Thunderous Intentions
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Thunder in the News: Winning while searching for answers

By Tony Heim

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - DECEMBER 18: the Oklahoma City Thunder stand with linked arms during the national anthem prior to the game against the Denver Nuggets on December 18, 2017 at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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 License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch/NBAE via Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - DECEMBER 18: the Oklahoma City Thunder stand with linked arms during the national anthem prior to the game against the Denver Nuggets on December 18, 2017 at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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 License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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OKC Thunder
NEW YORK, NY – DECEMBER 16: Russell Westbrook #0 of the OKC Thunder looks on prior to taking on the New York Knicks during their game at Madison Square Garden on December 16, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

The up-and-down play of the OKC Thunder continues In the News’ reoccurring theme: working to find a solution.

We are officially 30 games (36.6%) into the 2017-2018 version of the Oklahoma City Thunder. That’s a truly terrifying thought. Although the Thunder beat the Denver Nuggets last night, they’ve shown little sign of improvement through the first third of the season. Because of that there’s a myriad of different opinions on what OKC can do to change their current course.

We’re going to take a look at a few of those today.

The best five minute analysis you’ll find anywhere

We’ll begin with two NBA Legends employed by ESPN. While TV personalities (especially ESPN) are notorious for giving awful takes, the fact Paul Pierce is not in this video means we are safe today. Watch the full video before you read anything else:

Yes. Yes. Yes. The Thunder DO need to push the ball more. Paul George DOES need to be put in more situations to make plays. Carmelo Anthony DOES need to make it clear he’s the third option. Billy Donovan IS at fault for Oklahoma City having zero offensive identity. Everything Chauncey Billups and Tracy McGrady said in the above video is perfect. Sam Presti, please go out and hire these two this very moment.

The “Carmelo to the Bench” take is a real thing

Remember back when Carmelo laughed at the idea of coming off the Thunder bench? It’s no joking matter now. The idea was initially brought up in training camp solely so Oklahoma City could balance three ball-dominant players across 48 minutes of basketball. This might come as a shock, but it turns out those three don’t have much offensive chemistry together. That’s why I truly believe they should follow Erik Horne’s suggestion and switch Patrick Patterson with Melo in the starting lineup.

"If roles haven’t been figured out yet, maybe it’ll be easier for Anthony, Patterson, Donovan and the Thunder to try another avenue."

Next: Player Grades from Thunder's win against Denver

The biggest thing holding OKC back is…

Shooting.

Yes, the Thunder are having an incredibly difficult time playing a full 48 minutes of cohesive basketball. Even with these problems they still have had an opportunity to win virtually every game this season. The reason they aren’t is because Westbrook, George and Carmelo simply aren’t making the shots they’ve made their entire careers.

Frequent “In the Newsers” read basically the same thing yesterday. I want you to know this: I’m going to keep preaching this until the narrative around Oklahoma City isn’t solely based on chemistry issues.

Thanks for reading today’s Tuesday issue of Thunder in the News. We’ve got all the Thunder content your heart desires over on our home page. Have something you want us to write about? Leave a comment, hit us up on Twitter – reach out to us and we’ll get back to you. That’s what makes us the Voice of Thunder Nation.

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