OKC Thunder inter squad scrimmage takeaways, fans celebrate Westbrook loyalty

Thunderfest and the OKC Thunder inter squad scrimmage offered compelling highlights and takeaways.

Fans got their first glimpse of Carmelo Anthony and Paul George in OKC Thunder jerseys playing together. It may not be a regular season game, nor was there an opponent who doesn’t currently reside in OKC, but it was exciting none-the-less.

Prior to the inter squad scrimmage a few notes were passed along.

• Paul George first became aware of Carmelo’s brilliance in a game versus Australia. At the time the US Team needed someone to step up and Melo did that. In the game Anthony scored 30 points and hit 9 threes.  George told reporters he sees the same calm leadership from Anthony with OKC and believes the team can be something special.

• Perhaps the best takeaway wasn’t even from today (but after yesterday’s practice) when  Paul George saying Westbrook re-signing will absolutely factor in his decision to come back to OKC next year.

• Likewise Carmelo Anthony referred to his Olympic experience. Melo cites George and Russell Westbrook leading in a similar way as they did on the Olympic team. Anthony already sees their roles being similar and feels this iteration of the OKC Thunder will be the benefactor of the trio’s experience together both on and off the court.

• Although Westbrook didn’t play in the scrimmage he was on the court getting up shots and even dunked. Expectations are for him to play in at least one preseason game.

• Patrick Patterson was the only roster player not dressed, though his apparent return should coincide with opening night.
• Alex Abrines also didn’t play, but like Westbrook is expected to play at some point in preseason.

Scrimmage Notes:

• First time seeing Terrance Ferguson play since dealing with his Australian Team paperwork didn’t allow for his appearance in Summer League. Ferguson has good instincts on the court even serving up a behind the back pass to a trailing Paul George for a dunk. Clearly Ferguson needs to gain size, but the initial review is very positive.
• Carmelo Anthony and Paul George looked like a well oiled machine as they repeatedly connected for baskets. It’s important not to get carried away because the pair were facing their reserve opponents. Still, without Westbrook on the court this demonstration offered an early peek at how special the squad can be this season.
• George scored 28 points in just two quarters of play, and as mentioned did so effortlessly.
• Of note, George was also dishing assists to Steven Adams offering a glimpse of how the big man will benefit from easy baskets this season.

• Raymond Felton served as Westbrook’s replacement and looks in need of shedding a few pounds prior to the regular season. That said, Felton is more of a bulky, muscled guard who offers something completely different from Westbrook off the bench. One interesting note was Donovan had Felton utilizing full court pressure on the ball. The takeaway is the Thunder will employ this habit more this season in an effort to create more turnovers.
• Also notable was the wing pressure Andre Roberson and George put on the blue squad which led to several turnovers. At the time of the George trade and Patterson signing this scribe noted the OKC’s defense would be much better. Since then PG himself has stated he believes the team could have the  top ranked defense. Although it’s far too early to know for sure, there are definite signs this team is intent on getting after it.

• As per above, the other notable takeaway was how Roberson was used to fill in slots to stop the ball in transition and the entire team’s perimeter defense. The teams who’ll rank best on defense will need to master these two areas, so that was a positive sign. With the Houston Rockets on tap for the teams first preseason game, Donovan will have the perfect chance to test his perimeter defense.
•   Finally, there weren’t too many highlights from the blue squad, though Dakari Johnson stood out. A great sign since the team will need to replace minutes created with Enes Kanter and Domantas Sabonis’ departures.

Russell Westbrook talks at Thunderfest:

Prior to the inter squad scrimmage Russell Westbrook to the stage to answer a few questions and drink in the joy of Thunder Nation regarding his extension signing.

How do you feel about the deal?

RW: Blessed. For me it’s an unbelievable blessing. For a kid like me who grew up in the inner city of Los Angeles to be here on this stage in front of you all. It’s just an unbelievable blessing from the guy upstairs and I feel  truly honored.

When you see the love you receive from this community, this organization, these fans – how does it make you feel?

RW: Amazing. It’s like my family. You guys took me in; I came here when I was 18 years old and I’ve been here for ten years. And, obviously I’m going to be here for a lot longer as well. Just happy to be here. Like I said before these fans, these people right here are some of the best people in the world here. We have the best fans in all of sports and I’m just truly honored to play in front of you guys.

You have a hash tag ‘Why Not?’ explain what that is all about?

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RW: It’s a mindset, it’s a movement. It’s something I stand behind.  Something I encourage all you guys to stand behind. It represents self confidence, self swagger. Believing in yourself, not worrying about what other people think. Constantly believing in yourself It’s the motto I have in life motto and I give to kids to people all across the world and something I believe in.

Talk about what it’s like now being a father to a beautiful baby boy:

RW: It’s amazing man. That’s probably one of the best moments of my life to see that happen for my family. It’s a great experience to be a father.  I just look forward to constantly keep growing as a father and enjoying fatherhood.

Time flies – you were a rookie and suddenly you are in your tenth year.

RW: It means a lot man. Like I said you guys brought me in, a kid from California. I didn’t know anything about Oklahoma City. But now I’m a part of Oklahoma City and you are a part me and part of my family. I’m truly thankful for all you guys. Thank you for all your support especially for me being here,  a lot of ups and downs, a lot of good and bad things, but you guys always stuck with me, stuck with my family, stuck with the team. You know I’m very, very appreciative of that. Thank you for that and as you know I’m  you guys as you guys are loyal to me.

The next time fans will see the OKC Thunder playing will be Tuesday in Tulsa when they tip off versus the Houston Rockets in the teams first preseason game.