OKC Thunder 2013 - 2014

[dankrutka]

This Clippers series will be very telling. I've been really worried about the matchup and my gut said Clippers in 6 before it started. Our 3 point defense has been lazy and porous for quite a while now. Westbrook has really devolved into an awful, lazy defender who makes low-percentage gambles and then doesn't hustle back into position. Here's a good breakdown by Anthony Slater: Thunder Film Room: How did Chris Paul and the Clippers exploit OKC so badly from three? | News OK

The Clippers won't shoot that well every game, but they don't need to to win. It'll be interesting to see what adjustments Brooks and the players make. My biggest criticism of the team is the lack of discipline our veteran squad shows either offensively or defensively. Basically, we often do not play smart. During the first 5 games of the Memphis series KD and Russ in particular took terrible shots, way too many contested threes (Russ should never shoot more than 1 or 2 a game - he's an awful 3 point shooter). Now, our lack of defensive discipline is showing. To me, this is all a reflection of the coach. Let's hope we have some answers in the coming games or I suspect we'll see some significant changes in the offseason. This is the time to convince KD that he can win a championship here.

[Mel]

You have to dial in a different number for every team. Clippers dialed first. I expect a much better second game.

[Pete]

A couple of great shots from tonight honoring our new MVP! (Thanks to Bellabo for the photos):

[Dave Cook]

Pro athletes almost never play their entire career with one team.

In fact, I can't remember the last time that happened with a superstar... Maybe Cal Ripken?

Makes it very hard for a community to continue to love a player when they ultimately end up competing against your own team.

Edmonton Oiler fans still loved Gretzky, Messier and the rest of those guys when they rolled back through town. Although it will be interesting what the reaction will be when Durant eventually returns with a different organization. Although different circumstances, I was a bit surprised with how quickly Okies started to despise Harden.

Durant really intrigues me. He's such an amazing guy and good person that I honestly can't predict what he will do. I expect him to eventually want to try a different setting but not as an insult to OKC. I was born and raised in OKC and still left. Doesn't mean I dislike the place....just wanted something new.

But Durant almost seems content with this market.....which is interesting considering he's one of the best athletes in the world.

[dankrutka]

It is crazy how quick everyone turned on Harden after he was so beloved. I still appreciate the guy and have a spot in my sports heart for him. But so it goes with pro sports.

[Snowman]

It is crazy how quick everyone turned on Harden after he was so beloved. I still appreciate the guy and have a spot in my sports heart for him. But so it goes with pro sports.

A lot of it going so south so quickly seemed more on what he was saying during the contract negotiations, he was clearly going for a max contract but publicly talking about wanting to sacrifice for the team, less people would have turned if he would have just been saying something more along the lines I love it here and hope can resign with the team, the people have been great to me but since I have a short window to make the kind of money that multiple teams are offering will be holding out for a max contract.

[OKVision4U]

Russell Westbrook, I want to Thank you too for being a strong example for our kids and young men of today.

I know this is just a game, but we know you have a choice to be here and you guys are always welcomed here. This is your home away from home.

Clay B, please do all you can to keep this "family" together. We are proud of them and want to see them succeed on & off the floor.

Thank you.

[Anonymous.]

So all game 1s of round 2 were blowouts. Unfortunately we were on the wrong end of ours. I am thinking tonight may be a different story, though.

Would love to see the team come out extra motivated from KD's leadership on full display last night.

[dankrutka]

A lot of it going so south so quickly seemed more on what he was saying during the contract negotiations, he was clearly going for a max contract but publicly talking about wanting to sacrifice for the team, less people would have turned if he would have just been saying something more along the lines I love it here and hope can resign with the team, the people have been great to me but since I have a short window to make the kind of money that multiple teams are offering will be holding out for a max contract.

Yes. He could have handled it differently, but casually mentioning that you might be willing to take less than the max totally offsets years of play and dedication to the community?!? He's still a pretty young guy. I forgave him for a slight misstep. I definitely root against Harden & the Rockets as it pertains to the Thunder, but I still like him as a player.

[adaniel]

Are we still talking about James Harden? Let it go already! The only people still talking about that are Bill Simmons...and frankly who cares what that hack says.

He wasn't worth the money he was asking. If Houston thought that he was, more power to them. But so far all its earned them is inconsistent play, terrible defense, and 2 back to back first round playoff exits. And yes, his BSing about I am willing to sacifice to play with my brothers blah blah blah while doing something completely different behind the scenes absolutely had an impact on the fan base here.

