March Ends The Way It Began, With A Thunder Win

What a birth-month the author of this journalistic excellence is experiencing. Today is great for several reasons. I feel a list coming on....

1 > Any day following a Thunder victory is a good day. Like many of you fans out there, when something happens the way you expect, the day just flows. The weather has taken a turn for the better and I like that, too.

2 > Today marks the end of the most dominant month in Thunder history. And for those of you wondering, I do not include the Sonics history as part of our own. They kept the name and the championships so they might as well keep everything else.

3 > Today also marks the day upon which the world became more awesome by approximately 8 pounds. Yes, I was born today. I can't imagine the harassment I would have received had I been born tomorrow.

Now let's talk about the game.

While Kendrick Perkins is benefits our team in a big way, he is nearly useless against teams like the Suns. Why? Because they have no low post scoring threat for the big man to shut down. Instead they have guys like Robin Lopez, Marcin Gortat, and Channing Frye. The first two guys are virtually non-options on offense. The third is a 7-footer that likes to shoot 3's. Big Perk is ineffective against guys like that which is fine. Don't get me wrong, foul trouble helped limit Perkins to 14 minutes, but still.

Early on in the game, Steve Nash drove to the rim and converted a circus shot over Ibaka. He thought he was fouled and when he didn't get the call, he went back skipping down the court and hollered something that rhymes with, "Truck you, witch." Now I don't know the exact wording of the rule but I am pretty sure that is disrespecting the game. The ref thought so also and gave him the technical.

What does Vince Carter see in our defense that allows him to play well above average? I know he used to be an all-star and everything but those days are long behind him and Jared Dudley, who starts in front of him.

Serge had a good game. Yeah, yeah, I know, he shot under 50% from the field but let's not nitpick on 15 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 rejections.

I am beginning to think Durant is kind of coasting at this point. He hasn't been as consistent nor efficient on the offensive end. Of course, nobody says anything because OKC continues to win.

Harden and Westbrook took care of business and the Thunder ended up winning this one by a wide margin. It's nice to be a die-hard fan for a team that is taking care of business like the Thunder have lately.

Here is the box score courtesy of ESPN.

Next up: @ Portland Trail Blazers (43-32), April 19 pm CT.

Thunder Hold of Trail Blazers, Clinch 2nd Straight Playoff Berth

For me, this was a big game for several reasons.

1) A chance to clinch a playoff spot. While some teams are still fighting for the oh-so-cherished playoff position, OKC is enjoying a healthy grip on the 4th spot in the West. I may be taking it for granted but it was to be expected. I am treating it the way the Lakers or the Celtics might view the scenario. Yeah, it's great that the Thunder are in, but nothing to write home about.

2) I consider Portland a rival. Along with Dallas and for some reason the Hornets. Dallas is a rival for obvious reasons and the Hornets situation is like showing off your hot new girlfriend to your ex. It feels awesome. At least I have been told. Moving right along.

3) Lastly, it was a chance to tighten the stranglehold (thank you, Ted Nugent) that OKC has on the Northwest Division. Sort of a, "Hey, our division dominance is clear. Learn to love it."

The match-up that I highlighted was going to be Serge Ibaka vs. Lamarcus Aldridge. Unfortunately, Lamarcus started at center against the slower but stronger Kendrick Perkins. While it seems this could benefit the Thunder, Lamarcus is much quicker than Perkins and he pulls our big man farther away from the paint to about the free throw line.

Portland had Gerald Wallace guarding KD. At times, KD was completely blanketed by Wallace's persistence. That suffocation led to an offensive foul or 2 and really made Durant's night much more difficult. If you remember, he usually spent his trips to Portland abusing Batum. Well, the change worked out very well for Nate McMillan. Wallace dropped 40 on nearly 60% shooting.

Durant on the other hand was held to 21 points on less than 33% shooting. Well played, Nate. However, Durant did accumulate 5 blocks on Wallace but nothing could slow him down.

By the way, since when did Russell Westbrook have the hidden ability to knock down big shots from beyond the arc?

