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Thunder in the News: Tempers flare while Presti donates

By Tony Heim

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - JANUARY 15: The NBA and the Oklahoma City Thunder honor Black History Month and the National Anthem before the game against the Sacramento Kings on January 15, 2018 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch Sr./NBAE via Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - JANUARY 15: The NBA and the Oklahoma City Thunder honor Black History Month and the National Anthem before the game against the Sacramento Kings on January 15, 2018 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch Sr./NBAE via Getty Images) /
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OKC Thunder GM Sam Presti
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – DECEMBER 14: Sam Presti, of the OKC Thunder and OKC Thunder Girls shop for the holidays with families from the Sunbeam Family Services Grandparents Raising Grandchildren program on December 14, 2015 at Target in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. This is the teams eighth annual holiday shopping spree. Copyright 2015 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Once again, Oklahoma City’s performance on Monday constitutes another OKC Thunder in the News of mixed emotions.

I can’t say I’m surprised about the results from last night – that isn’t necessarily a good thing. Yes, the Thunder beat the Sacramento Kings last night by holding them to 88 points. But the stark difference in their play/energy level from half-to-half is still a disconcerting trend. As we’re about to get into, the players’ comments (or lack thereof) tells of a team that is very much engaged and emotional – it’s a matter of turning that frustration into consistent energy on the court.

Carmelo, Russ and Billy sound off on the officials

This one is too good to only include a tweet or two. Russell Westbrook was ejected late in the fourth quarter, spurring a slew of responses both during and after the game. Russ left the arena early…again. Carmelo stopped a reporter mid-question. Even Billy Donovan rightfully called the referees “wrong.” Royce Young detailed the post-game happenings for us to enjoy. So go ahead and enjoy it then get back to me.

"“I’m done with them,” Anthony said, cutting off a question about the officials. “I’m done with the refs. No disrespect, but I’m done with those guys.”"

The Optimism Meter makes another ruling

While I wrote this piece prior to Monday night’s MLK Day game, everything I said still rings true. The Thunder are a team that needs to utilize every waking moment to find their greatest strengths and lessen their worst weaknesses. When everybody starts playing with Westbrook-like intensity you’ll see The Optimism Meter rise back up. Until then it’s going to hover in the _’s. 😉

"For the first time in The Optimism Meter’s brief history, I have no idea what to think/how to rank this team as I begin this post."

Sam Presti is one of the best human beings on Planet Earth

Sam Presti doesn’t make millions of dollars like many of the athletes in the NBA. That didn’t stop him and his wife, Shannon Presti, from donating a whopping $140,000 to the Oklahoma City Police Athletic League on MLK Day. The funds will go towards building more positive relationships with underprivileged communities and police officers. It’s a huge commitment from a large figurehead in the Oklahoma community, a telltale sign for the type of person Presti is.

I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank him for showing us how athletics can make a huge difference in peope’s lives – there’s a lot more important things than championships.

"“This is going to be a game changer for the entire Oklahoma City community.”"

Next: Player Grades from Thunder's Slaying of Sacramento

That’s it for today’s issue of Thunder in the News! Want more OKC content? You’ve come to the right place. We’ve got in-depth post-game analysis, potential trade targets and much, much more over at our homepage. All you have to do is click that little blue word and you’re destined for hours and hours of Oklahoma City conversation starters.

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