OKC Thunder In the news for November 11 features celebration time in Oklahoma with the proverbial monkey being shed from the teams’ back.
It only took seven tries, but the OKC Thunder finally registered a victory versus an opponent in the Western Conference. Luckily for the home team the Clippers represented a team with greater issues than their own.
In the category of it’s just one win but… the Thunder need to build upon this win and examine what worked and look to replicate it exactly. Obviously different teams present varying matchup issues and problems, but with the struggling Mavericks on tap there is no time like the present to jump on top the momentum wave and string some wins together.
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
With that here is today’s in the news:
Not the first time:
Before Thunder Nation panics over this 5-7 start it’s important to note growing pains were expected. Moreover there are examples in history to point to. ESPN scribe Royce Young offers an article touching on these examples.
The key piece to take away from Young’s article is OKC’s defense while not perfect (hello rebounding/stopping guard drives) it is the area of the court the Thunder are ahead of the curve on. Furthermore, the examples Young provides who did take time to assimilate and became successful all featured players in their primes, which is what the OK3 are.
"Many around the team have been quick to point out the time it took the 2010-11 Miami Heat to start meshing (they started 9-8), or the 2014-15 Cleveland Cavaliers (they started 19-20). (Important to note: Those teams had LeBron James and they played in the Eastern Conference without an all-time team standing above them.) They aren’t so quick to mention a team like the This Is Going To Be Fun Lakers of Steve Nash and Dwight Howard who were dysfunctional and disconnected throughout the season. The Thunder seem very far from that, with players still in their prime and no current injuries to worry about, but making star pieces fit doesn’t always work."
Fly on the wall of OKC Thunder closed door meeting:
Fans and media alike were anxious to learn precisely what was said in the closed door meeting following the loss in Denver. As I read Tony Heim‘s humorous take on the locker room conference I pictured my cohort with a glass against the adjoining wall taking notes. And, for as much as Heim is being humorous, let’s face it – he made some excellent points.
"RW: I know you’ve given us plays to work with and I know you want to trust us on the court. But I think it’s time you coach us like your college teams. I’ve watched the film coach. Your offenses were brilliant. Teach us the game as if we were teenagers all over again.NC: That’s a really good idea Billy.Carmelo Anthony: College was a good time for me…BD: If that’s the case everybody drop down and give me 250 push-ups before we talk to the media.*Team spiritedly drops to the ground and knocks them out. Alex Abrines is the last one to finish."
NBA scribe Lord Lowe:
Okay, okay, so it’s a bit of a stretch to throw this piece in. Especially since it’s just a mere mention of Paul George being among NBA leaders in deflections. But, the article is ‘fire’ as per usual. For those unfamiliar, Lowe is this scribe’s favorite NBA writer. I inhale his articles and their perfect analogies with a passion. So, of course I’m taking the opportunity to share his brilliance.
"Covington is shooting 50 percent from deep, and he has been even better on defense this season; he trails only Paul George, Thaddeus Young, and Kelly Oubre in deflections per game after leading the league last season, per NBA.com. Covington is eligible for a raise and extension on Nov. 15. Expect it to be done within days."
That wraps up OKC Thunder In the news November 11. With a day off from games check out Thunderous Intentions for our current articles and come chat with us on twitter. Sunday brings another game this time with a team (Dallas Mavericks) OKC can take advantage of to build upon the momentum. Enoy the rest of your weekend.