OKC Thunder Social gathers the best tweets and Instagram posts compiling them in one central location. This week the column reflects on opening week.
Although the NBA took a hit in television ratings, opening week still lit NBA Twitter on fire, as fans, critics, and pundits sounded off about various topics. Particularly popular topics were OKC Thunder guard Russell Westbrook’s bench snack attack & shirtless appearance, Jaylen Brown’s poster dunk, and LeBron James’ & Kawhi Leonard’s debuts with their new squads.
With that, let’s review a few eye-catching posts to hit the internet, prior to opening night.
Important reading for all NBA fans
https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1052239265038397442
OKC Thunder crack ESPN’s tip-off power rankings
🚨 Season tip-off power rankings are HERE 🚨 pic.twitter.com/02u6XAavfJ
— ESPN (@espn) October 15, 2018
Rest in peace Paul Allen
Allen was the co-founder of Microsoft, owner of the Portland Trail Blazers & Seattle Seahawks, and an active philanthropist. Allen is survived by his sister Jody Allen and her three children Gardner, Faye, and Duncan Patton.
Two weeks after he announced his cancer had returned, Trail Blazers owner Paul Allen is gone. Incredibly sad — I lost my father to the same evil Non-Hodgkin’s in 2014. #RIP https://t.co/IWLmUbJKNh
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) October 15, 2018
Alex Kennedy of hoops hype offered a digital Thunder preview
HoopsHype breaks down the Oklahoma City Thunder's strengths, weaknesses and projection heading into the 2018-19 season: pic.twitter.com/4BFThJTVCa
— Alex Kennedy (@AlexKennedyNBA) October 15, 2018
Myles Turner reached a deal
And Kristaps Porzingis did not
Knicks president Steve Mills said on @TMKSESPN that deciding not to sign Kristaps Porzingis to an extension was the best long-term decision for the franchise and will be the best decision, in the long-term, for Porzingis: pic.twitter.com/MI12Vne3Kw
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) October 17, 2018
An illustration of OKC’s three biggest cheerleaders
Kawhi on what he missed most about basketball
Kawhi Leonard on what he missed about playing meaningful basketball over the last 9 months: "Everything. Bad calls, missing shots, making shots, winning games, high fives with teammates, and just being competitive out there. Just everything. I love the game."
— Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) October 16, 2018
Laughter is contagious
LeBron sings ‘Let it Go’ with daughter Zhuri
When LeBron James is on the basketball court, the opposing team’s defense is at his mercy. But, when LBJ is with daughter Zhuri, he is at her mercy. In the clip below the sweet 3-year-old wanted her dad to sing ‘Let it Go’ and he happily obliged.
https://twitter.com/ClutchPointsApp/status/1052014747598508033
Steph Curry with an interesting take on what ring night is like
Stephen Curry (@StephenCurry30 ) Curry says ring night is the weirdest night of the year. #Warriors pic.twitter.com/std0ooRjzt
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) October 16, 2018
TI writers provide playoff predictions
@thunderousint Playoff Predictions thread. I'll start it off, #NBA #ThunderUp #NBATwitter
— Alex Mcewen (@eflame_717) October 16, 2018
East
1. BOS
2. TOR
3. IND
4. PHI
5. MIL
6. MIA
7. DET
8. CLE
Darkhorse: WAS
West
1. GSW
2. HOU
3. OKC
4. UTA
5. POT
6. SAS
7. NOLA
8. LAL
Darkhorse: MIN and DEN
East:
— Rylan Stiles (@Rylan_Stiles) October 19, 2018
1) Celtics
2) Raptors
3) Pacers
4) 76ers
5) Bucks
6) Heat
7) Wizards
8) Hornets
West:
1) Warriors
2) Thunder
3) Rockets
4) Jazz
5) Lakers
6) Nuggets
7) Trailblazers
8) Mavericks
@thunderousint playoff predictions thread
— Jahred Hughes (@j4hred) October 19, 2018
East
1. Celtics
2. Sixers
3. Pacers
4. Raptors
5. Bucks
6. Wizards
7. Pistons
8. Knicks
Darkhorse: Heat
West.