If I was a career 27% three point shooter, I don't think I would have the....erhmm.....guts to shoot 5 of them in one game. But, I guess when you are feeling it, might as well let them fly. And they kept dropping through the net, his last one sealing the game for OKC.

Thabo's hapless attempt at offense gave Portland a power-play every time he was on the court. For those who are confused, we might as well have been playing a man down.

Still, OKC was able to secure a playoff spot with a quality win. It's nice to know that they don't have to play their best game to win against playoff teams.

Here is the box score courtesy of ESPN.

Next up: Golden State Warriors, March 29 at 7 pm CT.

Thunder Lose To Struggling Raptors 95-93

Oye. Toronto came into OKC with an impressive 14-game road losing streak. The other team was a stranger to defeat for the last 6 games they played. You're welcome, Vegas. Lord knows a simple guy trying to make a couple extra bucks might have bet the Thunder as their lock of the week. But, as they saying goes that's why you play the game.

I'm not going to try and convince you that the Raptors had a hot night and are capable of beating most teams depending on if they're shots are falling. Why not, you ask? Because they aren't. At a dismal 20-49, the Raptors are digging just as hard for the bottom spot in this league. The only way they win this game is if OKC has a bad night.

Durant was 6-21 from the field. Yikes.

Westbrook had as many turnovers as assists.

Nazr didn't even bother attempting a shot and Perk is a bit of a fouler.

On the other side, Derozan played well along with Bargnani and Barbosa. To be fair, Bargnani is one of those stretch big men that can create match-up problems for other teams. But Barbosa and Derozan aren't anywhere near the level of OKC's 2nd and 3rd options on offense.

The biggest difference in this one was 3P%. You'd think somewhere along the lines of 1 out of 6, our superstar might try driving the bucket with that freakishly gangly frame of his and get to the line. Nope, pull up triple instead and, CCLLAANNGG.

While it isn't always this bad, it was pretty apparent tonight.

Time to accept it and move on. Hopefully they can get a win a re-ignite the hot streak they were on.

Here is the box score courtesy of ESPN.

Next up: Utah Jazz, March 23rd at 7 pm CT.

Thunder Continue Dominant Play, Rout Wizards 116-89

Kendrick Perkins made his debut tonight against the struggling Wizards. I'm glad he got to play at least one game before the big game in Miami on Wednesday night. While he did look a bit rusty at times, he accumulated 4 points and 7 rebound in the 1st half. Serge Ibaka continued to swat away shots tying his career-high with 8 rejections.

Not only does Nick Young look like Nick Cannon with an afro, he is a chucker. It doesn't matter if he is shooting 75% or 25%, he will keep jacking up any open (or well-defended) shot that tickles his fancy.

OKC finished the half with 22 points coming on fast breaks with another 23 provided by the bench. Combine that with only 5 turnovers and the Thunder had a 19 point lead at the break.

By far the biggest moment of the game came in the middle of the 3rd quarter. Westbrook collected a loose ball and took off for the other end of the floor with Durant keeping pace right alongside him. If I was the lone man back on defense, I would be terrified. A lanky superstar running like a gazelle to my left and arguably the most athletic point guard in the NBA attacking to the right. Check out what happened next.

Overall a very good game played by the starters. All players filled their roles doing what they do best. Kevin scored (32 pts), Russell assisted (12 ast), Serge defended (8 blks), and Kendrick rebounded (9 reb). Oh, and Thabo.....well, he gave Harden some really encouraging words when he checked out.

Which reminds me, James Harden has not only hit his stride, he is playing at a high level with consistency. By now, I've said it enough but it feels good to keep reiterating it. James is filling the role the Thunder drafted him for. 16 points on better than 50% shooting is perfect. Keep it up, oh hairy one.

Daequan was really (get ready for pun)......Cooking tonight. 18 points all from 3 point land. Specialist, are we? Seriously though great spark off the bench.

Winners of 7 out of their last 8, the Thunder hope to continue this recent hot streak when they take their talents to South Beach.

Here is the box score courtesy of ESPN.

Next up: @ Miami Heat, March 16th at 7 pm CT.

OKC Rolls Over Cleveland 95-75

OKC strolled downstairs into the basement known as "The Q" to face the lowly Cavaliers. Cleveland is a bad team at full health, but without Antawn Jamison, Anderson Varejao, and Baron Davis, this team is borderline pathetic.

