Thunderous Intentions
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OKC Thunder in the news: Big Baller, Game 7’s and 2018 draft prospects

By Tamberlyn Richardson

HOUSTON, TX - MAY 24: Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors drives against James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets in the third quarter of Game Five of the Western Conference Finals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center on May 24, 2018 in Houston, Texas. 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. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX - MAY 24: Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors drives against James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets in the third quarter of Game Five of the Western Conference Finals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center on May 24, 2018 in Houston, Texas. 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. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /
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OKC Thunder in the news features Game 7’s, the prospect of LiAngelo Ball in Oklahoma and TI’s annual draft prospect series.

As the OKC Thunder continue their offseason the NBA Finalists will be determined by game seven’s on each coast. After wins by the Rockets and Celtics it appeared fans might get to experience new blood vying for the Larry O’Brien Trophy. And, they still might, but it sure feels like the Warriors vs. Cavaliers Part IV is inevitable. Both squads will need to win on the road to allow for the rematch of the past three seasons.

https://twitter.com/BleacherReport/status/1000590432512823297

Deja Vu of 2016:

Thunder Nation experienced deja vu Saturday night.  Houston jumped to an early double digit lead and had the Warriors on the ropes. It was eerily similar to the Dubs 2016 win which sparked the beginning of the end for Kevin Durant in OKC. In that match OKC Thunder led by 13 points and held the lead until 2:48 of the fourth quarter.

Channeling his clutch game hat exactly like he did in Game 6 of 2016, Klay Thompson took over to turn the tide. The sharpshooter scored 23 points in the second half against OKC (41 in total) connecting on 11 shots from the perimeter. Last night vs. the Rockets, Thompson had a similar box score of 35 points, draining nine triples. The difference between the OKC Thunder match and Game 6 at Oracle was the Rockets disappeared in the second half. It was a tale of two halves as Golden State trailed by 10 after two quarters, but held the Rockets to 25 points in the second half while scoring 64.

Part IV destined?

At season start virtually every pundit called for Dubs vs Cavs Part IV. Doubtful anyone expected the difficult path, but wins by both clubs will cement this rematch.

The Eastern Conference Finalist will be decided this evening with the Celtics hosting the Cavaliers at TD Garden. Tip off is at 8:30 p.m. ET as LeBron James looks to make it eight consecutive finals appearances. As for the West, the Rockets will host the Warriors on Monday night at 9:00 p.m. ET.

Then the NBA Finals begin on Thursday, May 31st at 9:00 p.m. ET. Houston and Golden State recorded better season records, so regardless of who triumphs they’ll have home court in the finals.

Big Baller in OKC?

News Sam Presti met with LiAngelo Ball sparked TI writer Rylan Stiles to ponder the prospect of the youngster and his Big Baller brand (and his soapbox loving father LaVar) coming to the OKC Thunder.

"Ball struggles with switching defensive, which is where he would stumble in OKC, as the Thunder switch on everything. With his upside shooting the basketball, and the ability to get him at such a low cost would it be worth it to give LiAngelo a shot? Maybe."

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As Stiles points out LiAngelo isn’t NBA ready. Yet, the more compelling part of this story is can you imagine LaVar Ball being in OKC and spouting off on Westbrook? Yikes! That’s a dog and pony show I think the OKC Thunder will want to avoid at all costs.

OKC Thunder Draft Prospect Series Underway:

TI’s Annual Draft Prospect Series is here. The TI writing team dives in to address the top 60 prospects as ranked by ESPN and DraftExpress. All 60 ranked athletes are covered due to the uncertainty of Sam Presti’s moves. Or rather, the moves he may attempt to make.

Adding fuel to the thought the top picks aren’t necessarily cemented Phoenix Suns GM Ryan McDonough stated the franchise wasn’t opposed to trading the first pick. Given this is the first time Phoenix has the first pick with at least two potential stars (possibly three) in the mix I wouldn’t bank on the Suns trading the pick.

The first prospect profiles include Luka Doncic and Michael Porter Jr.

Stop by daily right up until the June 21st NBA Draft as TI rolls out these top 60 prospects.

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