The thing about rebounding bigs, is you don't need them when your team is shooting 70%+ (pre garbage time).

And racing up the court before they can get established, especially after creating tons of turnovers.

The tenacity, speed, and quickness resulted in lots of easy baskets.


I was surprised to hear Grant Hill say he still thinks the Celtics are the best in the NBA. It will be a lot of fun to see if we can prove him wrong.

to be fair, the game is completely different than it was even 10 years ago.

https://www.givemesport.com/modern-nba-offenses-are-too-efficient/#:~:text=Ever%20since%20%22Morey%20Ball%22%20prove d,threes%20or%20at%20the%20rim.

To give respect for what SGA is doing, he isn't loading up on the 3s or getting tons of free throws. He's more an old school player. Durant wasn't as aggressive, Russell wasn't as accurate on the midrange and under less control on his drives, and Paul George wanted to play more on the outside. SGA is a testament to leadership and work. So, let's be fair. Don't know if SGA will be known for having the best natural talent in Thunder history, but he may well go down as being the BEST PLAYER in Thunder history.

NBA.com


Player - Position . . . . . Updated Injury . . . . . . . Injury Status . . . . .
Adam Flagler - SG . . . . . . . . . . Wed, Jan 15 - Finger. . . . . Game Time Decision
Isaiah Hartenstein - C . . . . . . . Wed, Jan 15 - Calf. . . . . . . Expected to be out until at least Jan 26
Ajay Mitchell - PG. . . . . . . . . . . Sat, Jan 11 - Toe. . . . . . . . . Expected to be out until at least Apr 2
Chet Holmgren - C. . . . . . . . . . Thu, Dec 19 - Hip. . . . . . . . Expected to be out until at least Feb 10
Nikola Topic - PG . . . . . . . . . . . Thu, Nov 7 - Knee . . . . . . . Out for the season




I've learned on this site that sources other than local beat writers are invalid. We need a better injury report than this. (Yes, I was really told this, or a close approximation, on this site)

Oklahoma City Thunder 98 @ Dallas Mavericks 106


https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRzgeolSDgxNTa8e5TrWKi8g-P1YqCdU3Of4Q&s

Box score https://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore/_/gameId/401705149



Attendance: 20,311

https://appimages.nba.com/p/tr:n-slnfre/2024/uniform/Oklahoma%20City%20Thunder/OKC_CE.jpg

Sunday, January 19, 2025
Brooklyn Nets @ Oklahoma City Thunder
Paycom Center, Oklahoma City
TV: FanDuel Oklahoma - 6:00 PM

Good loss. Not that I fear Dallas all that much in the playoffs but if they finish 6th or 7th seed that's fine by me.

I've learned on this site that sources other than local beat writers are invalid. We need a better injury report than this. (Yes, I was really told this, or a close approximation, on this site)
Published injury reports are based on the team’s required reporting.

I’d also point out that the local reporters in the past have usually been the last to report trades and other significant activity.

Good loss. Not that I fear Dallas all that much in the playoffs but if they finish 6th or 7th seed that's fine by me.

Let me kind of clarify. I kind of don't see Dallas cracking the top four right now but I also don't want them to fall to eight and play them in the first round if I were to list the teams that I don't want to play in the playoffs even though I don't see anyone beating us in the Western conference I would probably rank Dallas one Memphis two Houston three Denver fourth. What's everybody's top four? Teams you don't want to see in the playoffs ranked

After Thursday night I can say I'm not afraid of any team. The Thunder are loaded this year, and great teams win regardless of the opponent. I think injury is the only thing that can stop us this year.

After Thursday night I can say I'm not afraid of any team. The Thunder are loaded this year, and great teams win regardless of the opponent. I think injury is the only thing that can stop us this year.

I hope you are joking, not afraid of any team? You should be afraid of the Cavaliers since Cavaliers defeated the Thunder last week

I hope you are joking, not afraid of any team? You should be afraid of the Cavaliers since Cavaliers defeated the Thunder last week

I saw the Thunder play the Cavaliers in OKC this week and the Thunder were up 42 points in the third quarter before they emptied the bench for the rest of the game.

