OKC Thunder in the news: Nurkic injury, Grizz play spoiler role to perfection

OKC Thunder in the news dives into a heartfelt message for Thunder Nation, those pesky Grizzlies spoilers and prayers up to Jusuf Nurkic.

The OKC Thunder and their counterparts are jockeying for playoff positioning and with that, every loss or incident takes on greater latitude. It is also important to recall not every team is vying to move up, but that doesn’t mean the teams who are already eliminated aren’t interested in having a say.

Often dubbed “spoilers” these teams will do everything possible to steal victories and play a factor in where their counterparts finish the season.

Grizzlies play spoiler role to perfection:

The loss to the Memphis Grizzlies for example last evening may not have been ideal but the Thunder certainly isn’t the first team to fall to the Grizzly spoiler squad.

In fact, since the trade deadline, several top teams have been handed their hats by the Grizzlies. To wit, of the 12 wins amassed since the trade deadline Memphis has dispensed of the Spurs, Pacers, Blazers, Jazz, Rockets, and Thunder. These Grizz have also spoiled “easy victory” dances for teams who at the time were still firmly embroiled in nabbing a postseason berth (like the Lakers).

Perhaps what makes the Grizzlies stand out is they are mostly comprised of youngsters, discards and for what it’s worth a player once dubbed “three years from being three years away.” I couldn’t help but grin last night as Bruno Caboclo showcased many of the reasons Masai Ujiri thought rolling the dice on Caboclo could eventually pay Greek Freak like dividends.

Losses like last evening are never ideal, but it’s important to remember they are just one game in 82. Just like the OKC Thunder won’t earn more than a single point for beating the Toronto Raptors, Portland Trail Blazers or Utah Jazz nor will they lose more than a single point for last’s night. Sure, those losses tend to sting more – but it’s how the team responds to the loss which is far more important.

Remember the core of who the OKC Thunder are:

To that end, Thunderous Intentions scribe Steven Maichak serves up a warm, thoughtful offering to Thunder Nation. This is a must read which trust me – will leave you feeling much more inspired about the team.

"Of all people, he would likely be the first to suggest the Thunder players simply need to recompose themselves, look across the locker room at their teammates, and remember the only thing they need to win out through the remainder of the regular season is one another."

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Prayers up to Jusuf Nurkic:

And, while teams are ensconced in the playoff battle the devastating injury to Jusuf Nurkic reminded fans and players alike there are more important things than winning a game.