Hey, who remembers what happened Sunday? Yeah neither do I
(AP Photo/J Pat Carter)
I have no idea what is going on here. This actually comes to mind.
So the Thunder drops a bad one at home to the Clippers. Then heads out on the road – the place they were 8-33 last year – and beats the 7-2 Miami Heat 100-87. That gives Oklahoma City its third straight road win, the first time that has happened for this franchise since 2007. Did we see this coming? Yes and no.
I think it’s clear this team is going to win games. If you picture them at all like last year’s group, just forget it. This is like a Wayne Knight transformation. Like I’ve said, it’s not about hoping to be competitive anymore. That was last year. But it’s also not really about expecting wins. This team is at the point where you expect to have a CHANCE to win. And when you do that, you come out on top a lot of the time.
I know a lot of people are scratching their heads saying, “Why does the Thunder play up and then down to opponents?” My answer: I have no freaking clue. No idea why. But the thing is, this team really has the look of a group that can be .500 or even better. To shake off a bad one from Sunday and go on the road and beat one of the four best teams in the East is no small task. We knew the Thunder matched up well with the Heat, but Oklahoma City dominated this game in the second half. Just owned it.
I’d say everybody gets a game ball, but once again, Thabo Sefolosha was the stud of the evening. Miami relies on mainly one guy to provide their scoring. And that one guy was held to 22 points on 6-19 shooting and turned it over six times. Thabo on the other hands had just two points, but grabbed nine boards, dished out four assists and had four steals. He’s a wrecking crew. He doesn’t just shut down his man. He jumps passing lanes. He helps on every drive. He communicates. This team is amazing on the defensive end of the floor and it all starts with the Swissman.
And before we move on to a couple notes, hey Mr. Radio Host, feel free to yell at Russell Westbrook before every game. He seems to play somewhat well afterward. So yeah, RUS-SEL WEST-BROOK IS NOT A POINT GUARD HE’LL NEVER BE ONE HEAR ME NOW CAL RIPKEN BIG LEAGUE NOM NOM NOM. OK, I’m done now. I had to indulge myself. I’m sorry. (Westbrook’s line: 24 points, 9-13 shooting. seven assists and just two turnovers.)
See this is the thing people need to realize: It’s all about the development. If you’re willing to deal with games like Sunday, you’ll be rewarded with nights like this. And as his career moves on, these nights will become more and more commonplace. Heck, Sunday against the Clips he was actually really good. Last year, a bad night for Russ was 2-14 from the floor, six turnovers and five assists. This year, it’s 17-7-5 and two turns. I like where he’s headed. You don’t just show up in this league and play like John Stockton. You’ve got to work and learn and develop. Not saying Westbrook is going to be Stockton, but if you’re willing to hang with him, I have a feeling he’s going to pay you back with a lot of these nights.
Notes:
- The Thunder built a nice 14-point lead in the second quarter, but a questionable out of bounds call led to a 9-0 Heat run. But instead of crumbling and letting Miami take a lead into the locker room, OKC fought and led 45-42 at the half. That’s something that has been huge this year. In the last three minutes of a quarter, the Thunder are closing. Such a 180 from last season.
- I honestly don’t know if Kevin Durant hit rim tonight on his makes. Everything was all net. He had another ho-hum 32 on 11-23 shooting, grabbed nine rebounds and had five assists. And he stayed under 40 minutes!
- A comment from the Daily Dime chat I found interesting: “I think Westbrook will end up more like a Dumars because he doesn’t have great vision. I think he could be a defensive monster in a couple of years with the ability to score. Something like Dumars or Dennis Johnson.”
- Westbrook had nine in the fourth including a monster No No No Yes Yes Yes 3 and Durant had eight. OKC scored 26 in the quarter.
- Jeff Green was quiet again in 31 minutes (13 points, two rebounds), but Nick Collison was huge. Ten points, six rebounds for Nick and some key late game defense on Udonis Haslem.
- I am asking this while doing my best to not have it come off as complaining: Does any player get as many calls as Dwyane Wade? When I watch him, I honestly wonder why he doesn’t drive the lane and just jump at the rim. He’ll likely get a call. Now Wade is a great player of course, but it just sometimes seems like he gets calls he shouldn’t.
- Get used to this because I’m probably going to do it for a while. Last year’s sixth win: Jan. 10. Last year’s fourth road win: Feb. 28.