1. Warriors
2. Jazz
3. Thunder
4. Pelicans
5. Rockets
6. Nuggets
7. Trail blazers
8. Lakers
Dark horse: Suns
Opening Day
It’s Game Day
Happy @NBA day! 🤗 pic.twitter.com/9YwBmEpeKI
— theScore (@theScore) October 16, 2018
Jaylen posterizes Joel
Lord, carry Joel Embiid now.
— Mitch B (@MitchBTV_) October 17, 2018
pic.twitter.com/iO6esNoIi0
I'm 75 percent certain Tatum just winked at Embiid after crossing him up right there.
— Fred Katz (@FredKatz) October 17, 2018
Final from Boston
The @celtics looked sharp as they picked up the win to start the NBA season! ☘️ pic.twitter.com/MXjUr1GJeq
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) October 17, 2018
Gordon Hayward returned
Welcome back, Gordon Hayward! In his first game since his horrific injury last season, Hayward had 10 points and 5 rebounds in 25 minutes in a Celtics win. #KiaTipOff18 #CUsRise pic.twitter.com/5IOZBDKqWa
— StatMuse (@statmuse) October 17, 2018
Rapid reaction from the first game of the season
So @sixers have a long way to go. But @celtics have a long way to go before thinking they're that good by beating long-way-to-go Sixers. In short, enjoy the EC.
— Vince Cellini (@Vince_Cellini) October 17, 2018
The mood during any game break
When the #NBA game ends but then you realize it's a back-to-back pic.twitter.com/NpICz0HpBf
— FanSided (@FanSided) October 17, 2018
The beginning of the end
It makes me sad that Marv Albert has just lost his fastball calling these games. He regular;y misses who makes plays now. Was such a huge part of my growing up with basketball and it's a sign that he's getting close to the end.
— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) October 17, 2018
Reading the tea leaves
For those into overanalyzing recruiting breadcrumbs: Kevin Durant announced last in the ring ceremony. They went Klay, Draymond, Steph and then KD to round it out.
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) October 17, 2018
Fan overreaction is the best reaction
This request was prompted by Donovan simply announcing his opening night starting lineup.
Well that didn’t take long. https://t.co/i01K7yLw8b
— Brett Dawson (@BDawsonWrites) October 17, 2018
PG’s first bucket of the 2018-19 season
Paul George gets on the board for the @okcthunder! #ThunderUp #KiaTipOff18 on @NBAonTNT pic.twitter.com/cdI2TBnNhG
— NBA (@NBA) October 17, 2018
Over the top or just enough?
The Warriors using a hologram to show off their 2018 championship ring! (h/t @MBachSports) pic.twitter.com/LBEXohLLDq
— NBA@SneakerReporter (@NBA_SR) October 17, 2018
Glass half full perspective
All things considered, being down by 8 after one is not a bad thing. PG can't hit a jumper, Adams is hesitant, and Schroder is still feeling his way around the offense. #ThunderUp
— Alex Roig (@AlexRoig_NBA) October 17, 2018
Steven Adams is a tremendous human being
Classy moment: Steven Adams clearly concerned about Kevin Durant on that fall.
— NBABeau (@NBABeau) October 17, 2018
Some rules ruin everything
https://twitter.com/MattReynolds___/status/1052408012185509889
Andre Roberson takes on his first prodigy
Hamidou Diallo to the bench after some solid minutes in his NBA debut, and immediately sits down next to Andre Roberson who has been coaching him up for the last few minutes.
— Royce Young (@royceyoung) October 17, 2018
Kentucky praises their former Wildcat
We 👀 you @hamidoudiallo! Congrats on your first career NBA points. #NBACats #DreamBIG
— Kentucky Men’s Basketball (@KentuckyMBB) October 17, 2018
Snacks are the most important meal of the day
Move over coach Donovan, coach Westbrook is here
This is the second instance Westbrook has been seen coaching during his playing absence. Perhaps, the Brodie has a coaching career in his future post-playing.
Russell Westbrook had a clipboard in his hand and did some serious coaching during the break before Billy Donovan came over.
— Royce Young (@royceyoung) October 17, 2018
Could this play become a common sight in OKC?
Thunder fans have often clamored to see big man Steven Adams showcase his passing skills, on opening night Thunder Nation got their wish.
