Westbrook’s 20th Triple Double Helps OKC Dethrone The Kings (106-101)

Westbrook’s 20th Triple Double Helps OKC Dethrone The Kings (106-101)

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by | Mar 13, 2018 | Featured

The Oklahoma City Thunder came into this game 2-1 since signing Corey Brewer off waivers before the Houston game. The great thing about his signing is that he has fit in like he’s played alongside OKC’s big 3 all year. Brewer has been able to defend and knock down big shots when they are given to him. The biggest part of this little stretch is the fact you can see the trust Russell Westbrook has in him already. Russell Westbrook’s one of the best leaders in the NBA and he hasn’t got that credit especially with a brand new team from last season. In the game, tonight against the Kings Westbrook continued that leadership being vocal on the defensive and offensive end for OKC. Russell Westbrook was able to control the tempo of the game and was able to get his teammates involved without forcing the issue. The Kings had no answer for Russell Westbrook in the point guard matchup. The Kings had Fox guarding Westbrook all night which was a huge mistake because Russ has proved that if he gets a mismatch he’s taking them to the post. The biggest improvement in Westbrook’s game this season has been his midrange. Westbrook knows his sweet spots and also knows when to go in and be aggressive or settle for the midrange. He made the Kings pay tonight as his stat line spoke for itself with 17 points, 11 assists, 10 rebounds. When Westbrook has his hands all over the game like tonight it’s tough to beat OKC.

Russell Westbrook set the tone as his superstar teammates Paul George and Carmelo Anthony both dropped 21 points on the night. The ball movement tonight was extremely impressive and they were able to dissect the defense that the Kings were throwing at them. The Kings were so worried about the paint and not giving up easy ones to Steven Adams that they left OKC’s shooters wide open daring them to shoot. The growth of PG, Melo, and Russ has been very noticeable especially since people thought it wouldn’t work but night in and out they’re showing how much fun they’re having with each other. With OKC’s Big 3 doing their scoring on a regular people like Corey Brewer get to shine now as he’s capitalized on the open shots given to him. Brewer has made a huge impact on the defensive and offensive end since joining the team. Brewer had 16 points tonight and ever since he’s been in the starting lineup everything has clicked for OKC.

The Kings had a great overall performance as a team and kept fighting but even though had 5 players in double figures it wasn’t enough. Sacramento has a great team that’s on the rise for years to come but the loss to OKC showed that they still have a lot more work to do. The Thunder play in Atlanta tomorrow and will try to continue this winning streak that they’re on. The Thunder have been able to find their rhythm against these teams that they’re supposed to win against. These games will build the chemistry and it will also help build the confidence of players as well.

 

 

 

Photo: Sue Ogrocki, AP

Mar 13, 2018 No Comments
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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by | Feb 12, 2018 | Featured

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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by | Feb 3, 2018 | Featured, NBA

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
Paul George Reveals Why He Wore His Nike PG1 “City” PE Tonight Against Washington

Paul George Reveals Why He Wore His Nike PG1 “City” PE Tonight Against Washington

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by | Jan 26, 2018 | Featured, Sneakers

The Oklahoma City Thunder were able to reveal their city jersey tonight against the Washington Wizards. What we didn’t know is that the Oklahoma City Thunder were already supposed to wear the “City” jersey previously in the season. Paul George told me that the OKC “City” Jersey was supposed to be revealed against the Houston Rockets on Christmas Day. Paul also was able to tell me that it was a Nike malfunction that prevented the team from debuting the jersey then. The Oklahoma City Thunder had to wait for Nike to redo the first batch of jerseys that were made because the material was ripping easily. With the second batch of jerseys that OKC wore tonight it was long overdue and Paul George definitely loved the new jersey just check the clip below.

With that being said Paul George also had put on the Nike PG1 “City” PE to compliment the jersey. The Nike PG2 was already past that “City” jersey moment and that was the reason why the PG1 was worn tonight. Nike has already whipped up some PG2 flavors for the Star and they will be hitting the court very soon.

