Paul George’s 33 Point Performance Leads OKC To Victory Over The Clippers (110-104)

Paul George’s 33 Point Performance Leads OKC To Victory Over The Clippers (110-104)

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by | Dec 16, 2018 | Featured, NBA

The Oklahoma City Thunder came into tonight’s game on a two-game losing streak. The Thunder wanted to bounce back after their loss to the Pelicans the other night and did just that. Paul George was able to carry a lot of the load tonight as he finished with a game-high 33 points. The Thunder were able to beat up the Clippers in the paint all night that set the tone for the night. Steven Adams was able to get anything he wanted in the paint against Harrell and Gortat. When Steven Adams has the chance to dominate the paint like he did tonight the Thunder look unstoppable. Adams finished with 16 points and 5 rebounds tonight against the Clippers. No one had an answer for Adams in the paint from the Clippers and it was extremely noticeable. When Adams has his hook shot going and he’s drawing the double team it opens up more for his teammates.

The one thing that was working for the Clippers that kept them in the game was Danilo Gallinari’s 3 point shooting. He finished with 28 points but was (4-6) from the 3 point line while shooting (10-16) on the night. Tobias Harris was doing an amazing job as well for the Clippers. Harris was able to go to the basket with ease and made some very tough shots to finish with 22 points on the night. The Clippers had 26 turnovers in the game and weren’t making the right decisions when it came down to crunch time. The Clippers were hanging around but could never get within 5 points of the Thunder. Every time the Clippers would get within 10 points Paul George or Russell Westbrook would display their greatness. Paul George was able to score any way that he wanted tonight against the Clippers. The string of games that PG-13 has been able to put together as of late have him in the thick of the MVP talks. Paul George has been shooting lights out from the 3 point line and the Clippers couldn’t stop him at all. The rhythm that Paul George is shooting in right now is close to some of his best since Indiana. The best thing about the Thunder is the fact that Paul George and Russell Westbrook are 1st and 2nd in the NBA in steals. Paul George has grown confidence in his play and has been extremely comfortable within this offense on the season.

 

 

Russell Westbrook has shown a lot of maturity within his game and has been able to flourish as the leader. Westbrook has been able to play off of Paul George’s great shooting and he’s been able to still dominate. Westbrook had 13 points, 12 assists, and 9 rebounds on the night and still was able to have a huge impact on the game. When you can impact the game in every way without having to always score or make the play that’s something special. Russell Westbrook has been able to dominate his position night in and night out. Patrick Beverley was guarding Russell Westbrook tonight but he wasn’t able to phase the former MVP as Westbrook still made plays for his teammates. The thing that is so amazing about this Thunder team this year and the ball movement. The Thunder ball movement has very good and they’re looking for Steven Adams early. The Thunder had 5 players in double figures tonight against the Clippers and will look to get another win under their belt against the Bulls on Monday. Russell Westbrook passed Kobe Bryant for 30th on the NBA All-Time Assists list tonight as well.

If Paul George and Russell Westbrook can continue to do what they’ve been doing for this team as leaders the skies the limit for OKC.

 

[Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman]

Dec 16, 2018 No Comments
Paul George’s 31 Points Help Oklahoma City Defeat The Utah Jazz (122-113)

Paul George’s 31 Points Help Oklahoma City Defeat The Utah Jazz (122-113)

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by | Dec 11, 2018 | Featured, NBA

The Oklahoma City Thunder came into this game following a loss to the Chicago Bulls. There’s nothing like home cooking especially when it’s against the team that eliminated you in the playoffs. The Utah Jazz beat the Thunder in a seven-game series last season and the Thunder fans let it be known they didn’t forget. The Thunder have been clicking on all cylinders and look like the best team in the west. The overall play from the Thunder as a unit was on full display as the Utah Jazz didn’t know what hit them. Steven Adams has been the man that starts out games for the Thunder and he did just that against Rudy Gobert. Steven was able to get him in early foul trouble and was able to take control of the paint with ease. Steven was able to get to the basket whether it was the pick and roll, backing down, or his jump hook. Adams finished the game with 22 points and 7 rebounds on the night. Adams was able to set the tone in that first half while Paul George and Russell Westbrook were still trying to find a rhythm.

