Friday Bolts: Chase for Eighth

With just twelve games remaining in the season, the Oklahoma City Thunder remain firmly in contention for a play-in or playoff spot.  After completing an impressive comeback win over the Brooklyn Nets, OKC surged into a tie for 8th in the Western Conference; however, after getting handled by the Toronto Raptors last night, the Thunder dropped to 10th, a half-game ahead of the Utah Jazz.

Royce Young interviewed several former Thunder players looking back at how the franchise got its start in OKC.

In a league where many of its top stars are notorious for berating officials and racking up technical fouls, former Thunder forward Al Horford helped establish a different way of handling referees--knowing their name.  Berry Tramel digs into how Horford impacted OKC's approach to game officials.

Tramel’s ScissorTales: Thunder can credit Al Horford for decent treatment of NBA referees
The Thunder, especially Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, hasn’t become notorious referee enemies. Here’s the back story.

Here's your weekly dose of, "Jalen Williams is really good and here's why."

Chet Holmgren rehab update:

In the latest update to its Top 125 player rankings, The Ringer placed Shai Gilgeous-Alexander at no. 12.  Which simultaneously feels exciting (SGA's not an up-and-comer, he's here!) yet disappointing (bruh, SGA been better than many of the guys ranked ahead of him).  Josh Giddey is at no. 75, Jalen Williams leaps into no. 108, and Lu Dort (no. 118) gives OKC four players in the top 125.

The NBA, Ranked
The Ringer’s hub for all things basketball. Including player rankings, League Pass value, and more.