The Thunder came into this one winners of 6 of their last 7 and at full strength. The Cavs could do nothing to slow down Russell Westbrook or Kevin Durant en route to a blowout.

Nazr Mohammed was more efficient than usual scoring 11 points on 7 shots. I swear every time he shoots he is wanting to hang on to the ball until the last possible second, releasing the vice grip with his arms almost at full extension. Doesn't matter though, ball went through the hoop.

Ibaka provided some very tough interior defense. Altering shots and swatting away 7 others, Serge really made a significant impact in the paint. What surprised me is that he didn't have to sacrifice his rebounding to do so. Well done, man-child.

Russell Westbrook ran lay-up lines all game leading to a scorching FG%. Couple that with 5 assists with only 2 turnovers and he put together a solid 3/4 of a game. Durant netted 50% from the field while sinking all of his free throws, also through 3/4 of a game.

Basically this game was over after the 1st quarter. Like the Detroit game, multi-tasking would have been an effective option for the 150 Cav's fans that made it to the arena to watch "that team that LBJ left."

Here is the box score courtesy of ESPN. 

Next up: @ Washington Wizards (16-48), March 14th at 6 pm CT.

Thunder Cruise Past Detroit 104-94

I must start this post off with a bang. The following video should suffice. And for all of you who haven't seen it yet, you're very welcome.

After 37 seconds, a cigarette, and a shower to wash the nastiness off, we can finally move on to the rest of the game.

While OKC is clearly the better team, road games can sometimes be tricky. As long as they didn't come out lacking energy and missing shots, I figured this one would be over fairly early.

After trading buckets early, the game was pretty exciting. James Harden entered the game just past the halfway mark as usual and provided a spark to keep the offense going. When he gets it going like he has lately, the Thunder don't have to worry about production with Durant and Westbrook off the floor. Harden went 7 for 11 from the floor and 4 for 6 from beyond the arc finishing with 22 points. He also converted all of his attempts from the charity stripe. Sprinkle in 3 steals and you have quite the game from the 6th man/bearded wonder.

I kinda feel bad for Tracy McGrady. I thought superstars that were past their prime were supposed to get picked up by championship contenders, not one of the Eastern Conference punching bags. At lease he stayed in the NBA (looking at you Iverson).

Shout out to Chris Wilcox only because I used to cheer for you when you played for OKC. No, I am not taking you back no matter how hard you beg. Don't feel bad though, I feel that way about most of the players that have come and gone since the franchise has represented my hometown.

The crowd could have multi-tasked during this game as the Thunder were in control almost wire to wire. However, Westbrook's dunk was rewarded with instant crowd approval and got people out of their seats.  From what I could see, it was needed as the game dragged on ending in a predictable finish.

Let's look at the best individual performances for each side:

Oklahoma City Thunder:

James Harden: 22 points, 3 assists, 3 steals, 63% FG, 66% 3P, 100% FT

Overall a great game for James. I continue to be impressed with the way he has been playing.

Detroit Pistons:


Greg Monroe: 12 points, 10 rebounds, 6 assists, 50% FG, 100% FT

I haven't seen much from the rookie out of Georgetown but he distributed the ball pretty well for a PF.

Here is the box score courtesy of ESPN.

Also, you have to see this. Unbelievable.

Okay yeah, I linked the Westbrook's dunk again. The reason, you ask? Because it's freaking tight.

Next up: @ Cleveland Cavaliers (12-52), March 13th at noon CT.

Late Turn-Around Leads to Win

Man what a roller coaster. With a little over a minute to play, I was preparing excuses. With 40 seconds left, I looked up from the list I was making, ya know, just to make sure. With 12 seconds left, I turned the pencil around in my hand, eraser ready to do work when I commanded. With 2 seconds left, I stopped erasing them all to see if KD would hit another game winner.

This is karma paying us back for the New Orleans game that we had in the bag until David West buried an elbow dagger. While the hair on the back of my neck lowers itself, let's move on.

