(Happy happy day Thunderfriends. Thank you for your support of Daily Thunder. It’s appreciated. Now kick back and enjoy a nice college football Saturday.)
It’s taking everything I’ve got to not get too high from last night’s win. It’s early, it was against a possibly mediocre team and it’s early. But hot dog, it sure feels good to be 2-0. It just looks good in the standings. I mean, look at it. Bea-u-tiful. Anyway, the Thunder’s opening night video was pretty popular and there have been a lot of people asking around if anyone has it. Well friends, you’re in luck. The internet has conquered again. Reader Alex has ripped both intro videos and uploaded them for your viewing pleasure. Rise Together, Thunder Up, whatever. It all sounds good when you’re winning. (Video two here.)
(Hola compadres. It’s a beautiful day in the world. Thanks for your wonderful support of this here website. Thunder up.)
In case you missed NBATV’s Thunder preview from earlier in the week, here it is. Or at least some of it. If can stand Rick Kamla’s “I’m a Professional Announcer” voice, it’s decently informative and nice to watch. It’s got some good interviews with Kevin Durant, Shaun Livingston and Russell Westbrook.
Just four days cats and kittens. That’s it. And then we GET IT ON.
(Happy day friends. Hope you’re enjoying your fall break. Thanks for your support of Daily Thunder. Isn’t there a football game today?)
Per Oklahoma state law, as a media member I must mention that the Red River game is today. So as my way of getting it done, let’s give it up to everyone’s favorite Whorn, Kevin Durant. He’s honestly the only person affiliated with Austin that I can say that I even remotely like. We all know who KD is rooting for today and that’s fine, but it’s good to know that he’s now with us and not against us.
I’ve always said it: I’m a sucker for mixtapes. I don’t know why, but I find myself watching them over and over again from time to time (especially Adrian Peterson’s – probably 1,500 views on this one are just from me). And when it’s a good, professional-looking mixtape? Hello favorites.
What’s makes a good mixtape you ask? Six things: 1) High quality video. 2) At least a listenable song selection. It doesn’t have to be great, just something that doesn’t make me want to ram chopsticks into my ear holes. 3) Some nice natural sound pops with an announcer jumping with things like, “Rus-sell WESTBROOK TO THE RIM!!!” 4) Reasonable length. Anything over five minutes just gets old. 5) Some fancy editing features that separate it from a routine clip show and 6) Good highlights.
And with the season (kind of) underway, let’s review the excellence of two of the Thunder’s top players via solid mixes. (Click here for Russell Westbrook’s.)
(Hello and good day my friends and family. Thank you for your support of Daily Thunder. Go out and seize the day or some crap like that.)
With a week of training camp in the books, one thing we’ve all hoped for this offseason (and in camp) is for Russell Westbrook to evolve into more of a floor-leading general of a point guard. Become a guy that controls the game. Own the ball. Take leadership in your position. And honestly, I’m not sure how many people out there are better to learn all that from than Mo Cheeks. If he can teach it as well as he did it, then Westbrook will take quite a leap this year. Observe the fantasticness that was Maurice Cheeks: Point Guard. Maybe that was Step 1 for Russ – pop in some game film of coach, grab a notepad and let the learning begin.
(Waaaaaake up! Duh duh duhduh. I’m Danny Tanner and it’s time to watch a random video I’ve prepared to take up a couple minutes of your important life this morning. Thank you for your support of the DT and keep on livin’ like you were dyin’.)
It’s just a little 30 second commercial for 10 game packages, but I have to say, it’s pretty well done. And the drum music reminds me of those Ethan Allen ads that had the awesome drumming. Escalating piano music or tribal drums are always a winner in commercials if you ask me. But this got me fairly psyched for the season because HEY, we’re three days from training camp, 12 days from the first preseason game and 33 days from the season starting. And seeing this ad kind of slapped me in the face and said, “Hey you! Yeah you! The season is about to start. Have you given Mr. Bennett your money yet?”
(Good day Thunderpeeps. As always, much appreciation for the support of Daily Thunder. Viva la college football.)
I realize everybody has spent the last week putting together clip shows and commemorative columns about Michael Jordan. So what I have to say isn’t revolutionary or really all that insightful. But I have to take this spot to give it up to No. 23.
I think just about anyone else near my age group has to admit he’s the first and maybe only reason we fell in love with this game to start with. I mean who didn’t dribble around in their driveway with their tongue hanging out? Who didn’t beg their mom to buy them the newest pair of Air Jordan’s? Who didn’t fight with other kids on their pee wee league to wear No. 23? Who did try to back down their friend on a Nerf goal and then spin and fadeaway? Who hasn’t shrugged after hitting a 3, jumped up and pulled out the Craig Ehlo fist pump or tried the up and under move? He’s an icon’s icon and bigger than life. He’s freaking MJ.
