Thunder in the News: Celebrating the return of OKC basketball
By Tony Heim
They’re backkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk. If that’s not enough to get you excited about today’s In the News then we’ve got serious problems.
Happy Gameday Thunder Nation!!!! I’ve been waiting a week to say that – you have no clue how good it feels.
Tonight marks our first opportunity to see where this team stands as they make their final Playoff push. Will there be a new-found sense of urgency considering they have the same number of losses as the current nine seed? Will the defense adjust without Andre Roberson’s presence? Is this team a legitimate contender to dethrone the Warriors?
Let’s do a little more digging.
OKC Thunder included in five biggest things to watch post-All-Star Break
These two sentences perfectly encompass my feelings about this team heading into the second-half of the season:
"We know OKC is a threat because of its defensive length and star-power scoring, and when they’re clicking, they can beat anyone. But consistency is the key for them over these final two months."
That quote comes from a CBS Sports article by Brad Botkin entitled “Five questions down NBA home stretch: Is OKC on verge of becoming a true threat?” It’s a question that I’d feel much more confident in if Andre Roberson was still healthy. But alas, that’s not the case. The answer to the Thunder’s ‘true threat’ question revolves around their ability to defend at a high level. The offensive firepower is there, but if they can’t stop Golden State or Houston’s historic offense there’s virtually no chance of them making noise in the Playoffs.
Carmelo Anthony finally gets a week off
I’m happy for Carmelo. As Oklahoman reporter Brett Dawson details, Melo spent the last week away from the outside world and with his family. That had to be a nice refresh for a 33-year old who’s been a major part of All-Star Weekend 10 of the last 11 years. But now it’s back to business.
I highly encourage you to read Brett’s feature. It shines light on where Melo’s heads at going into this final stretch – if you’re like me it will reinvigorate your belief in the OKC Thunder.
"“I haven’t really got a chance to sit down and kind of breathe a little bit and relax,” Anthony said. “Everything’s happened so fast. So this past week was very helpful for me."
Previewing tonight’s scintillating Sacramento struggle
Staff writer Wil Harrington did such a great job on this preview I had to feature it as our final post. Wil breaks down the Thunder’s three biggest keys (which I happen to whole-heartedly agree with) and provides you with essential game information (lineups, media information), among many other things. Read it to ensure you’re the most knowledgeable Thunder fan heading into the first game of the second half of the season.
"They just have to come out with a sense of urgency against one of the NBA’s worst teams, something we didn’t see in the first half of the season."
Next: Top ten scorers in Thunder history
That’s it for today’s celebration of the return of OKC Thunder basketball. If you want more Oklahoma City content make sure to check out our full site for full coverage on your favorite time. And of course, return after tonight’s game for immediate reaction and analysis culminated in a report card.