I saw the Thunder play the Cavaliers in OKC this week and the Thunder were up 42 points in the third quarter before they emptied the bench for the rest of the game.

Cavaliers, Mavericks, Bucks, Rockets, Spurs, Warriors, Nuggets gave Thunder losses so far so you should be afraid of those teams

Cavaliers, Mavericks, Bucks, Rockets, Spurs, Warriors, Nuggets gave Thunder losses so far so you should be afraid of those teams

What are you talking about ? It is the regular season, do you have to finish 82-0, not to be worried ? No reason to be really worried against most of those teams. We are really impressive this year ! Way ahead in the west although we have our fair share of injuries.

What are you talking about ? It is the regular season, do you have to finish 82-0, not to be worried ? No reason to be really worried against most of those teams. We are really impressive this year ! Way ahead in the west although we have our fair share of injuries.

Thunder is not really impressive since Thunder lost to a terrible Spurs team fully healthy

Thunder is not really impressive since Thunder lost to a terrible Spurs team fully healthy

No chet and no i-hart in that game, my brother in Christ.

Thunder is not really impressive since Thunder lost to a terrible Spurs team fully healthy
That’s deep analytics. Lol.

I take it you aren't a sports fan. Negative in other threads too.

You may not like the Thunder but by any objective measure, and by any eye test, they are very, very good. In fact historically good in some respects.

Boop is trolling.

Thunder is not really impressive since Thunder lost to a terrible Spurs team fully healthy

What the hell are you talking about? You're obviously not watching.

After Thursday night I can say I'm not afraid of any team. The Thunder are loaded this year, and great teams win regardless of the opponent. I think injury is the only thing that can stop us this year.


Agree. My list was more of teams I don't want to lose a few games too in the playoffs. I would hate a series 2-2 vs Dallas than I would start to worry a bit and pressure would be on us this year. I felt we were playing with house money last year.

Impressed with our Thunder despite injuries to key players. Sure we should be concerned about any team we open up against in the WCP; Mavericks were without key players
Doncic & Lively II. Thunder were without SGA, Hartenstein, Holmgren and Mitchell. The Mavs were at home in front of 20,311 fans and you're playing your closest out-of-state rival.

BTW our last 5 away crowds were Dallas (20,311), Philadelphia (19,771), Washington DC (15,711), New York (19,812) and Cleveland (19,432). My point, let's build an arena that will
serve our city as an NBA and U. S. cities competitive arena with square footage and capacity. We have the option to curtain off seats we don't need. Big national NBA matches should
allow our city to draw 20,000 fans.

We've hired a very qualified group of professionals with years of experience and loads of similar projects under their belts to design our arena for us and we're paying them a lot of money to do it. How about we listen to them?

Agree. My list was more of teams I don't want to lose a few games too in the playoffs. I would hate a series 2-2 vs Dallas than I would start to worry a bit and pressure would be on us this year. I felt we were playing with house money last year.

No doubt. I wouldn’t enjoy being 2-2 with Memphis, Houston or Dallas.

We've hired a very qualified group of professionals with years of experience and loads of similar projects under their belts to design our arena for us and we're paying them a lot of money to do it. How about we listen to them?

Our MAPS projects have all had specifications including the last big MAPS development like our convention center and convention center hotel. IIRC the Omni specs were for a 500-600 room luxury hotel. Some studies suggested a 700-800 room hotel.

We know on any night the Thunder are capable of drawing 19,000 fans. Our original plans were to build a 19,559 seat arena when we built the downtown arena (Paycom).



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mE1KDfG5eJY

No doubt we're going to listen to them--however did we give them some specs other than a $900 million budget and 750,000 square feet for exhibition and concessions concourse.

Would like for OKC to be in a position to bid for a variety of events against competition like Louisville (similar in size). Louisville's arena seat 22,000.