- Do you guys think Jermaine O’Neal’s headband is actually the waistband off a large pair of sweatpants? I do.
- Only 11 turnovers tonight. That’s awesome.
One very, very important thing about this game: The Thunder started hot. Not necessarily offensively, but there were no lapses and no hole dug. This time when they put together their patented third quarter spurt, it was to separate themselves from the Heat, rather than claw back in a game. That’s key. Very, very key.
Now OKC travels to Orlando with a guarantee of coming back home at least .500. That feels good. But now I don’t know what to think about Wednesday’s game. This team is going to lose some games that make you want to drop a toaster on your foot, but there will be plenty more nights like this. This team is going places. I’m not sure where that exactly is, but I know it’s in the right direction.
Like I said before the game. I love the way we match up with the HEAT.
Side note- Royce, can you erase my statment before the game. You know the one that said I didnt think we matched up with the HEAT. Thanks.
Can we please play well in Orlando? PLEASE!!! I just hope we show up and compete in this B2B.
“This team is going to lose some games that make you want to drop a toaster on your foot” – Royce
That one made me laugh… cuz it’s so true.
With Jameer Nelson out that’s one less trey ball shooter we have to worry about. Obviously I’m sure Howard will have extra motivation to have a better game then last. But we’ll still have the same game plan as last game which frustrated him and made him go to the foul line and earn his points.
This Thunder team is like that hot girl who teases you making you think she likes you on one night then goes on a date with that douche bag on another night. Make sense? Maybe.
But should be another fun game to watch.
I’m trying to keep my expectations realistic, but night’s like this really mess me up. Wednesday seems like it should be a tough game. The Magic get 2 key players back and I’ sure their team is looking for revenge. Sounds like the kind of game the Thunder should lose… So, I’m sure they’ll win.
with nelson out, all they have at the point is jason williams and anthony johnson, that gives us an advantage at the point. Thabo can shut down vince so really all we have to worry about is howard and lewis.
Orlando is due for a win. We beat Sacramento, they beat us later. We beat the Clippers, they beat us a few days later. We beat Orlando….ah f*%K it, Thunder, FTW!
Royce… I thoroughly enjoy the Jim Trader comments! Keep em coming!
I like your paragraph about Thabo.
Watching the Thunder defense makes me so proud. I get the impression that some folks might think that OKC is merely catching their good opponents on bad nights, and I don’t really think that’s the case at all. It seems that their defense is frustrating enough to make for very sloppy games.
Im still out on harden, he needs to start being more of an offensive threat, i also think green should be coming off the bench with collison starting next to kristic. we need the inside – outside that having those two starting and thomas – green off bench would give us.
I think the lack of a consistent third scorer is a major problem for us though, some instant offense off the bench would be good.
stackhouse off the bench would be awesome. he’s available.
“One very, very important thing about this game: The Thunder started hot. Not necessarily offensively, but there were no lapses and no hole dug. This time when they put together their patented third quarter spurt, it was to separate themselves from the Heat, rather than claw back in a game. That’s key. Very, very key.”
EXACTLY!
Great game, great win.
SD
I wish I would have seen a bit more of the game, but my part-time gf kept making me switch back over to the OU game.
(NOTE: before the Thunder came to town there was no way in hell you were peeling me away from the OU basketball game)
That said, I saw enough to know that I like what I saw. I didn’t get much of a chance to really focus on any one particular element like I normally do, but I liked it.
I got the sense that Miami helped us out a bit by missing some easy shots… maybe someone else can fill me in on that. Great win…. another one like that and Hollinger’s group man-crush on the Thunder will land them in the top ten Power Rankings.
did anyone catch the quiet assassin nickname of Durant?
He puts up the most quiet and un-notable 30 points night I have ever seen.
@Durantula Oh Crap, We are supposed to have that realization after the game, but Now we’re expecting to win so we’ll lose. Thanks Durantula!!
@Royce
I have been saying that about Wade at least since last year, and it was more blatant than a Lindsay Lohan drug habit in the 2006 playoff run. The fact that Durant got the call on that three in the first was HUGE. Wade started getting talk of being a great defender because refs would swallow the whistle on his blatant fouls last year. Durant getting the benefit of that call told me two things: 1) Durant is a star and he’ll get the benefit of the doubt on offense and 2) even the terrible NBA refs are tired of giving the game away to Wade at both ends of the floor.
