A close loss to the Portland Trail Blazers left OKC Thunder fans with more questions heading into the final seven games of the season.
We’ve officially reached that point Thunder Nation. I did my best to curb the rumblings when Oklahoma City did not perform up to expectations to start the season. But we’re through 75 games now.
And we can still confirm that Billy Donovan does not have a pulse of this team.
Last night was irrevocably Donovan’s worst coaching performance of the season. With the Thunder playing well and up one with a little over six minutes to go, the Thunder’s head coach subbed out a thriving Jerami Grant for a struggling Carmelo Anthony. Melo proceeded to falter on both ends of the floor, allowing Portland to sneak out of Oklahoma City with a season series sweep. And so the criticism begins.
Donovan is finally under the microscope
It’s astounding that Billy D hasn’t come under question for this team’s lack of consistency yet, both from local and national media. I’d say much of that has to do with Russell Westbrook’s strong personality/style of play. Thankfully it appears people are starting to question Donovan’s decision-making.
One beat reporter asked Donovan why he didn’t keep Jerami Grant in the game, which prompted Bleacher Report to write a quick article. I can give you an answer though – he’s afraid to upset Carmelo.
Donovan has a high understanding of the game, but he’s also more player-focused than most coaches. He values relationships more than coaches probably should. He’s not interested in taking major risks that could upset team chemistry. This is something I could write hundreds (if not thousands) of words on, so I’ll save myself for a full feature column on the issue.
"Donovan’s late-game strategy will be a storyline worth following toward the end of the regular season and into the playoffs."
Fights are great team-building activities
Last night was nit all negatives though. As a former player seeing this actually warms my heart. Russell Westbrook, a superstar in this League, had no qualms about negatively hurting his brand to help his 19-year old rookie. Raymond Felton made it known how this team feels about their rookie. No, I don’t condone fighting. But to see this team come together like that at least gives me hope they’re together in this race to the Playoffs.
https://twitter.com/SportsCenter/status/978074431326220288
Injuries are affecting most Western Conference Playoff teams
Finally, we take a look at one reason why the OKC Thunder still have a chance of making noise in the Playoffs. Every team in the League has been hurt by injuries – we’re not alone in missing Andre Roberson. But because of that, every team is working in a new rotation with different players than they first were expecting.
My cohort Tamberlyn Richardson compiled all of the info into one big document. Follow those blue words above me and you’ll be the most informed NBA injury expert around.
"Despite these efforts to make the schedule less onerous several key players have suffered injuries."
Next: Grading the Thunder's narrow loss to Portland
That’s it for today’s issue of Thunder in the News! The Thunder have a few days off before their next matchup, but that won’t stop us from keeping you updated on everything OKC related. Just bookmark our homepage and you’ll be one click away from the best Oklahoma City content around.