OKC Thunder In the news – Christmas edition

OKC Thunder In the news serves up the holiday edition on your favorite team and players.

The Christmas holiday is synonymous with the NBA with 10 teams in action and the OKC Thunder garnered one of those spots.

With the holiday spirit and big game in mind In the news examines Thunder players who are spreading cheer on and off the court.

NBA Christmas Day Schedule:

Ten teams will tip off in five games with action beginning at noon as the New York Knicks make their league leading 52nd appearance on the holiday schedule. The Knicks host Joel Embiid’s 76ers.

Arguably the marquee event of the day finds last year’s finalists tipping off as LeBron James brings his Cavaliers to Oakland to face what will likely be a Stephen Curry-less Warriors crew. This game tips off at 3:00 p.m.

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At 5:30 p.m. the seventh seeded Wizards play the first place Celtics. This is followed by the game Thunder Nation is excited to see as the OKC Thunder host the Houston Rockets at 8:00 p.m.

And the nightcap features the fourth seeded Timberwolves playing the Los Angeles Lakers at 10:00 p.m.

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Westbrook to wear signature shoe:

Nike confirmed Russell Westbrook will be wearing a special shoe for the big game as per Tim Daniels of Bleacher Report.

"Nike CEO Mark Parker announced Thursday the company is planning to release a signature shoe for Oklahoma City Thunder superstar Russell Westbrook in 2018 and will also increase its promotion of Milwaukee Bucks emerging sensation Giannis Antetokounmpo."

Best NBA Christmas Day commercial ever?

Though I was partial to the bouncing basketballs here’s the compilation of the 2012 through 2016 Christmas ads:

Yet, this commercial is one of the best ever produced. For OKC Thunder fans there is a certain nostalgia in the ad and personally it’s sad to be reminded of how much injury took from Derrick Rose’s explosiveness.

Thunderous Thoughts Christmas Carols:

Finally TI’s own Jeremy Lambert served up his annual Christmas article with his own inimitable humor and style. Like the following except obviously sung to Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer.

"But do you recallThe most famous Thunder of all?Singler the man-bunned ball player (ball player)Had some very stylish hair (like Zack Morris)And if you ever saw it (saw it)You would even say it glares (like the sunlight)All of the other ball players (ball players)Used to laugh and call him names (like Jared Leto)They never let poor Singler (Singler)Play in any basketball games (like HORSE)"

ESPN Magazine shares behind the scenes Westbrook’s cover shoot:

Russell Westbrook has been extremely active over the holiday season. Above you can see snippets from the cover shoot for the Christmas Day ESPN Magazine shoot.  Below are two more examples of Westbrook’s philanthropy.

In the OKC Thunder 10th Annual Holiday Assist the entire team got in on the action. Although as Dan Devine of Yahoo details, Russell Westbrook.

"It’s no surprise, then, that Westbrook was front and center when the Thunder participated in their annual Holiday Assist event on Monday, partnering with Sunbeam Family Services’ Grandparents Raising Grandchildren program to take local children on a Target shopping spree. OK, well: it was kind of a surprise to a little girl named Heaven, who didn’t know she was scheduled to be Russ’ shopping partner for the evening until he ran up to her."

History of OKC Thunder Christmas Day Games:

For those interested in the history of the OKC Thunder on Christmas Day Wil Harrington has you covered.

"For those lucky fans that have families that allow them to catch at least a few quarters of these special games, it is the most wonderful time of the year. Ahead of the anticipated Sunday contest, let us take a look back at the games of Christmas past."

Thunderous Intentions wishes you all a Happy Holiday . As you settle in to watch the games TI has you covered with the full game day preview. Then check out TIP 3 which serves up Rockets insight from an expert. In this issue

TI looks at Chris Paul’s health history and unfortunate postseason record plus Harden’s MVP candidacy and separating fiction from fact regarding LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony’s intentions to team up in Houston.

As for the game stick with Thunderous Intentions via TI’s Twitter during the game and check back post game for player grades.