I loved watching RW just abuse Chalmers on the offensive end…He was beating him up…
@B-RY
I thought Miami missed more “easy” shots in the first half than second, and we still dominated the second half. We were able to frustrate a pretty good team by taking their star out of his game.
@Bernard
Not if he’s on your league-leading fantasy basketball team, FTW!!
@Derrick Good point. Way to reverse it. Now, we’ll win again… Crap!
@Keith
Awesome thanks… have to love that Thabo. He is really making Presti look like a super-genius. I love that we can give him the hardest assignment then concentrate on good team defense instead of hunting for ways to double and triple up on opposing scorers.
To me, Thabo is like one of those Ronco “Showtime Rotisseries” – you “just set it, and forget it”
Baron davis broke my heart twice in a few days – first his shot to break us. then he shot 2-10(!) today from 3, making me lose a profitable bet.
you can see why russ isnt to blame for davis making that shot – most times – he isnt gonna get it, and its better than giving him the lane!
Royce, you said today thabo will get assignment of guarding Lebron – i think that Green will probably get to cover him as he has a bit more size. thoughts?
Anyone else notice where we’re at in the playoff standings? I know it’s way early, but it’s interesting to notice how the season is unfolding for various teams. It’s a long time before the end of the season, but maybe that #8 seed isn’t so unrealistic after all.
@Jared
I don’t know if assignment is the right word. I think he’ll definitely see time guarding LeBron and Melo. Maybe not for the full 48, but for some of it for sure.
@dj
I look at it everyday. I just think that the Jazz and the Spurs will pick it up. I love the way it looks though.
Playoffs? Playoffs? Playoffs?
Seriously though, I think the Spurs and Jazz will pick it up, but I think the Rockets and Kings will drop off. Unless New Orleans turns it around, it seems like we have some kind of shot at the 6-8 seed…
Westbrook’s best play of the game, to me, came late in the 4th quarter. Trying to bleed some clock, Westbrook had the ball outside the arc, a little to the right of center. He bolted to the lane, saw Chalmers was a little out of control, and stopped on a dime. Chalmers careened into Jet Zero and put him on the line. Savvy plays like that show the youngsters are learning winning NBA basketball one possession at a time.
On Traber and Westbrook…forget about Traber yelling at him, someone figure out a way to get Jermaine O’Neal to the site of every Thunder game so he can shove Westbrook at least once. Did you see the way Westbrook lit up and went after him before Wade hauled him away? I think he may have channeled that into the rest of the game.
Odd about that play. I think Westbrook misjudged how far the defender was when he lowered his shoulder, and ended up decking him pretty good. But I don’t think he meant to level him like that. Then O’Neal responded by starting to hold Westbrook up, but it was like he was thinking, ‘hey, this guy just clocked my player and here I am helping him. My teammates might not like that.’ So all of a sudden he goes all tough guy and shoves him away. Then Westbrook turned into the Tasmanian Devil before Wade got hold of him.
On Durant, I think he decided that the team wasn’t getting off to another slow start tonight. He pretty much picked up where he left off on Sunday. He scores 30 again and we just think, ‘average night.’ Frightening.
That reach-around steal that Thabo pulled on Wade would have brought pick-pockets everywhere to their feet, clapping. That was marvelous.
Finally someone realized Jermaine O’neal has a HUGE upper-head…he kinda looks like a rooster…or did when he had corn-rows…glad someone else noticed this.
http://espn.go.com/nba/hollinger/powerrankings
Thunder at #9…before tonight’s game against the Heat….
KD and Stackhouse down the last five minutes of the game.
@geoff
Well don’t I feel silly… don’t worry not the first time
Finally a subject I can comment on that isn’t all about getting rid of Westbrook! First off Russel showed me something about who he is as a player…no nonsense and never gonna back down from anyone! I loved the fact that a 7 foot guy isn’t gonna scare my point gaurd at all and he’s not gonna tolerate a bully trying to save face because Chalmers isn’t man enough to fight his own battles.
Kevin is soooo smooth it’s pitiful, I mean this kid is outta sight! I’m not scared to say that we could be in the playoffs this year. I dunno what’s goin on with Green tho, it just seems like he’s taking a small step back from the start of the season when he was the one actually keeping us in the game. I feel like the last few games he’s been exposed on defense and hasn’t been gaurding his man well, maybe it’s the match up or something. I think he might watch tape on his games earlier in the season to get a feel for what he was doing well on defense.
