Thunder in the News: Rolling down the Plains

It appears the OKC Thunder have finally arrived – the extent of their potential is the new question at hand.

Having fun now Thunder Nation? After a truly terrifying start to the season, we’re finally experiencing the Oklahoma City Thunder that everybody envisioned. A six-game win streak bolstered by two impressive wins against the Rockets and Raptors leave OKC with a stranglehold of the five seed out West. As the wins keep piling up, do does their movement up the standings – it’s only a matter of time before they catch Minnesota.

Last night continued the Thunder’s recent fantastic play

Before we get too excited, we have to note that Toronto was coming off the second night of a back-to-back where they lost a grueling game in Dallas. The Thunder’s physicality wore down the Raptors last night, but it was the offensive end that was the big story. OKC shot over 50% from the field for the 4th time in 5 games. The shot distribution was fairly even (Steven Adams is hungry for more). As long as this offense continues to improve we’re going to watch this team evolve into something petrifying.

For a full recap, check out our friends over at Thunder Digest and their Real Plus/Minus piece from last night.

"The Thunder have seemed to of shaken off their early season shooting woes and become a more efficient shooting side in the month of December helping them go 11-3 for the month."

Interesting timing for a Melo-hit piece…

We immediately switch courses to a piece that’s timing couldn’t be worse. Carmelo Anthony’s step back in the Thunder offense – something that is addressed in the post – has been a major factor in OKC’s recent surge. Although Tom Ziller (who I enjoy as a writer/email newsletter creator) addresses this, his final point is essentially that the Thunder are worse off with Melo and Houston is better off without him.

I get it, Melo was a boon to the Thunder early-on. But to address this point now, when the 12-time All-Star has taken a step back and OKC is winning, is just strange. Did he not just see Melo torch that very Houston team for 20 points on 8-12 shooting? But I digress, because the most blasphemous statement in the whole article isn’t even about Carmelo. It’s circled around Sam Presti:

"What was Daryl Morey — the clearcut favorite for Executive of the Year, and a deserving winner if he gets it — thinking?"

A new hashtag for Oklahoma City

Of course we’re going to end with a positive piece! Thunderous Intentions’ very own Joshua Lea bestowed a new hashtag for Thunder Nation: #TrustTheJourney. Instead of giving a quick synopsis I’ll just let you read his piece. Read it, embrace it, enjoy it. Because that’s what this season, and sports in general, is all about.

Next: Player Grades from Oklahoma City's beatdown of Toronto

"That’s why the OKC Thunder should adopt the hashtag “Trust the Journey” in honor of the slow and steady turn around this team has demonstrated throughout the month of December."

That’s it for this Thursday’s edition of Thunder in the News! We’ve got more content for you on our home page, including analysis from last night’s victory. Want thoughts on the new “City” jersey? Or how about a look at Oklahoma City’s bench woes? That’s only the beginning of what you can get into when visiting Thunderous Intentions.