OKC Thunder in the news: Mother’s Day, tribute to McCaslin and ‘The Shot’

OKC Thunder In the news features players honoring the special ladies in their lives, a fitting tribute to Lesley McCaslin and ‘the shot’.

For as far back as I can recall early May is chock full of events both personal and in the NBA. Mother’s Day typically falls on the first or second Sunday in May and correspondingly that generally means at least one Game 7 to close out a semi finals series.

This year fans were treated to a double dose of action and in each instance, the games weren’t decided until clutch time. The post Mother’s Day brunch game featured the Denver Nuggets hosting the Portland Trail Blazers.

The Blazers overcame a bad first half and off shooting game by Damian Lillard to earn their spot against the Golden State Warriors in the Western Conference Finals. By virtue of winning the Blazers were the first squad to knock off a higher seed in these playoffs. As they move on to the WCF Thunder fans are left to ask ‘what if’ questions.

Yet it was the final game of the day in Toronto which served up one of the best defensive games of these playoffs and made history in the closing moments. With the Raptors and 76ers tied at 90 and 4.2 seconds remaining Kawhi Leonard sent his fadeaway jumper arching high into the air. It bounced four times before finally rolling into the basket.

Kawhi was mobbed, Scotiabank arena erupted, and Jurassic Park was bedlam as that one shot erased the lost 2001 Game 7 match in Philly when Vince Carter’s shot rimmed out.

‘The Shot’

Players who were active on social media all day sending out Mother’s Day wishes quickly responded to ‘the shot’

https://twitter.com/DwyaneWade/status/1127750199663706113

That’s just a small sampling but ESPN pooled together many more.

More from Thunderous Intentions

• 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

Players were also very active as they sent out well wishes to all the incredible women in their lives.  Mothers, Grandmothers, and wives were honored. Russell Westbrook, Paul George, and Jerami Grant all sent messages as did many of their counterparts. TI accumulated many of the heartfelt messages, videos, and tweets which can be viewed here.

Bittersweet Goodbyes:

Tailor Finley offered a heartwarming article which appropriately coincided with this Mother’s Day as she highlighted her respect and admiration for Lesley McCaslin.

McCaslin is part of the FOX Sports Oklahoma team covering the OKC Thunder and is often seen interacting and joking with players. While McCaslin is a pro and excellent at her job her personality leaped up the screen and left many feeling like they knew her. Check out Finney’s article – it’s the must read of the day.

"In a world at which whole countries that were once completely foreign territories are now at our fingertips, it provides such an incredible opportunity for fans of any kind. You can interact, show support and/or criticism, and wish well to nearly anyone on social media. The connection you feel when you receive a response from your idol is a cherishable moment."

That’s it for In the news on Monday, May 13. Check back tomorrow as we prep for the Draft Lottery and associated news as well as the upcoming Draft Combine.