OKC Thunder in the news for Friday October 27 focuses on the impending ‘revenge’ match and a belated birthday wish for young Mr. Collison.
Hard to believe it’s just one week ago the OKC Thunder had just completed game 1 of 82. As fans the minute the season is over the process begins of pining for training camp. In the case of OKC this was made all the more relevant with the OK3 formulation.
Consider the OKC Thunder have played just four games but each has offered it’s own version of extra drama. More specifically, NBA schedule makers tweaked the calendar so OKC hosted both Carmelo Anthony and Paul George’s former teams in the first four games of the season. Additionally, the first ‘let’s sweep that game under the rug’ game took place in Utah and the first back to back series took place. On top of all this the Thunder experienced their first last second loss courtesy of a buzzer beater. And, just to let you know it truly is the NBA our friends in stripes gave confirmation they messed up (thanks) and cost the OKC Thunder the game on a missed call. Hey this is the NBA, the game we all love, yet that’s a ton of drama to have experienced in just a single week!
With game 5 on tap tonight offers yet again another first for the OKC Thunder to complete their handful of a crazy first five games. This, because the Thunder get a shot at revenge on the Andrew Wiggins’ Wolves on their court no less. Sure would be nice to return the sour taste Thunder Nation was left with this past Sunday.
So with that, I bring you OKC Thunder in the news ….
The interesting wing dilemma
With the narrative about as hot as it gets regarding Andre Roberson there have been some interesting takes on the situation. Specifically in terms of whether this will eventually blow over Donovan will rework his offense to utilize Roberson better or if Billy reaches into his bench to utilize others instead. David Brandon of 16 Wins a Ring had a great breakdown of Roberson, Alex Abrines, Terrance Ferguson and Josh Huestis minutes, usage and what could happen moving forward.
"Huestis is the surprise. After barely playing, and even then largely playing at the 4, Huestis has seen significant backcourt and frontcourt minutes over the last few games. He’s definitely not where he needs to be yet on rotations, but Huestis might wind up a usable member of the team, which not many observers expected. Though he’s worse defensively than Roberson and worse offensively than Abrines, he’s more well-rounded than both, with a clean release on his 3-point shot and good balance navigating screens on the perimeter. He fouls too much, but that might work itself out with time. Don’t fool yourself—at this point he’s maaaaaybe replacement level. But that might be just enough for now."
Carmelo makes NBA guys laugh and shows leadership with OK3:
It’s easily defensible based on pure production alone Carmelo Anthony has assimilated quicker and more efficiently than Paul George. But, his off court comments are proving the full tool box he’s brought along. I’d imagine not having to deal with the media throngs in the Mecca or Phil Jackson anymore are a relief.
Below is the clip from his appearance on NBA TV last night where he cracked up the in studio hosts throwing a little (joking) shade at PG. And, directly underneath how he’s making Russell Westbrook feel okay about moving past the losses. As mentioned up top, it’s a good bet all of the OK3 will be dialed in for their revenge match tonight.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BaszMfKBHMh/
Belated Birthday Wishes:
Yesterday was Nick Collison’s 37th birthday – so albeit belatedly, Thunderous Intentions sends out our best wishes for a wonderful year to the gentleman of the OKC Thunder roster.
Happy birthday to ya, @nickcollison4. pic.twitter.com/mhfEFbOS4C
— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) October 26, 2017
ICYMI – TI Match Game is back:
In honor of Collison’s birthday (and because I begged for this segment to return), please take the time to check out TI Jeremy Lambert‘s witty take on the original 70s game show. This of course offering a basketball spin, but the premise is the same. Fittingly, the birthday boy is featured in question one.
"A: Russell Westbrook & Nick Collison are tapped to star in a new movie. The movie follows a retired fashion model groom his hot new talent. It’s called (BLANK)."
You’ll have to click the link to learn what occurred for the first time ever in this episode.
That’s it for October 27, In the news. Make sure to check back today as TI scribes serve up a look back at the James Harden trade on it’s 5-year anniversary, the Wolves – OKC Thunder game preview, post game grades, morning video recap and of course Tony Heim’s 5 takeaways. Plus make sure to follow us on Twitter during the game. Have a great Friday.
OKC Thunder In the news: Opportunity knocks for Huestis, Melo leading, birthday wishes