A tough loss reminded OKC Thunder fans this iteration of the squad still has to figure out rhythm and chemistry. In the news today focuses on two OKC Thunder players who have seemingly found a niche and are excelling in those roles.
Tonight’s loss to the Celtics served notice there are still going to be growing pains for this new iteration of the OKC Thunder. It’s unfortunate OKC couldn’t build upon the momentum created in the complete 4-game win in Milwaukee.
Still there were tangible benefits recognized in the loss. For example, Andre Roberson hitting a corner trey is good on several fronts. First of all, anytime Roberson can connect on a shot from the field is great Regardless of his well documented shooting woes the fact he’s taking those shots (let alone hitting them) is a plus. The other major takeaway was Paul George is seemingly starting to find his rhythm within the offense. The past two games are showcasing George less stilted or cautionary. That bodes well moving forward.
With that let’s take a look at what’s in the news for November 4, 2017.
Grant excelling in reserve roll:
Albert Dadson of Hoops Habit offers a great read on Jermai Grant. So far Grant’s inspired play and growth have made him a vital part of the OKC Thunder reserve unit. Some implied the reason the OKC Thunder didn’t pick up the option on Josh Huestis had more to do with salary than desire. But, the fact OKC picked up Grant’s option seems to imply there is a pecking order in Oklahoma.
In spite of this duo standard, perhaps OKC believe Huestis won’t garner copious offers this coming summer or that they’ll be able to match any which roll in. Regardless, it’s food for thought and in the interim the decision to lock down Grant sure seems like a smart business decision.
"The second unit will need that high-flying athletic wing and Grant can provide that. His efficiency is something that should be noted too. He is shooting 44 percent from the field and 79 percent from the free throw line. His ability to get easy buckets makes him a player that will be able to play down the course of the season because sometimes the 3s just don’t fall.The OKC Thunder picked up the option on Grant’s contract during the summer and he has not disappointed. Last year he showed flexibility by playing the small forward, power forward and even the center positions. His skill on defense has met his potential on offense and now he is playing the best basketball of his career."
Adams benefiting most from new starting 5?
If you follow this scribes columns you know I’ve been pretty adamant the newly assigned moniker OK3 should be OK4. Steven Adams is the fourth who deserves inclusion. That’s because his presence in the post opens up so much for the 3 super stars who surround him.
While the Thunder have lost some size particularly in their bench depth the starting unit still poses major issues for opponents. Jonathan Tjarks of The Ringer examines an Adams topic Thunderous Intentions brought up back with George and Anthony were added.
"Even by the standards of NBA big men, Adams (7-foot and 255 pounds with a 7-foot-4 wingspan) is a massive human being. He moves well for a guy his size and he can dictate matchups against smaller centers. He played Clint Capela off the floor in the playoffs last season. Smaller and more agile centers have a tough time dealing with his sheer mass. He nearly got Draymond Green kicked out of the playoffs in 2016. If Adams can force the Warriors to play their more limited big men, it would change the dynamic of a hypothetical series."
Looking forward Adams become pivotal in GSW matchup:
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Reflecting on TI and Tjarks thoughts about Adams and the potential for a GSW – OKC playoff series. If Adams is on the court then how do the Warriors utilize their Hampton lineup with success?
The obvious defensive pairings for the Warriors would find Thompson on Westbrook, Curry on Roberson, Durant on George, and then if you put Iguodala on Anthony it leaves Green to guard Adams.
Immediately that is a matchup the Thunder can capitalize on and potentially get Green in foul trouble. Factor in if Donovan takes out Roberson and sends in Patterson.
Suddenly you have a pretty large unit on the court and one where four players can shoot the trey. In this iteration again Green has to guard Adams. Just eight games in there is plenty of time to opine on how these two teams will align. For now, let’s await the OKC Thunder finding a consistent rhythm and not taking their foot off the gas when ahead, like they did tonight.
King makes history – what NBA is truly about – the fans:
Friday November 3 will go down in history as the night LeBron James became the youngest player to reach 29,000 points. This in a game the Cavaliers responded to Bradley Beal’s wild claim the Wizards are best in East.
At game end the King reminded everyone what the NBA and sports is about. Yes, the players certainly want to win, but at the end of the day they play for the fans. The instagram picture below offers a rare glimpse at how a youngster’s dreams came true. It wasn’t merely the fact James gave him his bracelet, but that he spoke to the young man. His lad’s face tells the story.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BbD41SrAjQm/
And while LeBron James made the two youngsters nights, Kyrie Irving was making someone’s night at Chesapeake. Granted, Irving’s gesture was a bit more generous as he gave his kicks to someone in the stands. Seems these two super stars are forever linked no matter what teams they play for.
That brings In the news for November 4 to a close. Enjoy the rest of your weekend and be sure to check in with Thunderous Intentions frequently throughout your day to keep abreast of what’s happening with your favorite team.