I know Philadelphia has been playing well as of late but I still underestimated the difficulty level of this game. Iguodala is a good player, but not worth max money. He is not alone though. There are some others out there who have gotten the same overrated treatment (see: Rudy Gay, Joe Johnson). Elton Brand is past his prime, Jrue Holiday is a solid youngster and Spencer Hawes hates OKC. Basically, you have the real A.I., an aging big man, a young point guard who is still improving, and Spencer Hawes. Scared yet? Me neither.

With the upcoming schedule, OKC has a pretty good chance to string a few wins together. Getting the first one in Philadelphia would be a good start. The Thunder started off slowly but weathered the storm and kept the game close.

Durant finished the first half with a double-double which is always a positive. I have this theory. If Durant wanted to rebound, he could average double digits. However, he likes to run the break and score instead of crashing the glass. I don't mind it because we are winning. Also, I must comment on the defense played by Durant.  Not a huge deal, just think about it. Moving on...

As the game wore on, I was hoping it wouldn't come down to the wire. Not only do they struggle with drawing up effective last second shots, it was also on the road which doesn't help. But late in the 4th quarter I would have been happy because that would mean we weren't down by an insane amount.

That's when  KD took over. First it was a runner that made it a one shot game. Then came the deep ball which, in slow motion, was incredibly well defended by Iguodala. Luckily for us, it went through and OKC was hoping for OT, much less another shot with a little over 2 seconds left to win.

Huge nights turned in by Westbrook and Durant with help of a Nick Collison double-double really made the difference.

Here is the box score courtesy of ESPN.

Next up: Detroit Pistons (23-42), March 11th at 7 pm CT.

Grizzlies Beat Thunder In Memphis 107-101

What is the deal? Why does Memphis play so well against Oklahoma City? Why does Tony Allen's 7.8 points per game skyrocket? I just don't get it. Ultimately, it didn't really matter. If you need an excuse for this Thunder loss, I have extras. Second game of a back-to-back, road game, Memphis' record at home against teams coming off of a game the night before, etc. I figured that we were either going to lose against Phoenix or at Memphis. Considering the way things played out, I would rather win at home than on the road so that's nice.

A few positives from the game:

• I'm glad I didn't have to sit through another Jeff Green annihilation. Serge Ibaka held Randolph to 17 points and 6 rebounds. A nice change from the 30 point 18 rebound performances I have seen in the past.
• James Harden continues to play well. He is really learning how to use his body in the lane. I really like the progress he is made and hope he continues on this little hot streak he has going on.
• Russell had a positive game for the most part. His turnovers seem a lot more problematic when they almost equal his assist total. 27 points on 11-21 shouldn't go without praise though.

Now for the negatives:

• Memphis had more assists, rebounds, steals, blocks, fast-break points, and points in the paint. Combine that with less turnovers and fouls and you have a team that deserved to win this game. They simply outplayed the Thunder in nearly every aspect.
• I know I have touched on it once already but Tony Allen can't be allowed to go off on us anymore. 
• Mike Conley has joined Jeff Foster of players that I hate for no good reason.
• Not only was Durant struggling to get going offensively, he hoisted 10 attempts from beyond the arc. For a guy averaging 34% on the season, that is not acceptable. 

If the Thunder were to win this one, they could have had a nice little win streak develop with some super soft nancies coming up this week. I guess a new streak will have to begin. 

Here is the box score courtesy of ESPN.

Next up: @ Philadelphia 76ers, March 9th at 6 pm CT.

Thunder Edge Out Suns in OT 122-118

I am not afraid of the Suns. If OKC had to play them in a 7 game series, they would need 5 at most. For some reason that I cannot single out, the games between the Thunder and Suns are close encounters. This time around, the reasons more obvious. 

KD started off ice cold. Unfortunately, his night didn't get any easier. He finished the night with 18 points on 14 shots. I have seen Durant have some off nights but shooting below 25% may be one of the worst shooting performances he has had this season. Luckily, a certain bearded man made sure KD's off night was easily forgotten.

When did James start believing that he could actually excel in this league? The guy has obviously raised his game to another level. I rarely see him hesitate to shoot or drive. The maturity in that department alone has really been of great benefit to his game. I like the way he handles contact from big men when he takes the ball to rim. He is becoming a more reliable finisher while not forcing anything. Well done oh bearded one.