Jan 26, 2018 No Comments
What To Expect From PG-13/Melo With The Direction Of Their Sneaker Lines & More

What To Expect From PG-13/Melo With The Direction Of Their Sneaker Lines & More

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by | Jan 25, 2018 | Featured, Sneakers

I was able to talk to Carmelo Anthony and Paul George briefly about the direction of their sneaker lines. Paul George stole the show when it came to the debut of his PG1 in London and had the “Shoe of the Year” in a lot of sneakerheads minds hands down. Well, this weekend he topped the shutdown in London when he was able to debut the Nike PG2 in a collaboration with Sony PlayStation. Carmelo Anthony, on the other hand, has been going into his retro bag all of a sudden wearing the Melo 1.5. Melo has been with Jordan Brand his whole career and has had some dope sneakers over the years that had sneakerheads wanting more from his line. Check out below to see what both OKC Stars talked about as they gave me a look at their lines and the future of what’s to come for the public.

SR: I think you’ve had the best sneaker debuts as far as signiture athletes in my opinion with the PG1 and now following it up with the PG2.

PG: You think so? Well I appriciate that for real.

Below are the pictures of both the Nike PG1 (London) & Nike PG2 (Cleveland) in their debuts.

SR: What is the difference between the PG1 & PG2? 

PG: As you can see we took the strap away from the forefront. We wanted to still keep that lock down feel with cuts and turns for all basketball players. Removing the strap also made it a lot easier to get in and out of the sneaker after wearing them. The biggest thing is the traction got a lot better. You won’t be doing any slipping or sliding in the PG2 as it’s very good performance wise. I wanted something lighter but also keep that glove-like material from the PG1.

SR: What can we expect from the Nike PG2 line now after the PlayStation debut the other night and the new PG2 tonight?

PG: We will be having a lot more Flavors for you guys coming really soon. The colorways are going to be endless on the PG2 its special but I can’t wait until the PG3. That’s going be the one right there man for that stamp of approval.

SR: I can’t wait to see the PG3 now but who does PG have winning the SuperBowl? You got my Patriots

PG: No comment on the PG3….(laughs) but I had the Jags beating you’ll this past weekend but since you guys won I’ll go with the Patriots to win the SuperBowl.

I was able to check out the Flavors that Paul George wore against the Nets and they’re extremely light. I love the endless possibilities with the materials whether it be patent leather, suede, leather, or etc. This will be one of those sneakers that everyone will want to hoop in just like the PG1. The color schemes are going to be dope and PE colorways that PG have lined up are sick. While I was holding the sneaker I realized the sock liner was a lot more cushioned and the sneaker has a very easy lacing system to get in and out of after wear. PG wanted this sneaker to be based on performance but it still gives you that street appeal as well which made the PG1 so EPIC. I told him this was the best Nike collab since the Nike KD 4 Nerf and he was definitely happy with the input. Overall PG is one of the most humble stars and I’m looking forward to the growth in his line and his game as time goes by. Can’t wait to see more colorways on the PG2 and can’t wait to see the PG3 he was hyped up about it but we got a long way to go before those flavors.

 

Carmelo talked to me about the direction of the Melo line line a couple weeks ago as you can watch below. After watching that check out what Melo let me know is in store for his line for the consumers.

 

 

 

Carmelo is one of the best players to go to for quotes and he was able to give me a couple of gems after the win against the Nets.

SR: Everyone is feeling those Melo 1.5s that you been wearing including players. They’re definitely dope is JB coming back with any retros?

CA: Yeah I been wearing the 1.5s getting into some of the retros now. Be on the lookout after All Star Weekend the 1.5 will be dropping.

SR: Wasn’t the plan after the M13 to get you wearing the Jordan Retros like Ray Allen and etc?

CA: That was initally the plan but why wear the Jordan Retros when I have my own Retros after playing for 15 years and I’m comfortable with them.

SR: My favorite Melo all-time is the Melo 5.5s I can’t wait for those to come back.

CA: Just wait until next year for those

 

Photo by (Photo by Layne Murdoch/NBAE via Getty Images)

Jan 25, 2018 No Comments