In the news: Thunder begin stretch run with a squeaker

With the break over the OKC Thunder returned to the hardwood knowing there are just 23 games remaining until postseason play.

In the news February 23, focuses on the OKC Thunder returning to the hardwood to attack the stretch run with a view toward the playoffs. Key to building momentum will be how the Thunder address specific trouble areas.

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• Aleksej Pokusevski sidelined approximately 6 weeks with ankle injury
• Damian Lillard does not fit with the OKC Thunder

The initial game back resulted in a victory, but it didn’t come without the angst of repeating old bad habits. For some unknown reason this OKC Thunder squad flirt with disaster when facing lottery bound opponents.For a squad which takes care of tough competition it is inconceivable OKC struggle to approach the lower tier with the same panache.

Putting in perspective how crucial the win was for OKC if they had lost the game they would have slipped from fifth to seventh. Every single game is important with repercussions for every loss.

Westbrook wins the game in spectacular fashion:

Although OKC captured the victory over the Sacramento Kings it didn’t come without suspense. Despite letting the Kings back into a game they led by double digits the Thunder almost let this one slip away. Russell Westbrook who wasn’t experiencing a particularly strong shooting night hit the go ahead bucket with just one second on the clock.

And comments on the shot plus the big win:

Adams brings the hustle to the hardwood:

ThunderWire writer Cody Taylor;s  article highlighted a sound bite from Paul George where he specifically cites Adams rebounding prowess. However, the stat I found most compelling was box outs as per the same article.

"The NBA created a new stat that tracks the number of box-outs a player has each game. Adams leads the league in this new category and he leads by a large margin, too.So far this season, Adams has recorded 623 total box-outs or 11.5 per game. Former Thunder player Enes Kanter is second in the league in box-outs with 521 and Bulls center Robin Lopez is third with 494."

Carmelo Anthony focus during stretch run:

Heading into Sacramento, Carmelo Anthony emphasized the need for OKC to play with a renewed sense of focus. Moreover, Anthony highlighted why OKC need to approach lower tier squads with a killer instinct. (Doubtful last night’s victory was what he had in mind).

Brett Dawson of The Oklahoman posted the video of Melo speaking about the focus required:

“We have seven weeks left and it starts now for us. Whatever happened earlier on in the season before the break, it is what it is. We can take that information and build on that, but right now it’s time for us to have a new focus [and to have] a new energy.”

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That wraps up OKC Thunder In the news for Friday February 23. For those who missed the game last night check out Jeremy Lambert’s post game roundup and player grades. Lambert offers up some spicy takes which aren’t to be missed.