Laramie,
It seems you are one of the very few who want more seats in the new arena.
The tendency for newer arenas is a lower number of seats, from 16,500 to 18,000. In the case of okc, I think we don’t need bigger. We have had one of the best nba teams and some time it is hard to fill the paycom which seating capacity is average.
I would prefer a smaller arena but basketball centric with baseline stands closer and steeper to the action like the Iniut dome instead of the “too low to see anything” flat baseline stands we have now.
It would work great for shows and concerts too, absolutely not for Hockey but who cares at this point.

Laramie,
It seems you are one of the very few who want more seats in the new arena.
The tendency for newer arenas is a lower number of seats, from 16,500 to 18,000. In the case of okc, I think we don’t need bigger. We have had one of the best nba teams and some time it is hard to fill the paycom which seating capacity is average.
I would prefer a smaller arena but basketball centric with baseline stands closer and steeper to the action like the Iniut dome instead of the “too low to see anything” flat baseline stands we have now.
It would work great for shows and concerts too, absolutely not for Hockey but who cares at this point.

I don't recall any NBA arena seating 16,500 since we built Paycom Center in 20002.

Agree with everything you mentioned; however these tend to trend back and forth. Remember Civic Center Music Hall (Old 6,500-seat Municipal Auditorium) it's been renovated twice. The last renovation uncovered two hidden balconies from the original renovation:

https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTUYi7FDFIcAPGrrxrEDYMvLcy1Sdg7z Czy7R2Go9E0nNQU4ALPH4-9BXfXBPRGiVamXpU&usqp=CAU

Just saying, IMO it would allow us more flexibility with the new arena to build beyond present 18,203 seat capacity and use some kind of partition if we don't need
a 19,559 seat arena like what was originally planned for downtown in 1990. We currently use a partition when the Oklahoma City Blue play in the Paycom Center.



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oWtAjUBlco8

Remember, our ownership only committed $50 million toward the new arena, city will fund 95%. Our City needs to dictate something that will satisfy the NBA and allow
OKC to bid on future events.

Cam Johnson may not play tonight*.

Thunder Injury report:


Jalen Williams - Day-to-day
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander - Day-to-day
Chet Holmgren - Out - evaluated in 3 weeks
Isaiah Hartenstein - Out - re-evaluated in one week.
Ajay Mitchell - underwent a procedure on his turf toe sprain on his right foot and will be re-evaluated in 10 to 12 weeks.

Nets Injury Report:


Bojan Bogdanovic - Out - (foot) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Thunder.
Trendon Watford - Out
*Cameron Johnson - (ankle) GTD is questionable for Sunday's game against the Thunder.
Cam Thomas - Out - Return January 21, 2025
Maxwell Lewis - The Nets announced Friday that Lewis has suffered a fractured left tibia and his return timetable is to be determined.

,

Impressed with our Thunder despite injuries to key players. Sure we should be concerned about any team we open up against in the WCP; Mavericks were without key players
Doncic & Lively II. Thunder were without SGA, Hartenstein, Holmgren and Mitchell. The Mavs were at home in front of 20,311 fans and you're playing your closest out-of-state rival.

BTW our last 5 away crowds were Dallas (20,311), Philadelphia (19,771), Washington DC (15,711), New York (19,812) and Cleveland (19,432). My point, let's build an arena that will
serve our city as an NBA and U. S. cities competitive arena with square footage and capacity. We have the option to curtain off seats we don't need. Big national NBA matches should
allow our city to draw 20,000 fans.

What are the populations of those metros vs OKC?

What are the populations of those metros vs OKC?

At least 1 million or better, I get your point. Still, we should be more in line with Louisville (aspiring NBA city) what you would consider to be more of a peer city. Now I will admit that
Salt Lake City, more in our category has downsized their arena from 19,911 to 18,306.

Anxious to see some specs and drawings.

Amocore: did find where New Orleans Smoothie King Center seats 16,867, they manage to cram 18,600 with standing room in their arena.

