OKC Thunder in the News glances back at a special Westbrook year and the promise of something special in 2018.
Although the OKC Thunder weathered disappointment in 2017 there is no denying Russell Westbrook gave Thunder Nation and all NBA fans a special season to remember. Moving into 2018, the emphasis will be on building from lessons learned and growing each month as the OKC Thunder complete the remaining 45 games and build toward the postseason.
2017 the Year of Russell Westbrook:
Reflecting back on this past season, as time passes and fans look back in the future some may point to the Warriors beating the Cavaliers a second time. Yet, many will recall 2017 as the year of Russell Westbrook. Think about Oscar Robertson’s greatness and it’s doubtful you recall who won the title in 1962.
Rather, 1962 is earmarked as the year the Big O defied all odds to average a triple-double. Likewise, 2017 will always be associated with inarguably the greatest individual NBA season ever – delivered by Russell Westbrook.
In honor of this accomplishment let’s revisit Russell Westbrook’s amazing 2017:
"More mature NBA fans will recall late night talk show host David Letterman. His infamous top ten list was one of the more entertaining staples of his show. With that in mind let’s look at the top ten stats from Russell Westbrook’s amazing record setting season."
https://twitter.com/balldontstop/status/947701918259822594
OKC Thunder find their groove – 3 specific games shift the direction:
Although the OKC Thunder have lost the past two games, it’s important the team doesn’t get derailed. Particularly the growth the squad made during December in spite the heartbreak versus the Bucks and disappointing effort against the Mavericks.
In fact, as TI pointed out, three games provided a shift which the Thunder would be well served to remember.
"As 2017 draws to a close perhaps no NBA squad enters 2018 with as much momentum as the OKC Thunder. This of course wasn’t true through the initial six weeks of play. But, as the calendar flipped to December three specific games contributed to the change. In each case the games outlined below provided direction and insight for the squad which wasn’t living up to expectations."
Moving forward:
As the OKC Thunder step into 2018 they do so on the heels of another loss to the Dallas Mavericks. Fortunately, with the turn of the calendar it affords teams the opportunity to view games with a fresh perspective.
Perhaps the team is still reeling from the missed call versus the Bucks. But, OKC can’t afford to pass up opportunities to gain traction on the teams ahead of them. If there is good news, it is the teams behind them are also losing so they retain the fifth seed. Certainly the absence of Andre Roberson was noticeable in the loss to Dallas.
In fairness, the Mavericks have won four games in a row. Plus with so many Western Conference teams floundering perhaps envision a rise toward the playoff ladder. As for the Thunder news James Harden had to leave the Rockets game due to a strained hamstring it should offer some inspiration for OKC to refocus their efforts for a home court seed.
My cohort Tony Heim served up the post game grades from the loss and gives some great advice to leave this loss in 2017.
"It’s almost 2018…can we just forget about tonight? After a wonderful six-game win streak that included victories over the Rockets and Raptors, the Thunder dropped their second straight game, this time to the Dallas Mavericks. Coincidentally it was their second loss to the Mavs this season."
Patterson fined for criticizing referees:
Ever wonder how players feel about games being stolen by referees? Well, Patrick Patterson left little to the imagination when he voiced his displeasure on social media. CAUTION: there is colorful language in the following tweet.
They’ve been SHIT this year. There needs to be some kind of consequence for their downright awfulness rather than pointless apologies from their bosses. #dobetter.
— Patrick Patterson (@pdpatt) December 30, 2017
In fairness this is the second game referees have affected directly with bad calls in the clutch (see Karl-Anthony Towns illegal screen on Paul George). Well, PPat is only saying how the fans feel as this season does seem to have an inordinate amount of games being decided by the officials. As TI readers know I’ve lamented the need for a coaches challenge for ages and still wonder why the NBA which has always been a trend setter trails all other Major League Sports in this regard.
In terms of Patterson, his wallet will be $10,000 lighter as the League imposed a fine for his outburst. NBA.com detailed their decision here.
"Oklahoma City Thunder forward Patrick Patterson has been fined $10,000 for publicly complaining about the officiating during the 2017-18 season."
That wraps up In the News for January 1, 2018. Thunderous Intentions wishes each of you a Happy New Year and are excited to bring you more exciting news in 2018 as the OKC Thunder build toward the postseason.