Thunder Drop Easy One, Lose To The Clippers 98-92

Are you kidding me? Not only did this loss surprise me, I also have to deal with a developing hatred of the hometown superstar. Blake Griffin not only flopped his way to 26 points and 16 rebounds, he complained every step of the way. While it's nice to marvel at his power and athleticism, the same needs to be taken into consideration on the defensive end. You're telling me this physical specimen can get steam rolled by any of our post players. Give me a break.

But then Air Congo lifted off to contest a Blake Griffin dunk. I know you just read that last statement and thought, "Doesn't he know that nobody has the nerve to do that." In spite of the popular belief that challenging a BG dunk would be like trying to out-crazy Charlie Sheen, Serge did this.

Excuse me, while I reenact me launching out of my chair with a raucous "Hell Yeah!"
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Ok, I'm back. Let's get on with the bad news already.

First, I'm talking about Russell Westbrook. 9 points on 1-12 from the field is pathetic. Also, he needs to take care of the ball. He doesn't dish out enough assists to warrant 4 or 5 turnovers. He did net 3 steals in the game and still did a decent job of getting assists. Overall, a very forgettable night for the dynamic point guard.

As for our other star, Durant didn't do much to help. Don't get me wrong 24 and 6 won't get complaints from me but on a night when Russell isn't enough to balance the scoring load, Durant may have to take over a little more than usual.

Off the other bench, BG and Eric Gordon supplied most of the attempts for the Clippers. While OKC did a decent job of keeping both of them at a respectable percentage, BG got to the free throw line all night. I'm not saying all, or even most, of the fouls were bad, but it felt like at times he was very well defended and still got the whistle. As for Eric Gordon, the two 3's he made were at crucial points in the game. If a guy isn't hitting one night, but you hope the shots he does make come at the right time, and they did for LAC.

And the technical foul situation was absolutely out of control. As soon as a ref gave anyone a technical, a massive snowball of technicals would start rolling downhill handing out technicals to anyone that came in a 5 foot radius of said referee. Ridiculous.

Overall, a bad loss that makes people wonder if the Thunder might be coasting into the playoffs like they did last year. The loss to the Clippers makes tonight's game a must-win scenario. Okay maybe not a must win but I am really excited to watch this game solely for playoff speculation alone.

Here is the box score for the OKC-LAC game courtesy of ESPN.

Next up: @ Denver Nuggets, April 5 at 8 pm CT.

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.