The OKC Thunder finally win in clutch time netting their first road victory in the process. Adages provide the onus of the three takeaways.
It took 16 games and seven opportunities for the OKC Thunder to net their sixth win and capture a win on the road. It was also the first visit to the grandiose Chase Center in Oakland, as Chris Paul, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Danilo Gallinari stayed true to their identity forcing a decision in clutch time with the difference being an OKC victory.
In this edition of three takeaways, the emphasis is on ‘the adage’…
‘Defense travels’:
All sports fans are familiar with the typical adages which often get relegated to ‘coach speak’. Frankly, the points are typically common sense. When a player is hurt the adage utilized is ‘next man up’. Sure it’s simplistic – and maybe it’s more of a motivational tool to get players not commonly featured inspired to be the one who gets the tap to step in. Yet, there is truth behind the words.
Case in point – “defense travels“. This was definitely true in the win Monday, evening in the match versus Golden State. Aside from the initial 2:41 of the opening frame, the OKC Thunder struggled to score or stop any of the Warriors for that matter.
To be clear, this was a Warriors team with only the minimum eight players dressed and none of that octet played for the Warriors last season. Moreover, only three of those individuals had garnered significant playing time on a varsity squad.
Of those only Willie Cauley-Stein played consistent starters minutes as the center for the Sacramento Kings. Alec Burks played the majority of his eight seasons in Utah as a reserve. And Glenn Robinson III spent more time in the G-League than his affiliated varsity squad. Robinson is only 25-years old but the Warriors are his fifth team in five seasons.
In spite of this, the Warriors mish-mash of players took it to the Thunder building double-digit leads and responding to every run OKC made.
That was until 8:29 of the final frame when the Thunder seemingly remembered the talent disparity and yes that old adage — defense travels. From this point forward OKC went on a 22 to 5 run to finally breakthrough for a win on the road.
Capote hits the hardwood:
Staying in the adage vein, let’s turn to Truman Capote and one of his famous quotes which weren’t crafted to be solely tied to sports but none the less is applicable here.
“Failure is the condiment that gives success its flavor.” – Truman Capote
Such was the case for the Thunder through 15 games this season. Entering the match versus the Warriors of the 10 games the Thunder had lost eight came down to the final five minutes and what is termed clutch time.
- Utah Jazz, Oct 23: With 8.1 seconds remaining the score was 94-96.
- Washington Wizards, Oct. 25: With 4:17 remaining it was a tie game
- Houston Rockets, Oct. 28: With 13.2 seconds remaining the score was 110-112
- Portland Trail Blazers, Oct. 30: With 17.1 seconds remaining the was 100-97
- Milwaukee Bucks, Nov. 10: With 32.2 seconds remaining it was a tie game
- LA Clippers, Nov. 18: With 31.3 seconds remaining the Thunder led 88-86
- LA Lakers, Nov. 19: With 57.8 seconds remaining on the clock the Lakers held a two-point edge and at 35.6 with LA up by Danilo Gallinari was called for traveling (he did not travel)
- LA Lakers, Nov. 22: With 4.2 seconds remaining it was a one-point game
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
The fanbase appreciates a team that competes nightly as opposed to tanking teams who lose frequently by double-digit blowouts. The other side of that coin, however, is when a team is constantly losing close matches there may come a point when those heartbreaking losses start to play with the mind.
As much as many are adamant OKC should go after an unproven draftee over gaining playoff experience they also understand, it’s equally important the youngsters who’ll be with the Thunder long term learn how to close out these tight matches.
First winning occasionally keeps the youngsters invested in the process and culture. Moreover, when the Thunder decides to push in all their chips to title seek the muscle memory of what it took to power past the obstacles to net the victory will be hugely beneficial.
‘What goes around…’
Finally, an adage which applies on both sides of the floor. The Warriors who dominated the league the past five seasons find themselves in tough with the exit of free agent Kevin Durant, the retirement of Shaun Livingston, trade of Andre Iguodala and injuries to Klay Thomspon, Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, Kevon Looney, and D’Angelo Russell. All of these actions occurring simultaneously has led to the Dubs possessing the worst record in the association.
Hard to believe the squad who set a historic 73-9 record four seasons ago has three wins after 18 games!
Also falling into this adage is the OKC who began the season with the hardest schedule in the league. Facing the Warriors three times in the first quarter of the season initially seemed like a daunting prospect. However, for the same reasons outlined above the Dubs have proven to provide the Thunder relief in the opening segment. In fact. HALF of the Thunder wins have come against Golden State!
Finally, although there will be no tears shed for the Warriors given they’ve sipped from the gold cup repeatedly their demise also points to how quickly things can change.
Sam Presti could be cited for holding draft picks hostage he has so many. Yet, imagine how he feels knowing the Warriors could conceivably walk away with the top draft pick in June and next season march out a healthy Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green with that top prospect!
Should that happen, there could be riots in New York!
The OKC Thunder looks to start a road victory streak as they head to Portland to face the Blazers tomorrow. Check back tomorrow for the Gameday Preview.