OKC Thunder in the News is prepared for anything tonight. A close game, an up-and-down contest, a blowout – anything can happen with this Oklahoma City team.
Happy gameday Thunder Nation! Tonight is going to be a special one; OKC is on the opposing end of merciless boos from a home crowd. The atmosphere in Indiana is going to be electric, meaning the Pacers are going to come out with a huge burst of adrenaline. Whether or not that’s a good thing for Paul George and the Thunder is to be determined.
Paul George is prepared for Pacers’ fans taunts
The good news is that George is aptly prepared for this new encounter. When speaking to reporters yesterday PG noted what to expect from his former fans:
"“Boos. I honestly wouldn’t think it would be any other way,” he said. “The [Indiana] Pacers fans outweigh the Paul George fans. It’s something I’m looking forward to.”"
While it wasn’t Durant’s first time back to Oklahoma City this season, George witnessed firsthand what a spiteful crowd feels/sounds like. Nobody expects George to remain unemotional. If he turns those emotions into a positive performance on the basketball court then we’ll be in for a special performance from Paul.
Thunder’s poor shooting is going overlooked
The biggest complaint with the Thunder this season has been their lack of consistency or an offensive identity. What most fail to realize is their ability to make shots, whether contested or wide-open, might be OKC’s biggest concern. Jon Hamm goes into the specifics about how the Thunder would be in much better place if they simply made the shots they’ve made their entire career.
"Indeed, the Thunder are creating over 23.3 shots per game deemed “open,” according to NBA.com (ninth in the league), yet only 40.7 percent of those shots are falling (28th)."
Full preview to tonight’s contest
We’ve talked about it the main storyline, but tonight’s game is much more important than any homecoming. Oklahoma City needs an emotional win like this, something that can bring this team together. I take that back – that’s what the Golden State game was supposed to be. No, the Thunder simply need a win against a solid opponent. TI staff writer Jordan Buckamneer provides you with the blueprint for OKC to make that happen.
"The good news for Oklahoma City is that they have all of the tools necessary to combat Indiana’s length."
Next: The Thunder can still turn their season around
That’s it for today’s issue of Thunder in the News! Make sure to follow us on Twitter for our in-game thoughts, then return to the site for our post-game analysis.