Thunder in the News: One win doesn’t cease any panic

Thunder in the News is taking this season one game at a time. That’s why last night’s win doesn’t change our thoughts surrounding the OKC Thunder.

Paul George’s return to Indiana was an interesting one. Unlike the Golden State Warriors visit earlier in the season, the Thunder’s three All-Stars failed to produce an inkling of efficient offense. Russell Westbrook, Carmelo Anthony and George combined to shoot 10-45 from the floor, yet Oklahoma City still left Indianapolis with a victory. What would we do without a defense?

Royce Young asks the all-important question

This article posted pre-Pacers matchup, but it’s still very much relevant. I’m going to be very blunt here: the Thunder haven’t shown me anything to suggest they will turn things around. Their talent alone should have pushed them past the .500 mark by now, yet their inability to play 48 minutes of team basketball gives reason to believe that their styles simply don’t mesh. I’m going to stop now before I turn this into an entire article (hint hint).

"As Westbrook alluded to, it’s still too early to declare that OKC’s Big Three experiment won’t be successful, but to this point, it simply hasn’t been."

Paul George is in trade rumors once again

The Thunder’s early struggles have led to our worst nightmare – PG is a part of trade rumors. Trading George essentially ends Oklahoma City’s season and severely dampens their prospects moving forward. That’s why I don’t think Presti should pull the trigger until the very last second. While I’m unsure whether or not OKC can pull it together, I also don’t see the need to give up too quickly. George is going to net the same return if he’s traded before Christmas or in February. Their outlook may not be great, but maximizing the talents’ time together is the only route OKC can take.

"The Thunder hasn’t given George many reasons to commit long-term, even after OKC GM Sam Presti was hailed for trading off four role players for George and Anthony."

Steven Adams has developed into an offensive weapon

I’m sorry, that’s simply too much negativity from me the day after a win. Thunderous Intentions’ resident film connoisseur broke down his biggest revelation from last night. Gideon Lim notes how Steven Adams is doing more for the OKC Thunder offense than we initially realized. Gideon has a special name for it too: reverse floor-spacing.

"In turn, the very floor spacers that created openings for Adams can now benefit from this effect – “reverse” floor spacing, as I would call it."

Next: Steven Adams is the Thunder's Most Interesting Man

That’s it for today’s issue of Thunder in the News! Check our home page for all of our great content, including player grades from last night as well as Jeremy Lambert’s thoughts on what OKC’s biggest problem is. You don’t want to miss either piece.