State of the Thunder

[tlance]

Melo letting it come to him more tonight. So far this is pretty typical, always play great in 1st quarter and lead the league by far in 1st quarter defense. If they are true to form as the 2nd team starts coming in the defense will start breaking down. Then in the 3rd they just don't look anything like they did in the 1st. Hope they can break the trend tonight, they are good enough to beat anyone.

I wouldn't be shocked if they do break the trend tonight though.

Lots of emotion carrying them.

 

[thunderc]

George is a free agent next season. You really think he stays if OKC has a bad record/misses the playoffs and there's a bad vibe in the locker room?

I was taking about him being traded this season, that's not happening unless it really goes bad. I still think they figure it out.

 

[thunderc]

I wouldn't be shocked if they do break the trend tonight though.

Lots of emotion carrying them.

I'm telling you it's been like this every game, they build leads then poof they are gone.

 

[Shaqdaddy11]

I was taking about him being traded this season, that's not happening unless it really goes bad. I still think they figure it out.

No not via trade unless it's toward the end of the season and he indicates there's no way he'd re-sign.

In which case a PG - Julius Randle trade could work out for both parties.

 

[tlance]

I'm telling you it's been like this every game, they build leads then poof they are gone.

OKC's defense has been awesome so far.

Closing out on shooters extremely well and taking away passing lanes too.

 

[tlance]

No not via trade unless it's toward the end of the season and he indicates there's no way he'd re-sign.

In which case a PG - Julius Randle trade could work out for both parties.

They will get better offers than that, even for a total rental.

 

[thunderc]

OKC's defense has been awesome so far.

Closing out on shooters extremely well and taking away passing lanes too.

Yes they have shown thst for short periods they can be the best defensive team in the league, which any team with PG, Roberson and Adams on it should be. Just hope they choose to keep it up tonight.

 

[Shaqdaddy11]

They will get better offers than that, even for a total rental.

Maybe, maybe not. That wasn't my point.

Not at the end of the season. Nobody is going to trade a pick or a better player than Randle for a month's rental.

 

[bksballer89]

OKC's defense has been awesome so far.

Closing out on shooters extremely well and taking away passing lanes too.

Another reason I'm not too concerned about OKC bad start is because their defense been consistent. Top 3 in DEF EFF and 5th in opp fg%

 

[thunderc]

Pretty good half.

 

[thunderc]

Westbrook is straight up embarrassing Durant.

 

[tlance]

Maybe, maybe not. That wasn't my point.

Not at the end of the season. Nobody is going to trade a pick or a better player than Randle for a month's rental.

First of all, they can't offer that deal without adding a contract in. Second, go back and look at the history of trade deadline deals. When players as good as George move, they cost a lot more than just Randle. He doesn't have as much value as you want him to.

 

[bksballer89]

 

[Shanemansj13]

They showed their potential. OKC has the athletes and talent to go far if they get it together.

 

[bksballer89]

They showed their potential. OKC has the athletes and talent to go far if they get it together.

The defense is there. More about their big 3 learning how to play with each other and closing out game

 

[Shaqdaddy11]

First of all, they can't offer that deal without adding a contract in. Second, go back and look at the history of trade deadline deals. When players as good as George move, they cost a lot more than just Randle. He doesn't have as much value as you want him to.

So letting him walk in the summer for nothing is a better deal?

 

[wildturkey]

Everything's fixed now. Go ahead and close the thread

 

[tlance]

So letting him walk in the summer for nothing is a better deal?

If they play anything close to how they played last night, he isn't walking. Or at least the Thunder will risk that he will. So yes.

 

[Wishbone]

We saw a glimpse last night of what the Thunder can do when they put it all together. They have been close its really just been the last 2 minutes of almost every one of their losses. As long as they can maintain a 20 point lead in the 4th qtr they got no worries.

 

[tlance]

Here are my thoughts on OKC after watching last night:

First the good:

1) they can be elite defensively. They are extremly long and athletic 1-5 and they contest every pass. The Warriors got nothing easy last night and OKC turned them over a ton.
2) they are as good as any team in the league in transition offense. Russ IMO is the hardest player in the NBA to guard in the open floor (Giannis is close). Melo spotting up on the wing and PG/Roberson cutting to the rim, they are absolutely lethal there.

Now, the not so good:

They aren't great in half court offense and I don't think they ever will be. It isn't one person's fault either. Roberson and most bench wings they bring in are not scoring threats. Adams only plays within 8 feet of the rim. As gifted as Russ is, he is going to make some bad decisions in half court, especially when they are playing 3.5 on 5.

Overall, I was impressed with what I saw. This team can challenge anybody in the playoffs if they are able to defend with the energy they had last night. Their ability to force turnovers fuels their offensive transition where they are also great. Teams that are able to keep OKC in a half court setting offensively will be successful. Giving up as many transition points as GS did last night, you have no chance.