I really didn’t think Durant would ever play defense as well as he has this year. 7.4 rebounds, 1.6 steals, 0.7 blocks so far, and he was strong again tonight it seems (out of town, no chance to watch more than the last three minutes on the very poor web stream).
We may look back at the Blazers and Lakers game, where KD didn’t get it done, as a real blessing. I think it humbled him a bit after an off-season spent anointing him as the next big thing, because his defensive effort is notably better. And at 6′10″ with a 7′+ wingspan, he can be a very effective defender. I think it’s been a remarkable transformation, and I think it helps explain why the Thunder keep shutting teams down.
KD and Stackhouse the last five minutes of the game. Playoff push, he just waiting on a phone call.
I know this is old news but D. wade had a +/- of -12, anyone wonder if one day he will become a superstar.
@Flav
Stackhouse has already said he won’t play for anyone but a strong title contender. We aren’t there yet.
I sent this e-mail to John Hollinger so maybe someone will get the word out on Sefolosha (even if his nickname “sniper” isn’t living up the billing)
-Hey John, I need you to get the word out on Thabo Sefolosha as a DPOY candidate. Here are the numbers of the guys he was assigned in games so far this season. Being a Thunder fan watching their games it is clear he may be the top perimeter defender in the league. The stats:
-Kevin Martin: 27 pts, 5-19 fg (only 3 in 2nd half)
-Ben Gordon: 25 pts, 8-20 fg
-Brandon Roy: 16 pts, 5-17 fg, 1-5 3’s
-Kobe Bryant: 31 pts, 9-22 fg, 7 to’s (overtime)
-Trevor Ariza: 21 pts, 8-18 fg
-J.J. Redick: 5 pts, 2-11 fg, 0-6 3’s
-Tyreke Evans: 20 pts, 5-16 fg, 5 to’s
-Rasual Butler: 8 pts, 2-10 fg, 2-8 3’s
-Manu Ginobili: 7 pts, 0-8 fg, 0-4 3’s
-Rasual Butler: 8 pts, 3-8 fg
-Dwyane Wade: 22 pts, 6-19 fg, 6 to’s.
So this just pretty cements how great he is. Not one player has shot over 50 percent against him and the combined averages are pretty staggering as well. 17.3 ppg and 32 % shooting. Pretty remarkable.
According to W/L, the Thunder is tied for 6th in the West. Still early, but still 6th in the West.
I had to watch this game twice (God bless whoever invented DVR) We have to be patient and understanding on the downs, but boy… when we play well it is a pleasure to watch. I’m full of pride right now… this team represents us… How awesome is that? And I absolutely love RW0’s fire – Dont back down from anyone. Not only that,but he didnt get rattled and play poorly afterwards… in fact, he played really well. That’s a good win right there.
Defensive Domination II: The Sequel
Step right up!!! Step right up!! For the mere cost of two bits, you can see a new attraction! It’s the flying Thunder defense! They are all over the place! Hands and feet moving everywhere! You will be amazed! Opponents will be dismayed! Step, step, step right up!!! You have to see it to believe it!!!
Defensive MVP – Thabo Sefolosha (+17)
The guy was a CONSTANT menace to Wade and the entire Heat squad. I had him for two contests, three deflections, 2 forced airballs, and a smooth strip of Wade. That was sweet! He also only committed one error – he gave up penetration (for a score) to Wade (without a pick) only once. That was GREAT defense!
Kevin Ollie (+13)
It was an outstanding job by the second string point guard! He made his presence known immediately upon entry into the contest. After Durant threw a bad pass deep in the left corner, Wade scooped it up and raced up the court. Ollie sprinted back to the middle of the lane to protect the basket. Mario Chalmers received the pass from Wade at the top of the key but couldn’t drive because Ollie was already stationed in the lane – so Chalmers kicked it to Wade who was at that point on the right wing. Ollie then left Chalmers to check Wade. He then contested Wade’s twenty foot jumper; the ball bounced off the rim. That was an excellent defensive trip for Kevin Ollie.