And just like MJ brought so many of us into the world of the NBA, we can probably thank him for the likes of Kevin Durant, Jeff Green, Russell Westbrook and most every other under 30 player. Instead of using their insane athletic abilities in another sport they probably chose basketball so that they could be like Mike.
So here’s my favorite Jordan moment. Maybe it’s not your favorite and maybe not the most memorable for you. We all have Our Moment. But I remember exactly where I was when I watched this – on the floor in front of my TV sitting Indian style with my older brother. The flu game is emblazoned in my brain like nothing else. It changed the way I thought about Jordan and still remains as one of the top five or six sports moments I have witnessed live.
(What’s happening party people? Who is ready to watch some bodies smash together and people get knocked down? I know I am. Thank you for your continued support of Daily Thunder. Shine on you crazy diamonds.)
While I was flipping around on the Internet looking for a good cartoon for this lovely college football Saturday, I stumbled across this one. And while I’ve seen it probably 50 times and it’s awesome every time, I just had to post it. I’m super psyched about college football kicking off today. It’s been the sport we’ve all looked forward to in this state for… well, forever. But this video reminded me how much I love the NBA now and this team and while college football is incredibly awesome in its own right, I’m still freaking fired up about the start of the Thunder’s season. Mainly, because I know we’re going to get a few moments like this.
An excellent 10-minute documentary has surfaced about new Thunderer, Serge Ibaka and his trip to the NBA. It’s just so cool to see the journey some of these guys take to make it to the league. Ibaka’s story has your typical bumps, making his success even more feel good-y. Watch, learn and get to know one of the most intriguing prospects in the league.
(Buenos dias my good associates. Here’s to a fantastic Saturday where you accomplish none of the things you told yourself all week that you were going to do.)
I have no idea why, but this is one of the best Youtube videos I’ve seen this year. I just ate it up. Basically, it’s just a slideshow of NBA players when they were young. Sadly, no Thunder players are involved, but regardless this is top notch. It is just very cool to me to see these titans of athleticism in these small bodies with no muscle. And I really like the ones where they look EXACTLY the same – Dwyane Wade (he even dressed the same!), Antwan Jamison, Bruce Bowen and Dirk among others. Be warned though: I would advise against taking a sip of water/coffee when Andrew Bogut’s, Steve Nash’s or Kevin Garnett’s picture pops up. Also, I think Jason Kidd’s two pictures may help settle the white/black debate that’s torn this country apart for years. Am I allowed to say that?
Kevin Durant returned to Barry Farms Monday night to play in the Goodman League. That’s the second time this year (that I know of) and third time he’s been in D.C. playing in a prominent league (he played at Georgetown Sunday). Denver Nugget rookie Ty Lawson joined him and for some reason they were on the same team. As if that’s fair. For those scoring at home, in three games at Barry Farms, KD is averaging 52.3 points per game. That’s pretty good methinks. From Dan Steinberg: “The one white person there files this report: ‘It looks like Kevin Durant has decided to dunk on everyone. On every possession.’”
(Happy sunrise DTers. Have some coffee and instead of reading the paper, how about watching some moving pictures on the Internet? Soooooooound good?)
Is there anyone better in the league that can take an ordinary, ho-hum dunk and turn it into an impressive finish than Russell Westbrook. As you watch this top 10 dunks from this season, notice how plain and simple some of these are, but how cool they look because he cocked his arm back just a little farther or maybe yanked on the rim real hard after he flushed it through the net. And landing in a squat with your arms out is always a nice touch.
(Howdy Thunder peeps. Thank you for your continued support of Daily Thunder. Read a book today. I recommendGod Save the Fan by Will Leitch. Nice read.)
Haven’t you heard the news? Rumble was named Mascot of the Year by… somebody. And you know what, I got a kick out of Rumble for the most part. I always thought mascots were annoying until I went to a few games early on last year where there wasn’t one. I found myself missing Hugo and wishing for someone to run up and pants Dick Bavetta. It’s not like Rumble is some revolutionary mascot that has changed everything forever. But he did a nice job and he’s been extremely active and has connected with fans really well. So congrats again Rumble. Wear your crown with pride.
The film is called “Sonicsgate” and was made by Seattle-based filmmaker Jason Reid. The movie has an 80-minute runtime and is going to be released online only.
After watching the trailer it appears the film is going to be as non-partisan as it possibly can be and actually looks really interesting. I realize there’s still bad blood and bitterness about the situation, but regardless of emotions, there’s a history to how the Thunder came to be. And while we can try and ignore it all we want, it’s still there and we might as well embrace and understand it. You have to be careful because nobody wants to stir the pot and I as much as anyone want to move on away from it all, but this film will have a lot of information and it directly involves the team I now call my own.
Though I must confess I have never heard of Electrik Red, the quartet of ladies were interviewed by Elie Seckbach and he asked them if they would write Kevin Durant a rap song. They agreed, sort of.
