regress?

I don’t think Russ’ problem is regression, which would affect his athleticism in getting to the rim. Something is wrong with his shot. He can’t maker free throws or jumpers even near his career averages. No clue what the problem is, but I don’t think his primary problems are related to athleticism or regression.

I don’t think Russ’ problem is regression, which would affect his athleticism in getting to the rim. Something is wrong with his shot. He can’t maker free throws or jumpers even near his career averages. No clue what the problem is, but I don’t think his primary problems are related to athleticism or regression.

It seems he has some kind of mental block going on. Maybe thinking to much. Just play ball Russ!

It seems he has some kind of mental block going on. Maybe thinking to much. Just play ball Russ!
Agreed. He seems to be afflicted with the "yips".

I'll be on the Thunder tonight -8. Put on a NE eve show guys!:)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vI9mL1ufCdE

Dallas Mavericks @Thunder Box score: http://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=401071223

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GDA4ZewgoXk

Thunder @ Los Angeles Lakers Box score: http://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=401071238

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7nPVdRxN4LU

Thunder @Portland Trailblazers Box score: http://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=401071251http://

It feels like Westbrook is about to break out of his slump. Hopefully everyone gets in the groove and this team has potential to go a long ways with a little luck.

Officiating has been terrible against the Thunder. I try to take my homer glasses off regarding officials but some of these games are very biased against the Thunder. It's almost as if a directive from the top has come down against the Thunder.

Worst loss of the season last night against WAS. Looks like everyone came out to the arena straight from their beds. Minimal effort. I am sure a bounce back will happen against MIN @ home tomorrow. But they did just fire their coach and players will be going rogue.

Well a historic game last night in San Antonio. Multiple career highs in multiple stats. I loved the fight the team put up. It literally took a historic three point shooting, the refs, and no Noel to beat us in 2OT. This team has the pieces, we just need to string together an identity.

Ferguson has become everything we wanted of Roberson. Grant is a true worker, if he can get some respect from the refs for his defense, he will be a true menace on this team.

Although we are on a 3-game losing streak, last night only made me more excited for this season. I expect a blowout Saturday with SAS coming into town knowing they were gifted that W.

That final play with PG13 and Adams was amazing and heartbreaking all at the same time. Starting with that gorgeous 3 from PG13 that didn't end up counting due to the foul against Adams, then that crazy rebound-and-pass off the rim from Adams' second free-throw... It's a shame PG13 didn't land that second 3. But holy cow. What a game! Disappointed that we lost but that was some amazingly fun basketball to watch.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nzLDpuRZrF8
San Antonio Spurs @Thunder Box score: http://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=401071310

Schroder has got to be an inspiration to smaller players who battle among the trees. The reserves were the spark in our win against the Spurs at The Peake. Just image how lethal the Thunder will be on a night that all of our players get in sync.

Get well Nerlens Noel, Alex Abrines & Andre Robertson; we miss you...

Thunder @ Atlanta Hawks Box score: http://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=401071329

Alex Abrines, Nerlens Noel back in Thunder practice: https://newsok.com/article/5620470/alex-abrines-nerlens-noel-back-in-thunder-practice

Los Angeles Lakers @Thunder Box score: http://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=401071346

What changed after the big @ Portland win? The defense has fallen off a cliff, and that was the only thing keeping us afloat.

Did they stop giving out those horrible thunder stix?
watched the game on tv last night and during a lakers free throw didnt see those annoying things in the background

Westbrook has shot 10-50 against the Lakers this season.

Wow.

^that is an amazing stat.

The only thing that saved the game last night for me was Beasley wearing the wrong shorts. That was really funny. Even PA guy had a little chuckle in his voice.

It appears that the Thunder just doesn't have the pieces to be elite this season. Is this the new normal for Westbrook? If so he needs to be told to keep his shot total down to no more than 15 per game,unless he's in a zone. Instead of working on points make assists the top priority on offense and become a better defender of the 3.