Hey this is a great pass. More to come. #THunderUp pic.twitter.com/fZpndDCOU7
— Stephen Dolan (@SteveThunderfan) October 17, 2018
I have seen enough
Day two
The first Wednesday of the 2018-19 NBA season was chock full of social worthy moments, such as Rookie of the Year candidates taking the court for the first time, Dwayne Wade’s final season opener, and a Jimmy Butler meme.
RoY candidates, Ayton and Doncic face off
Ayton takes the first W versus Doncic
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) October 18, 2018
The ROY debate we'll be having all season 🍿 pic.twitter.com/goD2rMbGpq
Then they shared a touching moment
Deandre Ayton & Luka Doncic share a moment after their NBA debuts. pic.twitter.com/9y62nN0L4L
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) October 18, 2018
Fan writes a heartfelt message to DWade
Dam @DwyaneWade this is it.The final opening day for @MiamiHEAT where you’re our starting SG,03 seems like yesterday.4rm ur game winner on B Davis to your dominance over the years.I’m glad we get to enjoy this last ride with you as our captain.Sad n happy #HeatIsOn #LetsGoHeat ✊🏽
— J (@MiaJT89) October 17, 2018
Never forget!
'Don't ever forget YA NEED ME' pic.twitter.com/mvfO9Zpb7Q
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) October 18, 2018
Knicks new mojo?
OKC Thunder fans have witnessed a fan hit the half-court on several occasions, and understand the event can swing the game’s momentum. The Knicks and their fans got to experience the same feeling on Wednesday night.
https://twitter.com/BR_NBA/status/1052711386927661056
Melo’s rocky Rockets debut
Melo finished with nine points total, picking up right where he left off with the Thunder.
#carmeloanthony with 8pts 2reb at the half in his debut. pic.twitter.com/6mi9cZEXA5
— CTB (@CheckTheBall) October 18, 2018
Some traditions never die
Even without DeMar DeRozan, Kyle Lowry does the special handshake he used to always do with him before Raptors games. ❤
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) October 18, 2018
This has to be the greatest NBA friendship ever. pic.twitter.com/M9u0wEDz0t
Kawhi confirms he is still a good player
Kawhi Leonard dunked the ball *AND PALMED IT* before it touched the ground. 👀 pic.twitter.com/fsTNGB7xKV
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) October 19, 2018
Jazz hit the right note
The Jazz defeated the Kings in their season opener 123-117, then both teams exchanged pun-filled insults via their twitter accounts. The insults were nothing more than lighthearted banter, which the NBA has encouraged in the past. However, teams have also been warned not to cross the line when taunting each other via social media.
Have you thought about building your arena on a different street? pic.twitter.com/elEx2kU4bq
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) October 18, 2018
Day three
Day three provided an intriguing report regarding the NBA’s TV ratings. Fox Sports Southwest and Oklahoma analyst Antonio Daniels voiced support for Westbrook, in the wake of shade courtesy of Colin Cowherd, and Thunder players were active across Instagram.
NBA TV Ratings continue to decline
This news should be considered moderately alarming. However, the YouTube TV blackout on opening night and the quality of the nightcap match must be taken into account when discussing the matter.
Another brutal night for NBA ratings last night. The 8 p.m. game was down 15 percent from the equivalent 7 p.m. game last yr. The 10:30 game was down 40% (!) from the equivalent 9:30 game last year. Was last year's big ratings boost a bubble?
— Eric Fingerhut (@ericfingerhut) October 18, 2018
AD continues to stand up for Russ and OKC
When did the loyalty of WANTING to be tied to “one” team become a bad thing?? I can promise you this @TheHerd, Russ is right where he wants to be👌🏾 #OKC!! https://t.co/orT7fx1tFG
— Antonio Daniels (@adaniels33) October 18, 2018
The King of LA officially makes his Lakers debut
Sixers blast the Bulls
.@JoelEmbiid records 30 points, 12 rebounds and 4 blocks in our home opener versus Chicago. #HereTheyCome https://t.co/LXaCAaF4Sd
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) October 19, 2018
The equinox is upon us
Teammate vibes
Blue light Russ
Hoodie Melo praises Oklahoma City
Melo says nice things about OKC. Hope he gets a nice applause when he returns to OKC https://t.co/zNJRvIl1Jg
— Thunder Film Room (@ThunderFilmRoom) October 18, 2018
Sneaker throwback Thursday
GoldPatch on tap
It’s time for Who he Play for?