Russell Westbrook also had an impressive game. If he was Derrick Rose, the MVP would already be decided. Bash me if you want haters but look at their numbers if you don't believe me.

Robin Lopez gets rejected when going for a dunk way too often given his height. Not like it matters. The only things people will remember Robin Lopez for is all of those Geico commercials and being Brook's brother. Oh no he didn't. Yes, I did.

Grant Hill is going to need some prayers. He has been infected with Sefaloshitis. The main symptom of this  traumatic disease is playing 30+ minutes without scoring a single point. It comes and goes and hopefully for the 3-time sportsman of the year, it leaves him soon.

I am really happy Presti didn't blow cap space for Marcin Gortat. His game has nearly no fluidity. From what I saw yesterday, he is/was not the answer for OKC.

Royce Young has a great column about the late game shot issue. Check it out.

Next up: @ Memphis Grizzlies, March 7th at 7 pm CT.

Thunder Clip Hawks, Win On The Road 111-104

I'll be the first one to admit, I thought Kevin Durant was going to sit this one out. I would have bet a body part on that. That's how sure I was. Instead, he led OKC in minutes played whilst (yeah, that's right) crafting an efficient offensive performance that Thunder fans like myself have taken for granted after 3 years of such spoils. Guess the ankle is feeling semi-decent. Also, if he keeps shooting 3's like that, I'll be fine with him landing on some one's foot every game. Don't get up, that knocking is me hoping I didn't just Steve Bartman the league's defending scoring champion.

I don't remember Joe Johnson being that strong, but he was really physical with Thabo down low. I also didn't think Kirk Hinrich was capable of scoring 21. 

Russell ended up with an impressive line. So he got another technical foul. While I thought he was just showing some passion, the ref saw it as aiding and abetting the enthusiasm of the moment. He seemed more aggressive to disrupt the passing lanes also, pilfering the rock 4 times for the game. I like it but hope he doesn't focus on it too much. If so, the elite teams will use it against him. I'm snowballing off course. 

F-O-C-U-S.

Harden and Cook both struggled from long distance. I understand players have bad games but they need to get together and coordinate nights because having them both off really impacts the scoring off the bench. I guess that's part of the deal if KD is going to knock down 80% from 3 for the game.

Remember Etan Thomas? Yeah, me neither. Oh settle down I'm kidding. I'm happy to see him make an impact for another team. At the same time, I don't worry when seeing him come off the bench for a Thunder opponent. 

Here is the box score courtesy of ESPN.

Next up: Phoenix Suns, March 6th at 6 pm CT.

Thunder Crush Pacers, But....

Up by 19 in the 3rd quarter, Durant drives to the whole, gets fouled by Tyler Hussleborough and sprains his ankle in the process. This is the only blemish on an otherwise excellent performance put on by OKC last night.

When you shoot better field goal, 3 point, and free throw percentages, outrebound, and out-assist your opponent, you put yourself in a position to be very successful. With Nazr in the starting lineup, I got a chance to form a first impression. After the first few minutes, naturally, I was optimistic. His defense on Hibbert kick-started a 10-0 Thunder run to start the game. He should prove to be a good back-up when Perkins returns.

James Harden is playing at a higher level more consistently. Having realized this, my diet has consisted of mainly crow. I'm glad because dogging him really took it out of me. Daequan Cook has raised his 3p% to 40%. I'm guessing this is what Presti had in mind when he plucked him from Miami. I'm happy for the guy and hopes he can provide our bench with a consistent threat from beyond the arc and make shots in key situations.

I don't know what it is, but I have a burning hatred of Jeff Foster.

While I'm glad Cole Aldrich is finally getting a chance to grow and learn the game, he needs to learn to stay down on pump fakes. I swear 3 of his fouls were caused by getting caught in the air following a pump fake. Daequan Cook even made a gesture to him late in the game reminding him to stay down. A minor issue but something that happened frequently.

