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Thunder in the News: Stars mixing it up off the court

By Tony Heim

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - NOVEMBER 13: Paul George of the Oklahoma City Thunder hosted 45 fourth-grade students from the Stanley Hupfeld Academy at Western Village along the Oklahoma River and taught them the techniques of fishing at the Oklahoma Boat House on November 13, 2017 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch/NBAE via Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - NOVEMBER 13: Paul George of the Oklahoma City Thunder hosted 45 fourth-grade students from the Stanley Hupfeld Academy at Western Village along the Oklahoma River and taught them the techniques of fishing at the Oklahoma Boat House on November 13, 2017 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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As we inch closer to the Playoffs, we’re going to celebrate some of the OKC Thunder’s actions off the court. Why? Because anything that keeps them mentally fresh is a godsend during these tumultuous times.

It’s lowkey starting to concern me that there’s such happy vibes surrounding OKC Thunder Nation. Two nights ago we celebrated winning the 4-seed, yesterday handed us Corey Brewer’s reported return, and today? Well today I’m cheating a bit because there’s no great news to bring.

Instead we’re going to celebrate what Oklahoma City is doing off the court. Specifically Russell Westbrook and Paul George. Because if the stars are happy, the team is happy.

Paul George’s catch will bring a smile to your face

It’s an omen that George’s biggest catch of the year* happens to come the day after his team ends the regular season and clinches homecourt advantage in the first round. One might say he should be at the practice facility or on his couch watching film. I don’t agree.

PG’s going to be ingrained in basketball for hopefully the next few weeks – he needs some time away. The side bonus of all this is he’s shouting out Oklahoma for their great land. You love to see that look of content as the offseason approaches.

*Unverified claim

Russ’ aesthetic from this season is a beautiful collage

We all are aware of Russell Westbrook’s wonderful wardrobe. Now, thanks to ESPN, we have his entire collection from this historical season all in one place. I imagine Russ in his studio right now creating away, refreshing his body for what’s expected to be a furious fight from the reigning MVP.

"OKC’s MVP does what he wants — on the court and off it. We tracked every outfit the NBA’s biggest fashion star wore this season."

Corey Brewer forces us to talk a little ball

Of course we couldn’t step completely off the court. Yesterday’s Corey Brewer news was a perfect bow that ended these last few days. I wrote about how his skills are essential for this team, mostly because of his energy and ability to defend shooting guards.

"But his true value? His ability to vastly push the Thunder’s tempo. Brewer ranks second in the NBA in PACE at 103.56. His 103.26 rating is easily the highest on an Oklahoma City team that boasts a 99.25 PACE rating, good for 16th in League."

That’s it for today’s issue of Thunder in the News! Only two more days separate us from Game One of the 2018 Playoffs, aka the moment we’ve been building up to all season. It’s gonna be a fun time – I can feel it.

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