Thunderous Intentions
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Game Day Preview: OKC Thunder look to celebrate Thanksgiving early vs. Warriors

By Tamberlyn Richardson

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - MARCH 20: Golden State Warriors Forward Draymond Green (23) and Oklahoma City Thunder Guard Russell Westbrook (0) in game on March 20, 2017, at the Chesapeake Energy Arena Oklahoma City, OK. (Photo by Torrey Purvey/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - MARCH 20: Golden State Warriors Forward Draymond Green (23) and Oklahoma City Thunder Guard Russell Westbrook (0) in game on March 20, 2017, at the Chesapeake Energy Arena Oklahoma City, OK. (Photo by Torrey Purvey/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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SACRAMENTO, CA – NOVEMBER 7: Andre Roberson #21, Carmelo Anthony #7, Russell Westbrook #0 and Paul George #13 of the Oklahoma City Thunder face the Sacramento Kings on November 7, 2017 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CA – NOVEMBER 7: Andre Roberson #21, Carmelo Anthony #7, Russell Westbrook #0 and Paul George #13 of the Oklahoma City Thunder face the Sacramento Kings on November 7, 2017 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) /

That was then – this is now:

Last season Russell Westbrook screamed in Kevin Durant’s face “I’m coming, I’m coming!”, but sadly his tool box alone wasn’t enough to usurp a super team of not three but four stars.

Sam Presti made copious moves this offseason to correct the imbalance, but the team is still trying to figure things out. There are moments of brilliance with hints of what’s to come, but tonight the OK3 need to stop overthinking and just play.

In the games versus one of the trio’s former team the other duo was able to deliver significant production.

Case in point –

Kicked the Knicks:

Facing Melo’s Knicks Westbrook delivered a triple-double of 21 points, 16 assists and 10 rebounds. Meanwhile Paul George registered 28 points 6 rebounds, a steal and a block while shooting 46.2% from deep. Facing his former squad Melo scored 22 points on 8 of 20 attempts. Although it was the first game of the season the 110-84 final remains one of the most complete wins of the season.

Polished off the Pacers:

When OKC played the Pacers the results were similar though George struggled to find his shot, displaying obvious nerves facing his old team for the first time.  Melo and Russ delivered though with Westbrook dropping another triple double of 28 points, 16 assists, and 10 rebounds along with 3 steals. Melo was also brilliant posting 28 points and 10 rebounds while shooting 42.9% from deep.

Time for PG13 and Melo to just play:

In terms to this evening, unquestionably Westbrook will be ready to play. The question is whether he can play within himself or if his desire to win will produce a more frenetic effort.  In an ideal world this would be the perfect time for Melo and PG13 to stop overthinking and just play. Approach this game like it’s a one-off title game and let the game flow.  If the OK3 can use tonight as an opportunity to showcase those talents it could have far reaching benefits moving forward.

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