Thunderous Intentions
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Game Day Preview: OKC Thunder play host to Australia’s Melbourne United

By Lawrence George

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Semaj Christon of the Thunder attacks the cup against New Orleans
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK- OCTOBER 6: Semaj Christon #6 of the OKC Thunder drives to the basket during a preseason game on October 6, 2017 at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch/NBAE via Getty Images) /

The Oklahoma City Thunder play hosts to Australia’s Melbourne United in their third preseason game.

Game 2 of the Russell Westbrook, Paul George and Carmelo Anthony experiment begins on Sunday afternoon against minnows Melbourne United. The Australian franchise makes its first appearance on US soil in what should be an entertaining physical contest.

First Glimpse of the Big 3

In the 102-91 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans, the Thunder’s Big 3 finally graced the court together. It was fast, electric and created an atmosphere that reflected an actual regular season game. Fans weren’t disappointed. Although George, Westbrook and Anthony spent only 10 minutes on court together they made those minutes count.

In particular, the first two minutes of the game brought excitement. In a two man play with Andre Roberson, Westbrook fed Dre inside and he kicked it out to Melo for a three. The very next play off a Pelicans miss, Melo corralled the rebound, threw the ball to Russ who found a wide-open George for another three. If this is what we have to look forward to, sign me up. George went on to have a spectacular game, scoring 25 points on 7-14 shooting in 27 minutes.

In case you missed the game catch the post game grades and 5 takeaways on Thunderous Intentions.

G’Day from Australia

Melbourne United opened their National Basketball League (NBL) campaign with a closely fought 99-97 victory over the Adelaide 36ers. United were led by former Long Beach State 49ers guard Casper Ware who scorched the 36ers for 26 points, going 8-19 from the field and 6-11 from beyond the arc.

Center Josh Boone posted a double-double with 10 points, 10 rebounds which included 6 offensive boards with Cleveland Cavaliers Summer League invitee Casey Prather chipping in 16 points. Melbourne are a physical team down low that beat teams up on the boards. This makes this match up particularly interesting because the Thunder are one of the best rebounding teams in the league.

Lets take a look at some interesting match-ups between the two teams.

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