OKC Thunder In the news: OK3 answer critics in first win

OKC Thunder in the news for Saturday October 21 focuses the first OKC Thunder game and the super stars.

Game one of 82 is in the books and a few of the concerns were put to bed quickly. Even though it’s clear the OK3 are still figuring out their chemistry the tangible benefits were clear. Russell Westbrook and Carmelo Anthony already have an obvious connection. Paul George for his part is still figuring out how to work with his counterparts. Of the three George has less experience working with players of Russ and Melo’s ilk, so that’s understandable.

Bottom line, if this was the OK3’s first step imagine what they’ll look like even half way through the season – or better yet by the time the playoffs arrive.

With that here is today’s OKC Thunder In the news….

The Assist Man – Russell Westbrook:

On the first game of the 2016-17 season Russell Westbrook answered a few questions. One of them was shot distributio with his super star running mates. Barry Tramel of News OK opined this could lead to Westbrook leading the NBA in assists this season.

"Of Westbrook’s 16 assists, five went to Carmelo, four to George, four to Steven Adams, two to Andre Roberson and one to Jerami Grant. Two of Carmelo’s baskets, two of George’s and Grant’s were 3-pointers. Five of the 16 assists came in transition, where Westbrook can be a total load."

Thunderous Intentions agrees, particularly scribe Matthew Hallett who boldly predicted this would happen. The difference was Hallett made that call prior to the OKC Thunder having played a regular season game yet.

Social Media responds to OKC Thunder drubbing of Knicks:

Clearly the OK3 debut was of immense interest to NBA and Thunder Nation fans. Following their opening night win social media was a flutter. Here’s some of the best …

More from Thunderous Intentions

• Stealing one player from every Southwest Division team for the OKC Thunder
• Should the OKC Thunder chase after a disgruntled hometown hero?
• 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

Kevin Harlan is quickly becoming the best voice in the NBA. Part of the appeal of Harlan is he simply says what you are thinking. Earlier this week during the horrific injury to Gordon Hayward he said what everyone was thinking: “Gordon Hayward broke his leg…. Hayward broke his leg”.

At the precise moment of the injury my hand instinctively went to cover my mouth. My immediate thought was precisely what Harlan said. Well that and trying to quell the nauseous feeling from witnessing the injury.

Other times Harlan’s says just one word to capture the moment – in this case it was an OKC Thunder fast break.

For all those pundits speculating Jordan Brand may not be as warm and fuzzy about Carmelo Anthony the hoodie sweatshirts the brand dispersed for the OKC Thunder opener speaks otherwise.

And a few more….

5 Take Aways;

My partner in scribe crime Tony Heim kicked off the season with his 5 takeaways and brought the heat:

"I thought the acquisition of Paul George, let alone Carmelo Anthony, was enough to push Russell Westbrook out of the MVP conversation. If Russ plays every game like he did tonight, however, then he will have proven me wrong for the one trillionth time.Westbrook’s stat line says it all: 21 points on 7-12 shooting (0-1 from three), 16 assists, 10 rebounds (yep the triple-doubles are still a thing), 1 block, +29 in 33 minutes. Full disclosure for the Russ haters in the back, he also turned it over seven times."

That wraps up OKC Thunder in the news for October 21.  The OKC Thunder take to the road tonight for their second game of 82.  Make sure to follow us on Twitter during the game, post game player grades and tonight I’ll be pinch hitting for Tony on 5 take aways (though I can’t guarantee Alex Abrines will make the list).  I jest, but be sure to stop by TI for all your pre and post game coverage.