Brooklyn Nets 101 @ Oklahoma City Thunder 127



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HuuI0bPLcWM

Box score https://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore/_/gameId/401705161



Attendance: 18,203

https://appimages.nba.com/p/tr:n-slnfre/2024/uniform/Oklahoma%20City%20Thunder/OKC_IE.jpg

Wednesday, January 22, 2025
Utah Jazz 10-30 @ Oklahoma City Thunder 35-7
Paycom Center, OKC
TV: FanDuel Oklahoma - 7:00 PM

We're a game over half the season. 42 of 82 games with an impressive 35-7; Thunder will probably win somewhere
between 64-66 games.

We have the best team in the NBA. We have the league MVP and tickets are still under $15 on resale market during the week for the not so good teams. Even the big Cleveland game had empties cause it was on a Thursday night What happens in 2029 is a hard call. Yes the city will be bigger but will more people just stay home and watch the games on tv? I think you build it smaller with a option to add more seats down the road if need too. Have like a small open section with food tables in the upper level that if demand is there add seats maybe?

We have the best team in the NBA. We have the league MVP and tickets are still under $15 on resale market during the week for the not so good teams. Even the big Cleveland game had empties cause it was on a Thursday night What happens in 2029 is a hard call. Yes the city will be bigger but will more people just stay home and watch the games on tv? I think you build it smaller with a option to add more seats down the road if need too. Have like a small open section with food tables in the upper level that if demand is there add seats maybe?

Too damn cold to leave the house.

Too damn cold to leave the house.

Cavs game was 65 outside but yes that is another thing to consider. They almost have to make the arena a tad smaller. They get money when ticket sales are high in demand. It will also make it easier for season tickets holders to sale some games and at least break even and not lose money.

I was at the Cleveland game and it was extremely full. I have been to a lot of games this season and Cleveland, Dallas, and Boston were all noticeably more packed out.

I bought tickets to the Cleveland game back before Thanksgiving for less than $20 a ticket. The day of the game, the tickets around us were selling for $70 each. The big/statement games are true sellouts with premium pricing.

If we run into Dallas in the playoffs, I promise you won't be able to get in for less than $100 - and that will be near the rafters.

I was at the Cleveland game and it was extremely full. I have been to a lot of games this season and Cleveland, Dallas, and Boston were all noticeably more packed out.

I bought tickets to the Cleveland game back before Thanksgiving for less than $20 a ticket. The day of the game, the tickets around us were selling for $70 each. The big/statement games are true sellouts with premium pricing.

If we run into Dallas in the playoffs, I promise you won't be able to get in for less than $100 - and that will be near the rafters.

What happens though if you build an arena that holds 19,500 and the team is no good. Than what? Sure now there are some games that are going to be in high demand. Playoffs will always be high demand whoever they play. Too me right now there should be a good demand for all games when you have the best team in the league and the best player in the league but other than a few games there isn't so why add seating?

I hear what your saying I'm just bringing in the other side of the argument on why add more seating in the new arena.

https://www.espn.com/nba/attendance This can't be correct. Clippers have the worst home Attendance. So much for build it they will come. Also you can go back and look at the different years. 22-23 Thunder dead last in attendance But attendance across all sports I believe is down. People have 85 inch tv's now to watch it at home.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JTBWVfny41Y

https://www.espn.com/nba/attendance This can't be correct. Clippers have the worst home Attendance. So much for build it they will come. Also you can go back and look at the different years. 22-23 Thunder dead last in attendance But attendance across all sports I believe is down. People have 85 inch tv's now to watch it at home.

Thunder at 16th averaging 17,931. Notice all the larger markets engulfing the top 10. Thanks for sharing, Kukblue1.

Thunder at 16th averaging 17,931. Notice all the larger markets engulfing the top 10. Thanks for sharing, Kukblue1.

ESPN has annoyingly stopped including percentage attendance which is much more useful when comparing markets/arenas.

