OKC Thunder In the news features Shea Serrano search for the NBA’s scariest dunker, suggesting Carmelo Anthony move to small forward and the question of rest.
When scanning OKC Thunder news I came across an article in ESPN by Baxter Holmes which noted this month is National Sleep Awareness Month. While the team at Thunderous Intentions and anyone who knows me for that matter picks themselves off the floor from laughter (note to readers – I routinely don’t sleep) I will say the article did make a ton of sense regarding how time shifts affects people.
The above article notes “schedule alert dates” meaning games where one team has a major advantage over another. For example, the OKC Thunder game in Atlanta offers the Hawks an advantage.
"March 13: Oklahoma City at Atlanta | MahScore 8Greetings, Thunder! This is your first — and only — schedule alert game this season. This will mark your fifth game in eight days, your third game in four days and the second of a back-to-back set. You’ll host the Kings, then fly out immediately after — losing an hour along the way — for Atlanta to face the Hawks less than 24 hours later. Atlanta will enter this game with a one-day rest advantage. Oh, and one more thing — we set our clocks ahead an hour March 11. So you’ll lose that hour, then play the Kings and lose another hour on your way to Atlanta. Sweet dreams…"
Given the Thunder’s propensity to take lottery seeds for granted let’s hope Billy Donovan also reads this article. Although, it might not make a difference, maybe seeing it in writing will make a difference.
Russell Westbrook Makes Serrano’s Scariest Dunker List:
Shea Serrano is on my short list of favorite NBA writers. Serrano’s style is uniquely his own and while many scribes try to emulate him it’s like asking another player to copy Westbrook. Many players could probably replicate his 100 percent effort in a game or even several. But clearly there are no dopplegangers of Russ.
In this piece Serrano examines the NBA’s greatest dunkers (first telling a hilarious anecdotal personal story to set up his article challenge). His goal is to determine which current NBA player would be the worst to get dunked on by. The Ringer’s scribe moves through the article narrowing the list using a list of qualifiers. At the end one player remains who can commit “Murder By Dunk”. I don’t want to spoil the outcome so I’ll simply suggest you read the whole article to enjoy the brilliance of Serrano.
"We need someone to meet us in a dark alley and list off a bunch of old mega-dunks on people as proof of concept that each prospective dunker is capable of M.B.D. (murder by dunk). If that’s not a thing that can happen with any of the dunkers on the list, then it means they can’t be in contention"
Carmelo Anthony’s roster position:
At least once a week since season start TI scribe Lawrence George and I have conversed (or ranted) about the misuse of Patrick Patterson. More specifically, our angst has centered on Carmelo Anthony and how his presence at the power forward spot in the starting rotation causes issues for the Thunder.
The old adage “timing is of the essence” certainly applies, as George’s article yesterday suggested replacing Anthony with Patrick Patterson and moving him to small forward. Ironically with Melo resting, Patterson ended up replacing Anthony who was held out against the Blazers for rest.
"2-Pat is a tremendous system player, adept in pick and roll assignments and strong in one on one coverages. Most importantly, he displays terrific help defensive tendencies. With the Toronto Raptors, Patterson played with a defensive sieze in big man Jonas Valanciunas. Like Melo, Valanciunas was frequently found in defensive purgatory, guarding nothing but open space. Patterson covered for Valanciunas via his communication and ability to help. Anthony needs help and a tonne of it at that."
That fact in itself is suspect. If Anthony wasn’t hurt surely this was a decision made prior to the back to back set. And, if that was the case why on earth would Donovan not sit Anthony versus the Suns instead. With the Blazers already up 2-0 and seeded ahead of OKC the game last night was as close to a must win situation as the Thunder have faced.
Patterson Rally Caps:
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In hindsight, Patterson starting served to provide evidence why he should start on a regular basis. After spending the majority of his campaign glued to Donovan’s bench or playing alongside Felton who often prefers to score over playmaking Patterson got 33 minutes of court time in Portland.
For those who deem Patterson as a disappointment OKC had their biggest lead with him on the floor. And, the nonsensical suggestion he won’t spread the floor isn’t worth addressing (especially if you watched the game last night). But it’s his ability to set screens, lateral slide which forces the ball out of key players hands and help defense which can’t be underplayed.
Anyway, I’m in the same camp as George on this matter and whether it has to occur by sliding Anthony to small forward and George to shooting guard or it means moving Anthony to the bench (or giving him move time there) in this scribes opinion that’s what needs to happen. Hey, if Anthony needed rest on a night where you would think the player designated as the third option would have benefited the team, then he should be chuffed about doing whatever is necessary for OKC to win.
Next: Top all-time OKC scorers
That wraps up in the news for March 4th. Enjoy the rest of your weekend and be sure to make Thunderous Intentions a daily stop.