Today is the day the OKC Thunder turn their early-season struggles around. At least that’s what I’m constantly repeating to myself in order to keep me sane.
I’ve never been more nervous for an Oklahoma City Thunder team’s 11th game of the regular season. OKC can lose this game by 40 and still be a Conference Finals contender, but the longer these struggles continue the less likely it becomes.
I’m also excited for tonight’s game. The Thunder are angry with the past three games, especially Tuesday’s loss to Sacramento. How they respond (that is, the style in which they play) will go a long way in determining how this team will respond to adversity come the Playoffs.
Shea Serrano speaks on superteams
Anything Shea Serrano writes is a must-read. Especially when he touches on your team. Serrano’s analogy for Oklahoma City is practically perfect – instead of spoiling the surprise I’ll just let you find out.
"The Thunder are somehow the most dangerous threat to the Warriors and also the least dangerous threat to them. It’s bizarre. You know what it feels like?"
Russ, PG and Billy D all fined for criticizing refs
Transitioning to actual news…the NBA keeps punishing the Thunder even when they aren’t playing! It was obvious the trio of Russell Westbrook, Paul George and Billy Donovan were all going to pay the league after their comments on Tuesday night. OKC has been victims of two atrocious calls in the last two days. It’s only right that they spoke out on something that can change the outcome of a game.
"The Associated Press’ Brian Mahoney added the Flagrant 2 assessed to Carmelo Anthony was upheld, while Westbrook’s Flagrant 1 was downgraded to a common foul upon review."
Gideon Lim hits the film room
We’ve got a lot of great content going up every day here at Thunderous Intentions – today were spotlighting Gideon Lim. Lim breaks down most Oklahoma City games by highlighting three offensive and/or defensive possessions that explain the course of the game. His most recent one from the Kings’ loss makes some really good points regarding the Thunder’s inability to run set plays.
"The OKC Thunder have already shown themselves capable of running good offensive plays. Westbrook’s challenge is now more than being unselfish and giving up the ball."
That’s it for today’s issue of Thunder in the News. If you’re craving more Thunder content go to our home page for in-depth analysis of every game as well as daily features from our fantastic staff of writers.