OKC Thunder in the news for Monday, February 12 focuses on Paul George as he leads the home team to a win and gets an early Valentine message from Chesapeake fnas.
Despite the absence of Russell Westbrook and Carmelo Anthony for the second straight game the OKC Thunder beat the Memphis Grizzlies.
Entering the match there was nervousness over the two stars absences, but in hindsight could their absences turn out to be a blessing in disguise? The reason I ask this question is while Paul George and Russell Westbrook have discovered chemistry, George who plays a predominant role with the reserves has yet to find a perfect symmetry with that unit. Getting the extra playing time and rotations with the reserves may bode well moving forward.
Case in point George was on fire versus the Grizzlies regardless of who he played alongside. George produced 33 points and shot 50 percent from deep hitting five of his ten attempts. In addition he dished eight assists, grabbed a rebound, blocked a shot and snared three steals.
Thunder Nation woo Paul George:
Maybe it’s just because Valentine’s is a few days away. More likely the ‘We love Paul’ chants from the Chesapeake Energy faithful had more to do with a response to the Lakers fans recent cheers as Rob Perez points out.
Regardless, George is basking in the glory of all the love. There was never any doubt the OKC Thunder fans want PG13 to stay with the Thunder. But, letting him know it can’t hurt, right?
In fact, post game George was asked if he heard the fans. George responded it inspired him to keep getting back to the line.
Paul George on if he heard Thunder fans chanting as he shot free throws: “I loved it every bit. It’s why I was trying to get to the line.” pic.twitter.com/W0XH0zOdgU
— Royce Young (@royceyoung) February 12, 2018
George’s comments bear fruit because he averages just 5.0 free throws per game. Sounds like inspiration for Chesapeake to keep up the ‘love’ messages as the season progresses.
More from Thunderous Intentions
- Stealing one player from every Southwest Division team for the OKC Thunder
- Should the OKC Thunder chase after a disgruntled hometown hero?
- 3 OKC Thunder players who can step up in Aleksej Pokusevski’s absence
- Aleksej Pokusevski sidelined approximately 6 weeks with ankle injury
- Damian Lillard does not fit with the OKC Thunder
Post Trade Deadline Focus:
Falling under the in case you missed it category, Thunderous Intentions scribes provide post trade deadline articles to keep Thunder fans in the know.
- Full trade deadline recap
- Winners and losers of the deadline and how each situation affects the OKC Thunder
- Top 10 buyout (now eight) options for the OKC Thunder
That wraps up In the news for Monday, February 12. Make sure to check Thunderous Intentions several times during the day as the team keeps you up to date on your favorite team and players.
This week the OKC Thunder have a back to back set versus the Cleveland Cavaliers and Memphis Grizzlies prior to heading to the All-Star Break.