OKC Thunder In the news: LeBron vs KD, Guaranteed physicality in game 2, Mama Durant on Westbrook

Welcome to OKC Thunder – In the news for Sunday, June 4 where we serve up the most topical news on your favorite team.

Despite the OKC Thunder finishing their season on April 25, there remain some local fans still  invested in the two teams competing for the Larry O’Brien Trophy.  More specifically, in how one former Thunder player performs.

Durant wins round one:

Although Russell Westbrook spent this past Thursday getting back in the Act (Sister Act II that is), many watched as Kevin Durant dismantled LeBron James and Co. to take a 1-0 NBA Finals series lead.  Heading into Game 2, there are a myriad of adjustments the Cavaliers need to address.

Topping the list is game tempo, rebounding, limiting turnovers and defending portions of the court inside the perimeter. But, arguably the biggest challenge facing the reigning champs is how to stop the former Thunder star.  Moreover, can this occur without springing leaks everywhere else within the Warriors potent offense?

Inevitably, the initial narrative of the series has become LeBron James versus Kevin Durant. Copious articles grace the web with nba.com leading the way with a piece entitled: Why These Finals Will Ultimately Be Decided by LeBron vs. Durant.

"But this time, instead of racing down the floor for a block, LeBron found himself on the floor, after being twisted like a half-truth by Kevin Durant on a pump fake. The Warriors’ bench instantly rose together as if a judge had entered the courtroom, screaming, gesturing, encouraging Durant to finish him off. Which Durant did; after a few dribbles, he tomahawked the ball through the rim for one of his six dunks in Game 1, leaving LeBron dazed and certainly confused in his wake."

Guarantee of physical upgrade for Game 2:

The operative word of the day was ‘physical’.  Every sound bite delivered from players and coaches on both sides emphasized Game 2 would be physical. Suffice to say, fans should expect a far more aggressive exhibition at Oracle. ESPN writer Dave McMenamin offered comments in his article from Tristan Thompson and JR Smith.

"It was an interesting turn of phrase by Thompson. His teammate, JR Smith, was asked how the Cavs could use physicality in their favor and made reference to Warriors forward Draymond Green‘s past low blows — one of them a swipe of his hand to LeBron James‘ groin in last year’s Finals that netted him a one-game suspension.“Dirtying up the game? I don’t know about that,” Smith said. “They got one guy who keeps kicking people in the [groin]. I don’t know about that. But we won’t dirty up the game. We just play physical. Some people don’t like physicality, and that’s what it is. But we just got to play our game and the way we know how to play, and that’s what’s been successful for us.”"

Every Cavalier who took to the podium for media availability June 3,  stated the Cavs would be more ‘physical’ in game two. The Warriors also referenced expectations of a more robust second game. OKC Thunder fans may be wondering how Durant will respond to this style  as he’s shown a propensity to back away from aggressive defenders.

Wanda Durant offers take on Westbrook – KD relationship:

More from Thunderous Intentions

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• 3 OKC Thunder players who can step up in Aleksej Pokusevski’s absence
• Aleksej Pokusevski sidelined approximately 6 weeks with ankle injury
• Damian Lillard does not fit with the OKC Thunder

For years Wanda Durant was a fixture in the front row of Oracle. NBA fans recognized Ms. Durant as her son would kiss her on the cheek after games.  And, of course ‘You the real MVP‘ portion of Durant’s own MVP speech left nary a dry eye in the room.

This week Wanda guested on the Undisputed and spoke of her belief the fracture between her son and Russell Westbrook has been exaggerated by the press. She further said she believes the two continue to share a brotherhood.

"“I think there was a little disappointment that Kevin had to leave and he left,” she said. “I think the commentary on Kevin’s departure really played a bigger role in their relationship than it needed to be. But I really believe they’re gonna work it out.”"

OKC Thunder Season Player Reviews:

Tony Heim provides the next in the Thunderous Intentions player previews with Josh Huestis taking center stage.

"Huestis increased his numbers in virtually every category this season, but the biggest positive is the 7% increase from deep. The 6-7 forward has proven he’s a capable defender, but his inability to be an average offensive player has kept him from playing consistent minutes. Huestis isn’t Andre Roberson on offense, but he also is nowhere near Roberson on defense."

Thanks for joining us today, enjoy the rest of your weekend. See you back here tomorrow to kick start your week with OKC Thunder  ‘In the news”.