Former OKC Thunder stars dominate in closeout matches

Former OKC Thunder stars shine - Nets forward Kevin Durant (7) controls the ball against Bucks forward P.J. Tucker (17): Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports
Former OKC Thunder stars shine - Nets forward Kevin Durant (7) controls the ball against Bucks forward P.J. Tucker (17): Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports /
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The final four teams are set following some exciting basketball games this weekend. A common denominator in the matches was standout performances by former OKC Thunder players. Not all resulted in victory but they certainly provided ample water-cooler or zoom meeting fodder.

That quartet features the two-seeded Suns versus the fourth-seeded Clippers in the West and the third-seeded Bucks versus the fifth-seeded Hawks in the East.

Former OKC Thunder stars dominate in semi-final closeout games

Friday, the Clippers defeated the Jazz with Paul George and Reggie Jackson stepping up in the absence of Kawhi Leonard. Sunday, the Western Conference Finals began between the Clippers and Suns. Once again, George and Jackson kept things interesting right up to the final 22 seconds but Phoenix prevailed.

Chris Paul remained out dealing with health and safety protocols but his fingerprints are all over the young Suns. The best example was superstar Devin Booker who registered his first career triple-double of (40 points, 13 rebounds, 11 assists) and stated postgame he was consciously focused on providing playmaking referencing “the things Chris usually does”.

Cameron Payne started in place of CP3 and was effective with 11 points, nine assists, three rebounds, a steal, and a block.

In the East, both semi-finals were pushed to the limit with the underdogs winning each series. Kevin Durant literally tried to carry the Brooklyn Nets to victory with otherworldly performances. Case in point check out his last three games:

  • Game 5: he played all 48 minutes registering a triple-double of 49 points, 17 rebounds, 10 assists, adding 3 steals, and two blocks.
  • Game 6: he played 40 minutes producing a double-double of 32 points and 11 rebounds.
  • Game 7: he played every second of regulation and overtime (53 minutes) delivering 48 points, nine rebounds, six assists, a steal, and a block.

Ultimately, KD came up a toenail too long from winning the series. I won’t deny the fact I had mixed emotions about the outcome. I was hoping the Nets wouldn’t advance because the NBA is a trend-driven league. Brooklyn winning would’ve vaulted teams toward less defense and more multi-star populated teams. It’s not just that I prefer basketball with great two-way play but if Big 3’s became the top trend it doesn’t behoove small markets.

On the other hand, to witness Durant almost singlehandedly beat the Bucks was inspiring. That he missed all last season recovering from a torn Achilles and was out there averaging 47 minutes, 43 points, and 12.3 rebounds through the final three games defies logic.

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In the final game of the weekend, the surprising Hawks beat the top-seeded 76ers. Notably, Philly was 29-2 (prior to the bubble last season) and 29-7 this season at  Wells Fargo– a cumulative nine losses in 58 games. Yet they lost three times to Atlanta in a seven-game series.

Former OKC Thunder sniper Danilo Gallinari made the play of the game. Philly had possession with the Hawks up four and 44.7 seconds remaining. Gallo forced an Embiid turnover and streaked down the court for a dunk to put Atlanta up 98-92.

Even watching the game on TV the effect that play had was palpable. Gallinari scored 17 points five rebounds, two assists, and that big steal.

As these teams compete to represent their conferences there is a strong bias at Intentions as we pull for Chris Paul’s quick (and safe) return. Emotionally it would be great if he could finally reach an NBA Finals and even better if the Point God could hoist the Larry  O’B.

In terms of action this week, the OKC Thunder will find out tomorrow where they’ll pick in the upcoming NBA Draft. So – send up your prayers, channel positive energy, and let’s get that top draft pick!

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