Thunderous Intentions
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Game Day Preview: OKC Thunder open season vs. friends and foes

By Tamberlyn Richardson

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - SEPTEMBER 25: Paul George #13, head coach Billy Donovan, Russell Westbrook #0 and Carmelo Anthony #7 of the OKC Thunder pose for a portrait during the 2017 NBA Media Day on September 25, 2017 at the Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch/NBAE via Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - SEPTEMBER 25: Paul George #13, head coach Billy Donovan, Russell Westbrook #0 and Carmelo Anthony #7 of the OKC Thunder pose for a portrait during the 2017 NBA Media Day on September 25, 2017 at the Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – OCTOBER 8: Russell Westbrook #0 of the OKC Thunder and Carmelo Anthony #7 of the OKC Thunder against Melbourne United during the first half of a NBA preseason game at the Chesapeake Energy Arena on October 8, 2017 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. (Photo by J Pat Carter/Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – OCTOBER 8: Russell Westbrook #0 of the OKC Thunder and Carmelo Anthony #7 of the OKC Thunder against Melbourne United during the first half of a NBA preseason game at the Chesapeake Energy Arena on October 8, 2017 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. (Photo by J Pat Carter/Getty Images) /

Knicks frontcourt versatility:

Unquestionably, the OKC Thunder’s greatest advantage last season (aside from Russell Westbrook’s MVP season) was the team’s length and rebounding.  That asset was greatly diminished with the loss of Enes Kanter, Domantas Sabonis, Taj Gibson and Doug McDermott.  OKC ranked first in the Association in total and offensive rebounding.

That said, if preseason was any indication of what to expect the Thunder aren’t that far off the mark finishing tied for second with 48.0 rebounds per game. This without Patrick Patterson playing a single minute. Granted, Patterson isn’t a high rebound volume guy. Still, the guards for OKC all rebound exceptionally well and both George and Anthony have historically been solid.  Don’t expect Westbrook to snag double digit rebounds this season. Rather, look for more of a team rebounding effort.

Related:  Film Fest – Breaking down Adam’s post game

As for the match tonight, the one area the Knicks may have an advantage is up front, in terms of their length, floor spacing and versatility.  Porzingis is the obvious, but factor in Kanter’s scoring and rebounding and Kyle O’Quinn who is gritty and tough. Also Hernangomez came into his own late last season. The Spaniard is an adept passer, solid rebounder and can score in multiple manners.

OK3 Dynamic:

There will be growing pains as the team finds an offensive flow and chemistry.  Of the three super stars the transition will presumably be most difficult for George who has never had one, let alone two stars to defer to.  And, for as much as the debate regarding Westbrook being able to adapt has been a running narrative, he had eight seasons of experience deferring to another super star to draw from.

Anthony meanwhile has experience playing with more talent than George and has already developed a decent chemistry with Westbrook.

Related: Film Fest – Westbrook’s Clutch Time

Each of the big 3 have a desire to win and although they say what the scribes say doesn’t bother them Thunder fans know all too well Westbrook loves nothing more than proving his critics wrong. Moreover, Russ knows what happens this season will play a big part in what occurs next year, so expect Westbrook to bring his usual determination to the court.  In fact, with so much banter regarding shot distribution it won’t surprise me if the Big 3 all get equal opportunities between time spent as starters and other lineup iterations.

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As for the supporting cast, what has yet to be witnessed is the defensive prowess of Patrick Patterson. While many presume the clutch rotation will feature Adams I still contend Patterson will end up on the court for closing time. Perhaps not immediately as he works his way back from offseason surgery, but down the road. Also of note, having witnessed every game Patterson donned the Raptors red – be prepared for his shooting efficiency to be off in the first month to six weeks of the season. That’s a commonality of his game. If he stays true to form those numbers will rise well above league averages some time in December.

While we may vary on the usage of Patrick Patterson, my partner in crime Tony Heim offers an astute look at  what the Thunder’s rotation may/should be.

Early Road and Lottery Team Heavy Games:

Ultimately, how quickly the three super stars mesh and integrate their flow with each other will be telling. Aiding this quest is the Thunder’s early season schedule. The first 20 games offers 11 road games versus just 9 home matches. Included in these first 20 games are eight projected lottery teams which offers more opportunity for fast tracking offensive improvements.  Furthermore, many squads prefer an early road heavy schedule because it allows teams to bond quickly.

As per an earlier post TI covered the schedule highs and lows noting the Thunder have the 24th easiest schedule to start the season.

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