What happens though if you build an arena that holds 19,500 and the team is no good. Than what? Sure now there are some games that are going to be in high demand. Playoffs will always be high demand whoever they play. Too me right now there should be a good demand for all games when you have the best team in the league and the best player in the league but other than a few games there isn't so why add seating?

I hear what your saying I'm just bringing in the other side of the argument on why add more seating in the new arena.

Oh I wasn't pointing that out because I want more seats in the new arena. I was just commenting my attendance observations - hardcore fans are showing up and paying a lot of money for the big games. I think 18K is a good capacity.

Thunder at 16th averaging 17,931. Notice all the larger markets engulfing the top 10. Thanks for sharing, Kukblue1.


ESPN has annoyingly stopped including percentage attendance which is much more useful when comparing markets/arenas.

18,203 is a sell out for the thunder IIRC ..

It looks like the Sixers are trying to tank that pick firmly into the protections?

It looks like the Sixers are trying to tank that pick firmly into the protections?

Which may be fine. I think we have two more shots at it, and it's only top 4 protected after this year. It's looking like it will be the Utah pick that never gets conveyed.

76ers are actually in the perfect spot [right now] odds-wise for OKC to land their pick. The real bummer is how the Clippers have over performed. That pick is unprotected, barring disastrous injuries, they won't be in lottery.

Still, OKC having such a solid shot at landing picks in the top 10 (maybe also 15 from Miami) whilst being #1 in the West is crazy. (Presti is a God)

Sixers are currently in 8th and 4 games back from 10th and 5 games from a lot of other teams 11-15. It really depends on how healthy they can get. They get everyone back by All-star break with about 30 games left they might be able to get out of the Lottery. They keep losing now they will be too far back. Something too key an eye on for sure. They could also so the other way and try to get into the top 6 so they can keep it but they have too much talent too do that.

The Feb. 5 Suns vs. Thunder game will now be televised on ESPN. The tipoff has also changed to 8:30 pm CT Also https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/1882127608022004179 Mavs 8 seed? I see them 6th 7th or 8th

The Feb. 5 Suns vs. Thunder game will now be televised on ESPN. The tipoff has also changed to 8:30 pm CT Also https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/1882127608022004179 Mavs 8 seed? I see them 6th 7th or 8th

Big game tonight for Dallas at home against the Wolves. Both of those teams struggling right now and are in play-in positions. The Mav's schedule the next few weeks is a gauntlet for them.

If Warriors or Suns get their sh!t together via trade - It is a real possibility Mavs or Wolves could miss the playoffs. The West is just insanely competitive and riddled with injuries.

Big game tonight for Dallas at home against the Wolves. Both of those teams struggling right now and are in play-in positions. The Mav's schedule the next few weeks is a gauntlet for them.

If Warriors or Suns get their sh!t together via trade - It is a real possibility Mavs or Wolves could miss the playoffs. The West is just insanely competitive and riddled with injuries.

Thunder's injury situation has allowed Mark Daigneault to bring in players like Branden Carlson, Ajay Mitchell and Dillon Jones to get more reps and playing time. When Holmgren, Hartenstein and Mitchell return, you will have a seamless transition with big players with a number of options against teams like Milwaukee, Cleveland, Boston, Dallas, Minnesota, Denver and Memphis.

Big game tonight for Dallas at home against the Wolves. Both of those teams struggling right now and are in play-in positions. The Mav's schedule the next few weeks is a gauntlet for them.

If Warriors or Suns get their sh!t together via trade - It is a real possibility Mavs or Wolves could miss the playoffs. The West is just insanely competitive and riddled with injuries.

Dallas has 13 games before the All-star break I could see them going something like 8-5. OKC, Boston Twice, Cleveland, Houston. Lakers are the team that are going to make a huge jump their schedule is easy over the next 14 games. They have Wizards again, Portland, Utah Twice, Charlotte twice, Golden St twice. There 8 games they should go 7-1

Dallas has 13 games before the All-star break I could see them going something like 8-5. OKC, Boston Twice, Cleveland, Houston. Lakers are the team that are going to make a huge jump their schedule is easy over the next 14 games. They have Wizards again, Portland, Utah Twice, Charlotte twice, Golden St twice. There 8 games they should go 7-1

Can I ask you to help with the math about the Lakers? You mention 14 games and going 7-1, but what about the 6 other games that add up to 14 games?