Gobert was in some foul trouble the one bright spot for the Jazz all night was Donovan Mitchell. The Thunder were throwing different defensive players at Mitchell trying to make it tougher on the second year guard. Mitchell was able to get his jumper going but it was a little too late. Donovan Mitchell finished the game with 19 points for the Jazz but a lot of his buckets came in the second quarter. The Jazz got down at one point by 29 points and found themselves trying to claw back into the game desperately. The Thunder have found their niche and identity this season on both the defensive/offensive end. Russell Westbrook didn’t have his best night shooting but the man that came to his rescue was Paul George. The man they call PG-13 took over in the 3rd quarter of the game as he scored 17 points in that quarter alone. When a player of his caliber gets it going like that especially in a quarter there isn’t much that can be done. Paul George was hitting 3 pointers and slashing to the basket with ease. The Thunder team as a whole noticed what was going on and kept feeding Paul the ball as he continued to grow the lead against the Jazz. Paul George finished with a game-high 31 points on 8-10 shooting from the field and was able to do whatever he wanted tonight.

 

Russell Westbrook didn’t have the shooting night he wanted but finished with another triple-double (12 PTS,10 AST, 11 REB) on the night. The beauty about this situation is in past seasons if Westbrook didn’t play a great game the Thunder would be in trouble. This time around having someone like Paul George in his corner helped the situation. Westbrook still managed to get his teammates involved and took advantage of the smaller Rubio defending him. No one in the league can stop Westbrook in the point guard position it seems like this season and he continued to show that even on an off night for him. The Thunder had 5 players in double figures and were able to move the ball as they finished the game with 25 assists. The Thunder have committed to the defensive end and also have improved the ball movement so much this season. The players like Jerami Grant, Dennis Schroder, and Nerlens have the experience and can help on the second unit on a nightly basis like they did tonight. When the Thunder play together as a whole they’re tough to beat any night. The Utah Jazz was in foul trouble but just weren’t able to get anything going offensively as they shot 27% from 3 point land. The Thunder defense deserves a lot of credit and will try to continue this against the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday.

 

Photo Credit: (AP Photo/Kyle Phillips)

Dec 11, 2018 No Comments
Russell Westbrook’s 107th Triple-Double Helps OKC Beat Cleveland (100-83)

Russell Westbrook’s 107th Triple-Double Helps OKC Beat Cleveland (100-83)

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by | Nov 29, 2018 | Featured, NBA

After the loss to the Denver Nuggets on Saturday, Russell Westbrook spent the rest of his evening working on his craft. In true professional fashion, Westbrook worked on his jumper and was determined to get that game out of his system. In all reality, Westbrook doesn’t need to shoot after games to get over a bad outing especially when you’re an NBA MVP. Westbrook getting a late night session in just proves his leadership and the fact that he wants to lead by example. Russell Westbrook has done things his way and has grown over the years as a leader and professional. The Thunder back up Russell Westbrook and his teammates do as well and the fact he’s in the gym working on his game daily should be added motivation for anyone who appreciates his game.

The Thunder took on the Cleveland Cavaliers tonight at Chesapeake Energy Arena and Russell Westbrook put on one of the best performances in his career. Russell finished with 23 points, 19 rebounds, and 15 assists for his 3rd triple-double of the season. While getting his 3rd triple-double of the season Westbrook made history as well notching his 107th of his career tying Jason Kidd for 3rd All Time. Westbrook played within the game and let his game do the talking tonight. Westbrook was able to find his teammates in their sweet spots and was able to get into his sweet spot on the court as well. Russell Westbrook was matched up against Collin Sexton the very aggressive rookie and took him to the post. There is no guard in the league that can defend Russell Westbrook when he’s on the block and he was able to take advantage of the Cavs defense anyway he wanted too.