Serge Ibaka has double digit rebounds in 4 of his last 5 games. This coupled with his ability to erase shot attempts is such a nice change from Jeff Green. Only time will reveal the difference Serge brings to the game, but hopefully the win column will also reflect something positive.

Overall a fun game. The defense got the transition game going allowing the athleticism of our team to shine. Call me a homer, but watching our team run a fast break pulls me out to the edge of my seat every time. When you have a number of guys capable of throwing it down in transition, it makes for a spectacle worth watching.

Also, Darnell Mayberry has a story regarding Durant's injury.

Here is the box score courtesy of ESPN.

Next up: @ Atlanta Hawks, March 4th at 6:30 pm CT.

Hochenauer Power

Mr. Hochenauer is a man of many words. Most of which informed me and the young bloggers around me on the intricacies of blogging and the path he has taken to get there. The advice he gave was as welcome as  chocolate chip cookies hot out of the oven. Even though it is hard to summarize an hour's worth of words in one word, I am going to do it. Awesome.

Thunder Quieted By Lakers, Lose 90-87

These two teams met Sunday afternoon inside the Oklahoma City arena on the verge of developing a genuine rivalry. OKC made a big splash before the trade deadline by acquiring Kendrick Perkins and Nazr Mohammed, two players looking to improve the interior defense and rebound the basketball. Seeing as it has been a while since I have posted, I will do an all inclusive article of the trade deadline, a recap of the game against Los Angeles, and what to look for with our new players going forward.

TRADE DEADLINE REVIEW

• Thunder give up Jeff Green, Nenad Krstic and the Clippers 2012 1st round pick and get Kendrick Perkins and Nate Robinson in return. Well, that's freaking awesome. OKC upgraded low post defense and rebounding by sacrificing a soft, jump-shooting center and a power forward that had trouble rebounding and shooting. 
• Nazr Mohammed provides the Thunder with a backup that is still better than Krstic and brings physicality to their front line, an aspect that has been absent until now.
• With Deron Williams and Jerry Sloan leaving the Jazz coupled with Carmelo leaving Denver, the door to the Northwest Division title swung wide open for the Thunder. I am predicting over 5 straight years of OKC being the best team in their division.
• The biggest winner had to be the New York Knicks. Getting a healthy superstar in his prime that can contribute immediately is a tough hand to go up against. In the long term, Melo and Amar'e both don't play a lick of defense so that may come ack to bite them come playoff time.
• The biggest loser was probably Memphis. The inability to get rid of a guy that breaks league rules and fights with teammates cannot go overlooked.

RECAP OF OKC-LA GAME

• After getting off to a great start, OKC cooled off and the Lakers started gaining ground. When the 1st half came to an end, I actually thought that the years of Laker dominance over the Thunder/Sonics was coming to a close. Then they reminded of me that they are the two-time defending champions.
• Feel free to come out of your shooting slump anytime now, KD.
• I have continually argued that, although in hindsight, the Thunder would have been better off with Stephen Curry. After seeing the defense Harden played on Kobe and the ever-improving consistency in his offensive game, the gap has been narrowed significantly.
• Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum combined for 34 points and 21 rebounds. While this hurts now, the newest members of the Thunder will have something to say about this come playoff time.
• I don't understand how OKC is completely inept at getting a decent look at the end of regulation. The shots Durant and Harden took were better looks than some, but still nothing of note. This needs to change in the future.

LOOKING FORWARD

• When Kendrick Perkins returns, I expect what everyone else expects. Better interior defense and better rebounding at the center position. In tandem with Serge Ibaka, we hopefully have a black hole down low that sucks up every loose ball in the area. 
• I have to be honest. I don't think I have seen 5 minutes of action from Nazr Mohammed this season. But from a statistical standpoint, he rocks Nenad's world.
• I don't see Nate Robinson getting a whole lot of time. Why? Because he is a shooting guard that wouldn't be the tallest kid on a freshman JV team in high school. Being that small forces him to be a point guard and I don't see Brooks running with him and Daequan Cook as the second unit. Then again, I have been known to be wrong every now and then.

Here is the box score of the OKC-LA game, courtesy of ESPN.

Next up: Indiana Pacers, March 2nd at 7 pm CT.