Preview: OKC Thunder hit the 6ix seeking revenge for OT loss versus Raptors
By Alex Mcewen
The OKC Thunder have free fallen in the Western Conference. The first step in the correct direction would be a statement victory against the Raptors. Gameday previews the keys to winning.
The OKC Thunder have lost 11 out of their last 16 games. The latest defeat came at the hands of the Raptors, on Nick Collison night, the final score was 123-114. The match went to overtime, in the extra period the Thunder were only able to muster up four points. Yes, All-Star starter Paul George had fouled out, but shooting 1-9 is unacceptable, regardless of the personnel on the court.
It wasn’t just poor offense, which led to Oklahoma City’s demise in OT. Their defense was nonexistent, as the Raptors shot 5-8, 62.5 percent. Although the Thunder was able to storm back and force overtime, the game was not lost in the extra period.
Free throw woes crept up and bit the Thunder again. If Oklahoma City would have shot league-average from the charity stripe in regulation, they would have won by five. Not only did their free throw shooting plague the team, shooting overall was dreadful.
For the entire game, the Thunder missed a staggering 60 field goals. Conversely, the Raptors missed 42 shots. The Thunder attempted 16 more shots than Toronto, but it did not matter, because they simply were not converting on the extra attempts.
With the loss, coupled with other teams in the West winning, the Thunder dropped to eighth, at least momentarily. As of this writing, Oklahoma City sits six games ahead of the Sacramento Kings in the standings.
It may sound far-reaching to discuss the doomsday scenario of the OKC Thunder, but if the team does not begin winning games, missing the playoffs is not out of the question.
Touching on Nick’s night
It is easy to assume the Thunder should have won handily taking into account the emotional high provided by the jersey retirement of Nick Collison. However, similar to a team celebrating ring night, a jersey retirement can overstimulate a squad with emotions.
The event was nice, but it could have been better. It’s over now, and Collison’s jersey will be displayed in the rafters forever. The Thunder must move on from the game and focus on picking up a much-needed W, in Toronto.