For what it's worth, Westbrook leads the league in assists and has improved his defense substantially this season... just not the last couple games. Westbrook definitely needs to shoot less than last night, but he already has decreased his usage significantly this season. In short, Westbrook has changed his game a lot recently. However, if Westbrook doesn't come out of his shooting funk (yips?) then it's bad news for this team long term. It's really strange.

Having said all that, defense (not offense) was the primary problem last night. Their point and pick-and-roll defense has fallen off a cliff the last few games.

OKC has had the #1 defense in the league so I wouldn't say they don't have the pieces. They can compete for the #2 spot in the West. No team is beating Golden State in series as long as they're together and relatively healthy

I think Trammel's article was right on today - issue is with defense. Lakers make 19 threes on 40 shots. Gotta win when we get to 120, and recently are not doing that.

^that is an amazing stat.

The only thing that saved the game last night for me was Beasley wearing the wrong shorts. That was really funny. Even PA guy had a little chuckle in his voice.

The Beas has obviously been smoking that Khalifa Kush and listening to Black & Yellow

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I0yTK142t1o
Thunder @ Philadelphia 76ers Box score: http://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=401071354

Can a Westbrook apologist explain why with 1:00 remaining and up four points, Westbrook dribbles down the court and shoots a three pointer?

How about running down the clock and getting a higher percentage two and be up six with 45 seconds remaining.

Can a Westbrook apologist explain why with 1:00 remaining and up four points, Westbrook dribbles down the court and shoots a three pointer?

How about running down the clock and getting a higher percentage two and be up six with 45 seconds remaining.

He did it to set up Paul George for the game winning opportunity. Great teammate move.

The idea could be that they're preventing the 2 for 1 with the possibility of giving the dagger.

He did it to set up Paul George for the game winning opportunity. Great teammate move.

Good one. I will take it. :cool:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5MsmRZF-pgI

Thunder @New York Knicks Box score: http://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=401071367

.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eo7ZJM3afrU

Portland Trailblazers @ Thunder Box score: http://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=401071376


Westbrook triple double; 29 PTS, 10 REB, 14 AST

Thunder getting their Mojo back. The last 3 games were really good for the most part. When they put in a strong effort on defense they are pretty dang good.

I just wanted to post again to say, I can't believe how well Ferguson is playing. His defense is great and he's hitting threes. He even had a post up turn around yesterday. It's really surprising. We were all, including me, calling for him to be benched earlier this season. Big credit to Donovan for sticking with him. His emergence brings up questions about both Roberson and Abrine's roles going forward. I'm not saying either isn't needed, but their place on the team is definitely impacted.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9pJTA5jao6Q

New Orleans Pelicans @Thunder Box score: http://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=401071390

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G4NbtmJCcrQ

Milwaukee Bucks @Thunder Box score: http://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=401071410


Russell Westbrook triple-double: 13 points, 13 Rebounds, 11 assists...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FEh7p3KDeuI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WvHpyhX1Sk0

11. Oklahoma City Thunder

Steven Adams, Terrance Ferguson and multiple first-round picks well into the future. Adams fits perfectly and is an All-Star himself, but AD next to Paul George and Russell Westbrooks screams championship.

SB Nation - Every NBA team’s possible trade offer for Anthony Davis, ranked: https://www.sbnation.com/nba/2019/1/28/18200424/anthony-davis-trades-pelicans-rumors-lakers-celtics-76ers

Kyrie Irving starring in a movie about the haunted Skirvin: http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/25869793

I just wanted to post again to say, I can't believe how well Ferguson is playing. His defense is great and he's hitting threes. He even had a post up turn around yesterday. It's really surprising. We were all, including me, calling for him to be benched earlier this season. Big credit to Donovan for sticking with him. His emergence brings up questions about both Roberson and Abrine's roles going forward. I'm not saying either isn't needed, but their place on the team is definitely impacted.

