Thunderous Intentions
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Five takeaways from the Thunder’s dominant win against the Warriors

By Tony Heim

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - NOVEMBER 22: Russell Westbrook #0 of the OKC Thunder reacts as his team takes a commanding lead against the Golden State Warriors during the second half of a NBA game at the Chesapeake Energy Arena on November 22, 2017 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. (Photo by J Pat Carter/Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - NOVEMBER 22: Russell Westbrook #0 of the OKC Thunder reacts as his team takes a commanding lead against the Golden State Warriors during the second half of a NBA game at the Chesapeake Energy Arena on November 22, 2017 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. (Photo by J Pat Carter/Getty Images) /
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SAN ANTONIO,TX – NOVEMBER 17, 2017 : Steven Adams #12 of the OKC Thunder gets advice from Billy Donovan during game against the San Antonio Spurs at AT&T Center on November 17, 2017 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images)
SAN ANTONIO,TX – NOVEMBER 17, 2017 : Steven Adams #12 of the OKC Thunder gets advice from Billy Donovan during game against the San Antonio Spurs at AT&T Center on November 17, 2017 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images) /

Billy Donovan proved why firing him would be too reactionary

I’m thankful for everybody in Thunder Nation. Those who haven’t called for the firing of Billy Donovan have a special place in my heart though.

Billy D was magical last night. After spending the first 16 games of the season only slightly tinkering with his rotations, Donovan went full throttle and switched up almost every non-starters lineup. Instead of sticking Steven Adams solely with Russell Westbrook he played the Big Kiwi with the second-unit to help with their defensive struggles. Josh Huestis rightfully came in before Patrick Patterson. Carmelo Anthony was never the sole All-Star on the floor.

Although these changes were small, they helped the Thunder immensely. For the first extended time all season we saw Westbrook run with a complete small-ball lineup – the extra spacing provided him ample opportunities to attack the rim. Adams ability to anchor a defense was essential to OKC maintaining that double-digit lead all game. And when Adams wasn’t in the game Andre Roberson was.

The Thunder are in a similar situation with the Warriors. Their starting lineup is filled with talent, yet a combination of bench players and starters can work just as well, if not better in some cases. Billy Donovan utilized that ideal last night the most he has all season.

Related Story: Player Grades from the Thunder’s win against the Warriors

That’s the key here. Donovan wasn’t afraid to try something brand new against the best team in the league, a game after watching his team blow two straight 20-point leads. Like the players, it’s going to take time for him and his coaching staff to figure out what works best for this team. The fact we’re seeing legitimate experimentation – and legitimate results – is exactly why he needs to be in Oklahoma City.

There’s no doubt in my mind Billy D will figure out what works best for this team. It’s possible that Game #17 was his first step in the right direction.

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