Oklahoma City Thunder 2016-17

[dankrutka]

Honest question. Do you think it's laziness or him giving so much effort on the offensive end that he tries to conserve energy on the defensive? When was the last time someone was asked to carry the offensive load that he has that also turned out to be an elite defender?

Actually, there are a lot of dominant two-way superstars - Kawhi Leonard, LeBron James, Chris Paul, Paul George, Jimmy Butler, Anthony Davis, etc. I think Russ' biggest problem is not effort, but not staying disciplined or committed to defensive schemes. Instead of staying in his lane or fighting over a screen, he goes for the steal and leaves his guy wide open. Russ needs to set the tone if this team is going to be really good defensively.

[Jake]

Westbrook cheated on steals and was undisciplined defensively sometimes even when "he who shall not be named" was here helping with the offensive workload.

[Urbanized]

Yeah, on D Russ is a lot like that corner or safety that bites too often on passes; sometimes getting the spectacular pick 6 but more often than not getting burned deep.

[Anonymous.]

If OKC plays like they did tonight (minus about half the turnovers); they can play with the best. Kanter and Adams just wrecked the Knicks. Russell orchestrated an amazing game. Roberson finally seems to have some confidence in his shot (we'll see how long it lasts).

OKC played a tough game tonight, very physical. Glad tomorrow is a rest day for them before revisiting Scott Brooks at the capitol.

[Laramie]

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Oklahoma City Thunder 112 - New York Knicks 103

Box score: http://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=400899705

[Anonymous.]

If OKC plays like they did tonight (minus about half the turnovers); they can play with the best. Kanter and Adams just wrecked the Knicks. Russell orchestrated an amazing game. Roberson finally seems to have some confidence in his shot (we'll see how long it lasts).

OKC played a tough game tonight, very physical. Glad tomorrow is a rest day for them before revisiting Scott Brooks at the capitol.

Just kidding, tomorrow is a home game.

[king183]

If OKC plays like they did tonight (minus about half the turnovers); they can play with the best. Kanter and Adams just wrecked the Knicks. Russell orchestrated an amazing game. Roberson finally seems to have some confidence in his shot (we'll see how long it lasts).

OKC played a tough game tonight, very physical. Glad tomorrow is a rest day for them before revisiting Scott Brooks at the capitol.

Absolutely. That was some great, solid basketball. Everyone contributed and played with energy. That's one of the first games in the last 10 that I've seen everyone go out and play with energy. If we could keep that consistent, we'll rise back to the top 3 or 4 in the standings.

I'm especially glad to see Morrow getting time and no more Kyle Singler. He's ability to hit shots from the outside is giving Russ and Adams/Kanter room to work in the paint, which is devastating for our opponents.

[Celebrator]

Just kidding, tomorrow is a home game.

Hey, it's okay, OKC is a capital, too. Not THE capitOl, but A capital.

[Teo9969]

I really want to know what this team will look like with Cameron Payne. It doesn't seem like it should be such a big deal, but when you insert one of your main 8 players back into the rotation, it can have a major impact. It should allow both Russ and Dipo to get more rest, and should increase Kanter's efficacy when the starting guards are on the bench.

[Jake]

Not a giant sample size, but Payne also seemed like a decent 3-point shooter as well as someone who can handle the ball, which of course always helps.

I agree, I want him to hurry back!

[Laramie]

Different players continue to step up night after night. Now there's some consistency especially with the latest breakout of Morrow & Kanter. Yet, you have the newly acquired players like Oladipo, Lauvergne, Grant, Sabonis & Christian who can become a difference making on any given night.

The 3-pointer taken by Roberson with 3:48 left in the 4th quarter gave the Thunder a 104-99 lead after the Knicks had closed within 2 at 101-99. Roberson didn't think twice about it; he took that shot with confidence.

Westbrook is making the players around him better. He has energized the whole team to another level; something our fearless leader Durant couldn't do in his time here.

Thunder have a very young and fast team. If they can continue to speed up the game to RW's pace, we could be in for a surprise with a team going deep into the playoffs.

[king183]

Russell Westbrook is pretty good at basketball.

[Laramie]

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Oklahoma City Thunder 126 - Washington Wizards 115

Box Score: http://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore/_/id/400899720

[Bill Robertson]

Russell Westbrook is pretty good at basketball.

He certainly is! Now we just need some consistent play to gel around him.

[king183]

Russell Westbrook is pretty good at basketball.

I personally don't understand how Chesapeake Arena isn't completely packed every game with people clamoring to see him play. This guy is a once in a lifetime player who will go down as one of the best to ever play the game. It is mind boggling the amount of talent he has.

[OSUMom]

He is so fun to watch. I also have fun watching Adams. When he gets paired with up some big dude on the other team, it is sometimes hard to watch the ball, because it is fun to watch Adams and whoever fight it out.

[Laramie]

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Oklahoma City Thunder 101 - New Orleans Pelicans 92

Box score: http://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=400899743

[Laramie]

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Oklahoma City Thunder 102 - Atlanta Hawks 99

Box score: http://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=400899749

Westbrook records 6th straight triple-double...

[OSUMom]

They almost let this game get away from them. Atlanta wanted it bad. Luckily the game ended before they could get up in the score. Another minute and I'm not sure we could have held it.

[king183]

We are three possessions away from a 17-5 record.

We're starting to click more and score with greater ease. Love the progress. Let's keep it up.

[dankrutka]

It's really important for the Thunder to building up some wins before the brutal January schedule hits. Oladipo is playing a bit better during this recent streak and Adams hand seems to be getting better (can't say the same about his ankles). Morrow has been good since taking Abrines' minutes. More than anything, everyone seems to better understand their roles on the team. Hopefully, Cam Payne comes back healthy and gives the bench a bump...

[Anonymous.]

Yea the last week has been a great showing of never giving up in close games. Losing to those three game-winners in that week stretch prior, was killer.

After Christmas, the Thunder plays something like 9 games in 14 days with nearly all of them on the road.

[OSUMom]

There are 3 home games in the whole month of Jan. Three.

[Bellaboo]

There are 3 home games in the whole month of Jan. Three.

Only two road games in the following month of February, so they kind of balance out.

[OSUMom]

Only two road games in the following month of February, so they kind of balance out.

Feast or famine.