I was listening to The Franchise yesterday morning and they said something I have never thought of. Most of the time, when rookies join a team with multiple superstars, they know who the big players are and what they are capable of. So, if they shoot it and miss, they start to second guess themselves and think, "Should I have passed it to RW/PG/SA, etc?" If they have the open look, the superstars want them to shoot because it spreads the floor more and gives them more weapons. But, it takes time and confidence building from teammates to get to the point where they feel comfortable with their shot and taking those open looks.

I was listening to The Franchise yesterday morning and they said something I have never thought of. Most of the time, when rookies join a team with multiple superstars, they know who the big players are and what they are capable of. So, if they shoot it and miss, they start to second guess themselves and think, "Should I have passed it to RW/PG/SA, etc?" If they have the open look, the superstars want them to shoot because it spreads the floor more and gives them more weapons. But, it takes time and confidence building from teammates to get to the point where they feel comfortable with their shot and taking those open looks.

Russ does not get enough credit for what he does. If one recalls Russ had his back when press asked about it.

This is an article from Nov and look at what Ferg has become now, all with a confidence boost (and help) from Russ:

Russell Westbrook dropped everything after midnight to help Terrance Ferguson practice

By Andrew Joseph November 5, 2018 3:59 pm

Few rotation players have struggled more with their game this season than the Thunder’s Terrance Ferguson. The 2017 first-round pick opened the season in a 1 of 14 slump from 3-point range. Overall, he’s shooting 34.5 percent from the floor with a league-worst .9 PER for players with over 100 minutes.

It’s been a rough go, and the struggles were obviously weighing on Ferguson. Russell Westbrook took notice and gave him a call in the early morning hours following a loss this season.

Upon hearing that Ferguson was on the way to the gym, Westbrook stopped what he was doing to meet up with his teammate.

Via newsok.com:

It was midnight, Terrance Ferguson was on his way to the gym after a tough loss, and he got a call from Russell Westbrook.

“Where you at?” Westbrook asked.

Ferguson told him, and Westbrook responded, “OK, I’ll be there in 20.”

The late-night gym session with Westbrook eventually paid dividends when Ferguson went 3 of 5 from 3-point range on Friday.

We heard about how Westbrook, the teammate, helped sway Paul George into staying with Oklahoma City, but the same approach evidently goes to all of his teammates. Ferguson was almost surprised that Westbrook took such a genuine interest in helping him, particularly at that hour.

“He could have went out to dinner,” Ferguson said, “he could have went home after a bad game, he could have done anything. But it was like, ‘I’m going to meet you at the gym, we’re going to talk, we’re going to get through this together.’ … That means a lot

https://ftw.usatoday.com/2018/11/russell-westbrook-terrance-ferguson-help-practice-slump-story-shooting-practice-midnight-thunder-nba

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w7XeA6tPr_A

Thunder @Orlando Magic Box score: http://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=401071424

Russell Westbrook triple-double: 23 PTS, 14 RBS, 14 AST

Good win for the Thunder last night sans two starters.

At this point in the season we just need to hang onto that third seed and stay away from GS till the western conference finals. With the Rockets losing last night and the Blazers taking on the red hot Jazz tonight, we might have a good margin on that 3 seed heading into the All Star break.

Man, the first round of the Western Conference playoffs are going to be brutal.

^Agree - but with a couple of games left with Nuggets I'd love to snag the 2 and have home court in first two rounds! Greedy i know!:)

Speculation is flying. Jordan buys out his contract and goes to the Rockets. Matthew's buys out his contract and goes to Thunder.

Speculation is flying. Jordan buys out his contract and goes to the Rockets. Matthew's buys out his contract and goes to Thunder.

I've seen Matthews linked to about 10 teams, including the Blazers, Rockets, etc. Basically every fan base is linking Matthews with ther team. The Knicks they won't buy him out, but we'll see. He would be a good fit for the playoffs.