The Cavs would try to double-team Westbrook and Russ made them pay by getting it to Jerami Grant. The Cavs had no answer for Jerami Grant as he was able to beat them on backdoor cuts all night long. This was a huge step for Jerami Grant because he was able to see his 3 point shot go down and he also was able to get to the rim whenever he wanted tonight. Grant finished the game one point shy of his career high with 21 points and 5 rebounds. This stretch for the Thunder has been great as a unit with Billy Donovan switching up lineups this has made other step up and get some added minutes. One of those players that have stepped up his game and made the most of those minutes has been has been Deonte Burton. Paul George said “Te is just a baller” and that’s exactly what he’s been for this team. When Burton comes in the game he brings that energy and intensity on both ends of the floor and doesn’t back down from anyone. Burton has been very big for the Thunder because he stretches the floor and also can attack the defense with ease off the perimeter. Paul George was in foul trouble all night and still managed to have 18 points on the night. The referees were calling the game a little too tight and it showed with PG only playing 24 minutes. When Paul George gets to play his game he’s one of the top two way players and he would have been able to stop Sexton tonight a little bit.

The Cavaliers rookie Collin Sexton had his hands full trying to guard Russell Westbrook tonight but was able to still get 21 points. Sexton showed a lot of heart and grit out there tonight and didn’t give up. When Sexton gets some more experience in this league and can continue to work on his offensive game he’s going to be special. Jordan Clarkson was the one player that was able to help Sexton tonight as he scored 25 points off the bench. Jordan knows how to get some big-time buckets in big moments but wasn’t able to do enough to get the Cavs the victory on the road. The Thunder had a huge win tonight and didn’t let anything get in the way of this victory. When you shoot 48% from the field and have a dominant player like Russell Westbrook leading the charge it’s going to be a long night for any team.

This Thunder team will try to continue this great play against the Hawks on Friday as Trae Young comes back home to play his hometown team.

 

Photo Credit: Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images

Nov 29, 2018 No Comments
Recap: OKC Thunder Annual Blue & White Scrimmage (White Wins 106-55)

Recap: OKC Thunder Annual Blue & White Scrimmage (White Wins 106-55)

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by | Oct 1, 2018 | Featured, NBA

The Thunder had their annual Blue & White Scrimmage at the Chesapeake Energy Arena for the 1st time since the team relocated to OKC. It was a great experience and it was even better for the fans to be able to get a good look at the new OKC Thunder roster. This was the first time we were able to see Dennis Schroder play with Paul George and other starters. The White team was loaded with potential starters Paul George, Patrick Patterson, Steven Adams, Terrance Ferguson, and Dennis Schroder. The starters for the Blue team were Deonte Burton, Jerami Grant, Tyler Davis, Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot, and Abdul Gaddy. The White team dominated in this matchup but it was good to see the 2nd unit get some great run against the starters. Paul George was on fire early and was able to get to his spot as many times as he wanted to against Deonte Burton. Paul George led all scorers with 23 points on 50% shooting from the field and added 6 assists with 8 rebounds. The chemistry between Dennis Schroder and Paul George was on full display as they were able to connect on multiple plays that finished with 3 pointers or easy layups at the basket. Paul George looked confident and aggressive with his play on both sides of the ball on Sunday. If Paul George can continue to play like that OKC should be in good hands while Russell Westbrook is recovering from his knee surgery.

Dennis Schroder looked very comfortable in the lineup with Paul George and no plays were forced at all everything came naturally. Dennis was able to get to the basketball whenever he wanted and was blowing by Bryce Alford with ease. He displayed his scoop shot and Schroder also showcased his vision to find his teammates. The chemistry that Schroder and George were playing with didn’t happen overnight at all it started in LA. The Thunder players got together during the offseason and played pickup games at UCLA which helped big team. This Thunder roster already had a lot of chemistry coming into the season which was big for a player like Dennis Schroder who joined the team in July via trade. This is the first time Billy Donovan has a team that has already chemistry before training camp in his tenure as the Oklahoma City Thunder coach. Overall Schroder looked really good and played like a floor general and looked like he already knew a lot of his teammate’s hot spots on the court. Schroder brings that grit to the roster and someone that will find his teammates in the right moments to compliment Westbrook. Dennis Schroder finished with 22 points and 12 assists on the night and this is exactly what the Thunder will need from him until Russell Westbrook comes back.