He was omnipresent for the fifteen minutes that he played. He had two steals and picked up two loose balls, but I will write about his reaction when Miami scored a basket in the second quarter. The Heat were running a pick and roll with backup Carlos Arroyo (Ollie’s man) and Jermaine O’Neal (Etan Thomas’ man). O’Neal picked off Ollie and Thomas stayed back: no hedge. Arroyo said “thank you” and hit an easy jumper. You could tell that Ollie was not happy. He held the ball for a few seconds afterwards and stared at Thomas as if to say “what are you doing?” The Thunder was up twelve at the time, but Ollie didn’t care – that was two points that the Thunder needlessly donated to the Heat, and Ollie wanted to make sure Thomas knew about it.
Kevin Durant (+12)
It’s the best defensive game I’ve seen KD play. He amassed an array of steals, deflections, and “contests”. Best of all: NO mistakes!!!!!! That’s impressive given he played forty minutes. He is constantly using his length to harass opponents. He is committed defensively. You can tell.
Etan Thomas (+8)
Jeff Green (+9)
Jeff joined the defensive party as well. Among his positives: three deflections and a steal. Along with Thabo, Ollie, and Durant, Jeff was also great with his rotations.
Nenad Krstic (+3)
Nick Collison (+2)
Serge Ibaka (zero)
James Harden (-2)
Russell Westbrook (-6)
Notes – The Thunder forced the Heat into shooting five airballs.
The best defensive team we have is Ollie, Thabo, Durant, Collison, and Thomas. We got to see it for a few minutes tonight – it was great. Hopefully, we can see this combination some more in upcoming contests,
as far as the getting calls thing goes yea i can think of someone. IMHO CP3 get a ton of NO calls (muggs offensive players) and flops like crazy to get calls. I’m Biased as i don’t like him hehe
My boss called me about the 4 minute mark in the 3rd and said, “Is this supposed to be happening? Aren’t we supposed to be at best tied with the heat right now? I mean they just lost to LAC!”
My response was.. “Well, not THAT suprising their are young and don’t know how to play at the same level all the time.. so good teams = good games, crappy teams… welll….”
…and yes i let the wellllll drag on for longer than that
Hey Kev are you planning on doing a end of season evaluation on each player? That would be awesome. Maybe an average grade for each player per game.
Since they haven’t played the lineups I was thinking about before the season hardly at all, here is a revised set based on what they have used (mostly) and what is working (mostly):
Westbrook-Sefolosha-Durant-Collison-Kristic 10
Westbrook-Sefolosha-Durant-Green-Collison 8
Ollie-Sefolosha-Green-Collison-Kristic 8
Westbrook-Harden-Durant-Green-Kristic 8
Ollie-Harden-Durant-Collison-Thomas 6
Westbrook-Harden-Durant-Green-Thomas 8
Total 48
Westbrook34
Ollie 14
Sefolosha26
Harden 22
Durant 40
Green 32
Collison32
Thomas 14
Krstic 26
Minutes 240
Instead of one huge main lineup and lots of little stuff, a set of six. The minutes can slide some based on opponent and quality of play.
Is there really a reason to play 70 lineups so far and still adding?
I eliminated the starting lineup because it isn’t good, they probably won’t, add that back if you want or have to and reduce the minutes for the others and you’d have 7.
What do you think?
This isn’t perfectly together because it is late but this season so far compared to last the defense is giving up
about the same points at PG but on 1 more FG attempt,
3 points less at SG on about the same attempts,
3 points less at SF on 4 less attempts,
4 points less at PF on 4 less shot attempts
and 1 point less at C on 1 less attempt.
The pace is about 3 possessions slower and they’ve forced about 2.5 more turnovers and allowed 1 less offensive rebound.
The defensive improvement is basically across the board
(except at PG).
I take that except PG back. It is true points aren’t down but PER allowed is.
Great work by all.
************ Correction to Defensive Score ************
Russell Westbrook’s score should have been (-2) instead of (-6) . . .
I will probably do one at the all star break and at the end of the season . . .
It was a GREAT win!
Defensively, according to my scoring, it was the second best game of the year – the best was against the Lakers . . . we could make the playoffs with a consistent defensive effort!
I say that because the west is weaker this year (Utah and NO are currently not as good as last year – currently being the operative word). . .
I think the Rockets are consistent – but I think Sac has had an easy time of it so far . . . look for them to drop and for Utah to come up some – I know D Williams has missed a few games . . .