Game Thread: OKC @ MIA

[Wishbone]

Crazy that Okc is rolling everyone without Westbrook. It's easy to forget what a Superstar that guy is as well. Can't wait for his return.

 

[Brahmsian]

Crazy that Okc is rolling everyone without Westbrook. It's easy to forget what a Superstar that guy is as well. Can't wait for his return.

Westbrook should move to SG when he comes back.

He has gotten better at PG in his years at the position but is still better suited to the position he played in college.

 

[Hornsstampede2.0]

This had nothing to do with Perk.

It was the 2nd unit of OKLAHOMA City shooting an unrealistic and unsustainable 3 point pace.

The HEAT actually handled Durant and the OKC starters reasonably well.
But, the wildcard that is REGULAR SEASON BENCH PLAYERS reared its ugly head.

That is something that just doesn't happen in the playoffs.
The playoffs don't feauture deep benches. It is a different game.

Under no circumstance can anyone expect to have their bench shoot 10-for-12 at 3 point line in the playoffs.

It is a frankly unsustainable way to win a series.....or even a game most time in the playoffs.

 

[gordontrue]

The narrative sportscenter is selling on this game is predictable and inaccurate.

LeBron and Durant played toe-to-toe (and it was awesome to watch).

The fact that Thunder players not named Durant combined for 12-18 from 3-pt range was the difference in the game.

That said, Durant's teams won and he played amazing. Its even more amazing when you consider the stretch of games he's done it on.

GG OKC.

 

[BOTSLAYER]

The narrative sportscenter is selling on this game is predictable and inaccurate.

What is their narrative? Curious but not enough to open the site.

 

[gordontrue]

What is their narrative? Curious but not enough to open the site.

That Durant outdueled LeBron. That LeBron couldn't score on Durant's lock down defense.

 

[BOTSLAYER]

hahaha laughable and TY

 

[thunderc]

Don't you blaspheme up in here!!! MJ played 1 on 5 with 1 arm tied behind his back after shoveling snow up hill both ways the entire way to the stadium...luckily Nike was sponsoring him so he could at least wear shoes.

By sustainable I assume you mean Harden's play or the ability for them to pay that money? Either way it was and is sustainable, just like the IND owner could go into the luxury if winning rings was their #1 concern. Rings bring in a lot of money but I have a belief that small market owners are risk averse for a number of reasons. LAL have a ridiculous TV contract that give them any monetary ability they can manage to use. MIA was in the red in 2011 after losing the finals but has made money both years since.

You are discounting the changes that have been made to the cap structure. OKC is better off due to the trade, the verdict is in on that one.

 

[thunderc]

This had nothing to do with Perk.

It was the 2nd unit of OKLAHOMA City shooting an unrealistic and unsustainable 3 point pace.

The HEAT actually handled Durant and the OKC starters reasonably well.
But, the wildcard that is REGULAR SEASON BENCH PLAYERS reared its ugly head.

That is something that just doesn't happen in the playoffs.
The playoffs don't feauture deep benches. It is a different game.

Under no circumstance can anyone expect to have their bench shoot 10-for-12 at 3 point line in the playoffs.

It is a frankly unsustainable way to win a series.....or even a game most time in the playoffs.

You aren't close to right, the Thunder defense was the difference in this game and it is not going anywhere, will only improve when Westbrook comes back. 13 steals last night.

 

[BOTSLAYER]

You are discounting the changes that have been made to the cap structure. OKC is better off due to the trade, the verdict is in on that one.

Better off as far as the cap goes but I think as for better off with more titles no. It is no guarantee you would have won it all but it is a lot more likely.

 

[thunderc]

Strongly disagree if you are saying giving up Ibaka for Harden would have resulted in a better team. This team is better right now without Westbrook than they were when they played Miami 2 seasons ago. Really no debating that.

 

[TurnUpTheHeat]

You aren't close to right, the Thunder defense was the difference in this game and it is not going anywhere, will only improve when Westbrook comes back. 13 steals last night.

It was a combination of both.

And by no means am I saying the Thunder are better without Westbrook, but they were last night.