No Russ or Melo: No Problem For The Thunder As They Dominate Memphis (110-92)

No Russ or Melo: No Problem For The Thunder As They Dominate Memphis (110-92)

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The Thunder played in LA without Russell Westbrook or Carmelo Anthony and hoped to get them back against Memphis. The two stars were a game time decision and weren’t cleared to play against Memphis. All that did was give the Thunder room to work on their benches confidence as Alex Abrines took advanatage of the oppourtunity to exploit the Memphis defense. Alex Abrines was the supporting cast member that Paul George needed tonight as he finished with 16 points. The best thing about Abrines night is the fact that he was able to get his offense and defense going which could be huge for his confidence. Abrines has been a great member of the team and he’s a great knock down shooter when his confidence is at a high. The Grizzlies couldn’t stop Alex Abrines but most importantly they couldn’t guard the PG-13 who was able to get anything that he wanted on the evening.

Paul George was able to put the Thunder on his back scoring 33 points tonight. When Paul George gets his passing going its hard to stop him from doing anything he wants with the ball on offense. What people don’t understand is that Paul George using his defense to get his game going. Paul is one of the most humble players in the NBA and he’s one of the best two-way players in the league. George made use that the Memphis Gizzlies found out about that the hard way. The Thunder were clicking on all cylinders even without Russell Westbrook and Carmelo Anthony in the lineup tonight. The Thunder shot 44% from the field tonight and were able to build the confidence of the players that usually don’t get a lot of playing time. Patrick Patterson was one of the players that saw an uptick in minutes tonight and made the most of it as he finished with 14 points. The Thunder finished with 5 players in double figures as a whole team which is impressive with Westbrook and Anthony nursing injuries. The Thunder were also one 3 pointer shy of breaking their team record as they hit 16 on the night.

The Memphis Grizzlies only bright spot was Marc Gasol as he had 18 points. Gasol had some great moments in the game but it wasn’t enough. The Thunder were able to smother the Grizzlies on the defnesive end and they weren’t able to stop Paul George at all. The Grizzlies had an interesting week as they didn’t have Evans playing any games up until the trade deadline and they’re also dealing with injuries. The Grizzlies weren’t playing as a team against OKC. It seemed like the Grizzlies relied on Gasol too much and went away from the team ball that they’re accustom too. The Grizzlies have different pieces on their team but that’s no excuse for the way they defended. Mmephis didn’t play like the grind house at all in that second half. The Grizzlies gave up too many turnovers against OKC and when you do that its hard to win against any NBA team.

The Thunder will have the Cleveland Cavs coming into town on Tuesday. Cleveland made a lot of moves at the trade deadline and the OKC Thunder get the chance to see the new squad with LeBron James. The last time they played the Cavs the Thunder scored a franchise high 148 points and want a repeat of that performance. Keep it locked on the SneakerReporter social media feeds to see the updates on Carmelo Anthony and Russell Westbrook leading up to that big game in Oklahoma City.

Feb 12, 2018 No Comments
Anthony Davis’ 43 Points Too Much For OKC As They Drop Their 3rd In A Row (114-100)

Anthony Davis’ 43 Points Too Much For OKC As They Drop Their 3rd In A Row (114-100)

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The Thunder were coming home to play the New Orleans Pelicans after a crazy game the previous night before against the Nuggets. OKC lost on a buzzer beater against the Nuggets and wanted to redeem themselves against the Pelicans. The Pelicans lost DeMarcus Cousins last week to injury and have been depending on their other All Star Anthony Davis. It seemed like this whole game the Pelicans had a grip on the lead and didn’t want to give it up. Every time the Thunder made a shot that would get them closer either E’Twaun Moore or Anthony Davis made a key bucket to keep them in front. This was definitely a weird game for OKC as none of the “Big 3” had over 20 points tonight. With that being said the bench was able to step up with Grant/Abrines combining for 26 points. The biggest problem that was noticable while on this 3 game skid is the lack of communication on the defensive end. The Thunder allowed 114 to a team that didn’t have their other leading guy and let them shoot 51% from the field.

The Thunder are missing Andre Roberson big time for his defense and also for his communication when it comes to different screens, plays, and etc. With Roberson on the shelf this has also given a chance for Paul George who I think is the Defensive Player of the Year to showcase his talents on the defensive end. The Thunder will need to play off of George and his style of play on the defensive end so that they can create offense easier. The Big 3 had 44 points combined tonight and weren’t hitting but that wasn’t the reason they lost. No one on the Thunder were able to hold Anthony Davis in check as he went off for 43 points and got those points anyway he wanted too. Davis was hitting from the 3 point line and attacking the paint. It didn’t matter who was on Davis tonight he was willing his baskets in the hoop and was a true force. Anthony Davis put the Pelicans on his back all night and that led to him becoming the all-time leading scorer in their franchise history. The Thunder put Adams, Grant, and Patterson on AD tonight and it didn’t work.

Going into Sunday’s game against the Lakers the Thunder will have to get things back on track defensively. Defense wins championships and I think OKC needs to just focus on that side of the ball. With Roberson out its going to be on PG-13 to take the team to the promise land and it starts with his defense. Russell Westbrook has been the ultimate teammate all season and he knows that he can get his teammates involved early and then he can takeover when he wants too. Westbrook was rushing some shots tonight against the Pelicans but he’s allowed one of those games when people can’t talk about his turnovers or bad shots because of his body of work. Westbrook has been the true leader that this team needs and more and the Thunder will have to take out their 3 game skid on the Lakers Superbowl Sunday.

Feb 3, 2018 No Comments