Two tries weren't enough for Chuck to remember "Who he play for?" 😂 pic.twitter.com/AUdMPIfjMB
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) October 19, 2018
Day four
The first Friday of the 2018-19 season did not disappoint. There were nine games on deck, the highlights of the night include, two game-winners, eight teams scoring 120 or more points, the Pelicans topped the scoreboard with 149. And, last, but not the least, Westbrook went shirtless for the first half against the Clippers.
Russ goes all natural
I’m wearing this Sunday night pic.twitter.com/2ZSVItr8fR
— Curtis Fitzpatrick (@cfitzfox) October 20, 2018
Oklahoma must be defense intolerant
Is there an Oklahoma team that can play defense? https://t.co/IRGeQXIJz7
— Joe (@JoeBuettner) October 20, 2018
Can the Thunder’s offense and defense please stand up?
Clippers up 24-9. Thunder offense has been pretty bad and the defense worse. OKC 4-15 from the floor, LA 10-18.
— Brett Dawson (@BDawsonWrites) October 20, 2018
Grant abuses the rim
Something decent happened! pic.twitter.com/L3nyaZeP13
— Boomtown Hoops (@BoomtownHoops) October 20, 2018
The life of a young NBA center
Also: Three fouls in 6 first quarter minutes. To the bench... https://t.co/9oIB4GQBGG
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) October 20, 2018
PG the playmaker?
PG's gone into playmaker mode in this quarter after scoring mode didn't work. He needs to find the balance of doing both at the same time.
— Stephen Dolan (@SteveThunderfan) October 20, 2018
Kawhi likely silenced his own MVP chants
Kawhi, on whether he hears the huge MVP chants in Toronto’s crowd: “Definitely. But it’s a little too early.”
— Chris Herring (@Herring_NBA) October 20, 2018
Yes, yes it is
BASKETBALL IS SO MUCH FUN!
— Nicholas Sciria (@Nick_Sciria) October 20, 2018
Playing big is working well in New Orleans
Pelicans 1st 2 games:
— Micah Adams (@MAdamsStatGuy) October 20, 2018
- 131 vs Houston
- 149 vs Sacramento
The only team in NBA history to score more points in the 1st 2 games of a season is the 1962-63 Celtics.
That team had 9 Hall of Famers.
This team has Anthony Davis, Jrue Holiday, Nikola Mirotic and Julius Randle.
Levert levels the Knicks with the night’s first game-winner
Clutch Caris! #WeGoHard pic.twitter.com/hIT34mkKnS
— NBA (@NBA) October 20, 2018
We are all entertained
Warriors-Jazz. pic.twitter.com/vctuRnit2T
— J.E. Skeets (@jeskeets) October 20, 2018
What is going on here?
Adams and Abrines are the only Thunder in dbl figures...and OKC is currently leading! 🤔
— Antonio Daniels (@adaniels33) October 20, 2018
Update: Westbrook put on a shirt
Breaking: Russell Westbrook has put a shirt on under his suit coat for the second half.
— Erik Horne (@ErikkHorne) October 20, 2018
Time to sign Singler
Thunder haven’t been the same without Kyle Singler
— Shai Gilgreatness-Alexander (@Jhickness9) October 20, 2018
Checking in with the Greek Freak
What a start for The Greek Freak...
— NBA.com/Stats (@nbastats) October 20, 2018
Giannis Antetokounmpo joins Kevin Garnett (2004-05) as the only players in NBA history to post at least 25 PTS, 15 REB, and 5 AST in each of their team's first two games of the season. pic.twitter.com/34xoKArdb7
Tensions flare inside Staples
@ me when Patrick Beverley gets involved. https://t.co/u6vLyAtbtR
— Darnell Mayberry (@DarnellMayberry) October 20, 2018
The Jazz are for real
Jazz 98 Warriors 86 with 4:11 left in the 3rd - YES THE 3rd
— David Locke (@DLocke09) October 20, 2018
The Jazz have only taken 12 of 60 as non-restricted area 2s
33 shots as three-point shots and 15 shots at the rim plus 25 free throws. Incredible shot distribution.
I concur
I like watching Noel dunk. It’s fun.