Utah Jazz 114 @ Oklahoma City Thunder 123



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

Box score https://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore/_/gameId/401705184



Attendance: 17,509

SGA 54 points in a 9 point win game. He is amazing.

SGA 54 points in a 9 point win game. He is amazing.

And that is his new career high, previous was 45 pts set earlier this year.

its also only 4 pts from tying Russell Westbrook’s 58 point Thunder record.

https://appimages.nba.com/p/tr:n-slnfre/2024/uniform/Oklahoma%20City%20Thunder/OKC_IE.jpg

Thursday, January 23, 2025
Dallas Mavericks 23-21 @ Oklahoma City Thunder 36-7
Paycom Center, OKC
TV: FanDuel Oklahoma - 7:00 PM

Dallas has 13 games before the All-star break I could see them going something like 8-5. OKC, Boston Twice, Cleveland, Houston. Lakers are the team that are going to make a huge jump their schedule is easy over the next 14 games. They have Wizards again, Portland, Utah Twice, Charlotte twice, Golden St twice. There 8 games they should go 7-1

We're talking about the play-in spots, right? Because that is who OKC is going to end up playing. The Lakers are solidly ahead of the play-in spots.

Dallas has been taking Ls from everyone except us last Friday. Kyrie and Washington are both dropping 30+ and it doesn't matter. They are in big trouble if Warriors get their act together (and they play each other twice). Warriors have a much easier schedule left.

I think this upcoming stretch is where Dallas will decide its fate. Tough opp. the next few weeks: OKC, BOS x2, DET, CLE, PHI, HOU, GSW x2

Can I ask you to help with the math about the Lakers? You mention 14 games and going 7-1, but what about the 6 other games that add up to 14 games?

7-1 vs the Cupcakes and 11-3 over all in their next 14 games. Really look at their schedule coming up. Easy. After the Boston game tonight they are on a road trip but it's Warriors, Hornets, Sixers, Wizards, Knicks, Clippers. Only 2 playoff teams. Than Home vs Warriors, Pacers than home/away vs Jazz than home Hornets than at Trailblazers. So I guess it's only 12 games sure many on the road but Only 3 games vs current teams in the playoffs.

Do I think the Lakers are any good no but their schedule coming up could put them top 4 in the west by All-star break

They Kings are a team I also want to keep an eye on and see what they can do on their upcoming 6 game road stretch. AT Nuggets, Knicks, Nets, Sixers, Thunder, Timberwolves. How much have they improved?

7-1 vs the Cupcakes and 11-3 over all in their next 14 games. Really look at their schedule coming up. Easy. After the Boston game tonight they are on a road trip but it's Warriors, Hornets, Sixers, Wizards, Knicks, Clippers. Only 2 playoff teams. Than Home vs Warriors, Pacers than home/away vs Jazz than home Hornets than at Trailblazers. So I guess it's only 12 games sure many on the road but Only 3 games vs current teams in the playoffs.

Do I think the Lakers are any good no but their schedule coming up could put them top 4 in the west by All-star break

They Kings are a team I also want to keep an eye on and see what they can do on their upcoming 6 game road stretch. AT Nuggets, Knicks, Nets, Sixers, Thunder, Timberwolves. How much have they improved?

Sounds good to me. Makes me wonder how Mike Brown has gotten himself fired from the last 2 or 3 pretty good coaching jobs he both had, and performed, within 3 years at each stop? As in, how did he get things so out of whack so quickly?

I have Direct tv stream and fan duel tv should be showing the game but it is some lame documentary instead.
What is happening ?

It is showing on Cox.

Why can’t we beat Dallas??