[Jim Kyle]

Pro athletes almost never play their entire career with one team.

In fact, I can't remember the last time that happened with a superstar... Maybe Cal Ripken?

How about Larry Bird?

[warreng88]

How about Larry Bird?

Dirk

[Snowman]

Yes. He could have handled it differently, but casually mentioning that you might be willing to take less than the max totally offsets years of play and dedication to the community?!? He's still a pretty young guy. I forgave him for a slight misstep. I definitely root against Harden & the Rockets as it pertains to the Thunder, but I still like him as a player.

It was not like a one off casual mention, he said that for months in interviews, he would even throw it in with responses that were not even about the contract (granted he might have just done the same interviews enough he knew where they were going latter). I do not even hold it against him, he should make the deal that best fits what he wants, just was not going give him the benefit of doubt on statements after the deal was made.

[BlackmoreRulz]

Lets win this one!

[Mel]

My wife now wants to fist bump every Thunder basket. Can Playoff fever mutate?

[bradh]

Love the attacking style we're playing with tonight. Russell is just so damned great, when Collison is on him he's smart in realizing he needs to post that up EVERY.SINGLE.TIME!

[dankrutka]

A good win because, well, it's a win. Getting contributions from guys like Perk (he's played his best ball in OKC this playoffs) and, finally, Thabo, really helped. Russ and KD took generally took good shots. The Clippers shooting finally gave out in the 2nd half, but they've got so many capable shooters that you can't count on that. Still too many open threes. Good win. On to game three...

[Anonymous.]

A good win because, well, it's a win. Getting contributions from guys like Perk (he's played his best ball in OKC this playoffs) and, finally, Thabo, really helped. Russ and KD took generally took good shots. The Clippers shooting finally gave out in the 2nd half, but they've got so many capable shooters that you can't count on that. Still too many open threes. Good win. On to game three...

Pretty much exactly what I was going to say.

I will add, Reggie needs to be more involved. Last night he and KD got into a little tango when Reggie made an awful, forced pass to KD. Reggie looked like he was very frustrated.

[Stan Silliman]

If Fisher is down with a sore shoulder, activate former starter Andre Robertson. Also, I'd like to see Perry Jones.
Both these guys have shown the ability to run a shooter off the three point line and into a long mid-range. Plus
Robertson gives you a very active offensive rebounder.

[dankrutka]

I think it's pretty clear none of the young guys are going to get much of a chance this playoffs (except maybe some spot minutes for Perry on LBJ in a potential finals). While Roberson is a good rebounder, he is so inept offensively that guys can totally ignore him to crowd the paint. He's basically the same player as Thabo, and with the game Thabo had last night (even if it is way overdue), I don't think there's any way Roberson should see the floor this playoffs.

If Fisher was out his minutes will probably just go to Reggie among others. Reggie is our third most dynamic offensive player behind KD and Russ. I suspect he's going to have a big game, or at least more steady contributions, at some point. And, yes, I think we'll need it from him.

[Laramie]

Next two games in this series switches to Los Angeles; a victory over the Clippers will put the ball back in our court.

"Oklahoma City looks oh-so pretty... ...as I get my kicks on Route 66." --Nat King Cole.

[Laramie]

Our tough match up against the Memphis Grizzlies prepared us for this series against the Clippers.

What they're saying in Los Angeles:

"Adams, in particularly, seemed to get under Griffin's skin a bit in Game 2, with his aggressive, physical play."

Clippers need more from Blake Griffin against physical Thunder*-*Los Angeles Times

"The Clippers can overcome big scoring nights from Kevin Durant (32 points) and Russell Westbrook (31), but when the Thunder stars also manage a combined 22 rebounds and 19 assists -- that's a problem."

Clippers need to protect boards, limit Thunder role players in Game 3*-*Los Angeles Times

"Oklahoma City looks oh-so pretty... ...as I get my kicks on Route 66." --Nat King Cole.

[BrettM2]

Huge win tonight! The Clippers play us tough but our guys did enough to steal home court back. If we can take Game 4 as well...

[Anonymous.]

Ibaka was amazing tonight.

Russell showing his brilliance as of late. Really great team ball tonight.

HCA is back baby! Let's take Sunday afternoon and close it out in the 'Peake!

[Mel]

I am going to keep it short. YEEHAW!!!!