 

 

Patrick Patterson was another bright spot in the Blue & White Scrimmage as he logged in 39 minutes and scored 22 points. Patrick Patterson looked really good and was hitting his jumper when given the opportunity. He looked in amazing shape and he was able to push the tempo with the White team. It was a good outing for Patrick Patterson as he was playing in midseason form on Sunday. It will be interesting to see what happens with Patterson and Grant on the season for the starting power forward spot on the team. In my personal opinion, it will be switched on a matchups basis and it depends on the hot hand for who will start in those moments. Jerami Grant had 6 points in 19 minutes in the scrimmage so we will find out more about the situation during the preseason.

 

The Thunder will start their preseason off against the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday in Oklahoma City.

Oct 1, 2018 No Comments
The Best Destinations For Jimmy Butler

The Best Destinations For Jimmy Butler

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by | Sep 25, 2018 | Featured, NBA

Last week, it became known that Jimmy Butler had requested a trade out of the Minnesota Timberwolves organization. Earlier this year, he was reportedly upset with the nonchalant manner of the team’s younger players, including rising star Karl Anthony-Towns. Butler thought Towns was focusing too much on statistics and not winning, and there was clearly a dispute between the pair.

Just two days ago, Towns inked a 5-year, $190 million dollar contract extension. At just 22 years old, it is now clear that he is viewed as the franchise’s centerpiece. This gives Butler even more reason to want to depart, and he has let the team know his prime destinations – in Los Angeles with the Clippers or in New York with either the Knicks or Nets.

While he would be a perfect fit on any of those rosters, clearly not everything works out in the professional business that is the NBA. The two-way stud and four-time All-Star would work in a lot of places though, and here are his three other best options.

Toronto Raptors

If Jimmy Butler went to the Raptors, The North would arguably be the best team in the Eastern Conference. They would have the top two dual-way players (Kawhi Leonard) in the entire league, and with their strong bench and young guns they could topple the Celtics. He would honestly fit in so well, and Toronto should be able to afford him. If they could come up with a fair trade and send both a few draft picks and Kyle Lowry, it’d make Toronto an immediate threat.

Philadelphia 76ers

This is a team most people haven’t really considered, but it is a fantastic fit in all honesty. Imagine a starting lineup with Ben Simmons, Jimmy Butler, and Joel Embiid. If Philadelphia sent a pick or two along with either J.J. Redick or Robert Covington, this might work (financially as well, as they could probably able to pay him. That lineup would be scary, and their styles of play would mold together extremely well. The 76ers would emerge as one of the East’s best, and potentially see a Finals birth.

Oklahoma City Thunder

Once again, this is a sleeper option for Butler. The Thunder have some good trade pieces in Dennis Schröder and Patrick Patterson, who are getting paid more than $20 million combined this year. If they swapped them and a pick, Butler would work alongside Russell Westbrook and Paul George perfectly. Oklahoma City would become even more of a contender with starpower like that.

Sep 25, 2018 No Comments
Russell Westbrook Undergoes Arthroscopic Right Knee Surgery

Russell Westbrook Undergoes Arthroscopic Right Knee Surgery

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by | Sep 13, 2018 | Featured, NBA

Earlier this morning, Oklahoma City Thunder star Russell Westbrook went under the knife for arthroscopic surgery on his right knee. The operation will put him out for the entire NBA preseason, and he might even miss the first few games of the regular season.

In four weeks he will be re-evaluated, right in time for the tip-off matchup of the Thunder versus Golden State. While there’s no rush to get him back as soon as possible, it’s obvious the former league MVP is a difference maker.

Over the past week, Westbrook reportedly suffered from knee stiffness. He decided to undergo a normal scope surgery now, with the purpose of avoiding any injuries later in the season.

It’s been almost five years since he’s had any knee issues, going all the way back to the 2013 playoffs that led to a trio of surgeries in less than a year.

Now 29 years old, the point guard has been named an All-Star seven times, a member of the All-NBA Second Team five times, and a member of the All-NBA First Team twice. He’s also made history a multitude of times, becoming the only player other than Oscar Robertson to average a triple-double over a season and the only ever to do it twice.

Sep 13, 2018 No Comments