OKC Thunder in the News: Paul George plays the Pacers for the first time

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – OCTOBER 19: Paul George #13 of the OKC Thunder drives around Tim Hardaway Jr. #3 of the New York Knicks during the first half of a NBA game at the Chesapeake Energy Arena on October 19, 2017 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. (Photo by J Pat Carter/Getty Images) /

Thunder in the News is an OKC Thunder fan’s dream – a daily post dedicated to finding the best Oklahoma City content around the web.

After two incredibly long and tedious days, Thunder basketball is back tonight. Although it isn’t Paul George’s return to Indiana, tonight’s game against the Pacers is still an emotional one for George. It’s also an important one for Oklahoma City. After a win in their first game the Thunder have had two disappointing performances. Indiana provides an opportunity to play against a lesser-talented team and work out their early-season kinks.

Paul George plays the Pacers for his first time

This game won’t nearly be as emotional for Paul George as his return to Indiana will. But this game probably is more important from a basketball sense. George has struggled early on, shooting over 40% in just one of the Thunder’s first three games. If he really is excited for this game like Carmelo Anthony says, George may have his first big breakout game with Oklahoma City.

"“It’ll be emotional from a standpoint of it’s an organization that I started with, had a wonderful journey with, that I had seven unbelievable years with,” George said."

What happened to the Thunder’s rebounding edge?

We knew the Thunder weren’t going to be the best rebounding team in the league again this year. But dropping all the way down to 27th wasn’t the plan. The analytical savants over at FiveThirtyEight detailed what’s going on in Oklahoma City and how they can improve. BREAKING: It starts with Carmelo.

"However, the George and Anthony moves do seem to have had an effect on another piece of the team’s core identity: For the first time in a decade, the Thunder are struggling to rebound."

The first power rankings of the season are out

The great debate returns. Every week Thunderous Intentions breaks down the various national media outlets and what they say about the Thunder. You’ll be pleased to find out Oklahoma City is still in everybody’s top ten. I won’t spoil the entire surprise though.

"Despite an uneven start to the NBA 2017-18 season national scribes still place the OKC Thunder in the upper tier on power ranking lists."

That’s it for Wednesday’s edition of Thunder in the News. As always, we’ll have player grades and takeaways from tonight’s action.

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