— Sam Gannon (@SamGannon87) October 20, 2018
Balance is important in basketball
Paul George and Dennis Schroder are a combined 8-31 shooting, but OKC leads 77-71 after three. A lot of balance across the roster (Adams 11, Abrines 10, Noel 9, Felton 8)
— Royce Young (@royceyoung) October 20, 2018
‘Can’ play Noel
Kanter was a great backup for the Thunder, but Billy won't be saying "Can't play Noel" anytime soon. As @MikyBerra pointed out in a text, It’s so rare to have 2 bigs that you absolutely don’t have to worry about defensively and are good on offense
— Andrew Schlecht (@AndrewKSchlecht) October 20, 2018
Unguardable
Steph Curry is the greatest shooter of all-time because he routinely makes shots like this on absolutely perfect defense #Warriors pic.twitter.com/4WFozmwqvI
— Justin Jett (@JustinJett_) October 20, 2018
Marc Gasol captures the essence of winning
That winning feeling... pic.twitter.com/SuaMXzgPDN
— Marc Gasol (@MarcGasol) October 20, 2018
Who does not enjoy Michael Cage?
I listen to the okc broadcast JUST for those 30 seconds
— Michele Berra (@MikyBerra) October 20, 2018
Joe Jingles
BANK IT AT THE BUZZER, @Joeingles7!
— Ball Don’t Lie (@Balldontlie) October 20, 2018
(via @NBA)pic.twitter.com/7iDqnVvUxc
Seems like an impressive record
https://twitter.com/ClutchPointsApp/status/1053506568262578176
The tide turns against OKC
The Clippers have found their shooting touch and OKC is turning it over, not a good combo in LA.
— Steve McGehee (@SteveMcGehee) October 20, 2018
That’s nasty
You know what I'm gonna say. pic.twitter.com/4iiFOQz5sy
— Stephen Dolan (@SteveThunderfan) October 20, 2018
Play so nice, it was included twice
STEVEN ADAMS ROCKS THE RIM! 😤😱💥#ThunderUp #KiaTipOff18 pic.twitter.com/pmtL1z4HQw
— NBA (@NBA) October 20, 2018
Warriors core four getting it done
Main reasons the Warriors came back
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) October 20, 2018
-KD kept them in it with 38 on a lethal 14/25 FG
-Curry hit some huge 3s on way to 31
-Draymond great defensively down the stretch
-Jerebko's shocking tapback
From villain to MVP
During his last two FT's, Jimmy Butler was getting a mix of boos and MVP chants. The boos aren't nearly as prominent as they were at beginning of the game. His 12 points in 12 minutes helps with that.
— Chris Fedor (@ChrisFedor) October 20, 2018
Jonas Jerebko’s revenge and the second game-winner of the night
JONAS JEREBKO WINS IT FOR THE WARRIORS! #DubNation pic.twitter.com/LuIWFd2BiJ
— NBA TV (@NBATV) October 20, 2018
New year, same habits
This loss will prove huge in the west. Man, the Thunder can’t afford to lose to teams they should beat. That dealt with that last year also. (Yes even without Russ/Dre they should’ve won this game, the Clippers aren’t very good) #ThunderUp
— Rylan Stiles (@Rylan_Stiles) October 20, 2018
Better luck next time
Final from LA.
— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) October 20, 2018
Headed to OKC for Sunday’s home opener vs Kings in loud @ChesapeakeArena pic.twitter.com/nJFQdpz0pH
Something we can all agree upon
More from Thunder News
- Stealing one player from every Southwest Division team for the OKC Thunder
- Should the OKC Thunder chase after a disgruntled hometown hero?
- 3 OKC Thunder players who can step up in Aleksej Pokusevski’s absence
- Aleksej Pokusevski sidelined approximately 6 weeks with ankle injury
- Damian Lillard does not fit with the OKC Thunder
Thus concludes a super-sized edition of Sunday Social, take a look at TI’s gameday preview and come back after the game for post-game grades.
I hope everyone enjoyed opening week, despite the Thunder’s 0-2 record.
Hopefully the home opener today offers two things to get excited about: Russell Westbrook’s return and a win.
For more social vibes, follow the Thunderous Intentions Twitter feed and my personal feed.
The next best of social media article will feature activity during October 22 – 29 and publish on Tuesday October 30th.
