vs. 
Washington Wizards (14-46, 4-24 road) vs. Thunder (15-45, 11-20 home)
TV: FS Oklahoma (Cox 37, HD 722)
Radio: WWLS The Sports Animal (98.1 FM, 640 AM)
Time: 7:00 CST
Offensive Rating: Thunder: 103.8 (28th), Washington: 104.8 (25th)
Defensive Rating: Thunder: 109.9 (21st), Washington: 113.1 (29th)
Pace: Thunder: 93.9 (8th), Washington: 90.2 (21st)
A little ironic that the Thunder could pull of their first three-game winning streak without their star. But before we get rolling with Kevin Durant and The Ewing Theory, let’s remember the opponents for two of them and remember the effort for the other. And realize this could be for four straight if he hadn’t gotten hurt against Dallas last Friday.
But tonight’s game is far from in the bag. Strange how even without Durant and possibly no Jeff Green (still listed as questionable), you can go in feeling really confident. But just like Monday, they’re going to go ahead and play the game.
The team played with a chip on its shoulder Monday night. Nobody thought they had a chance. But now, they’re the favorite. But they can’t play like it. They won Monday because they took nothing for granted – every possession was a war. That’s got to be the mindset tonight, tomorrow night, next week and next year.
Sure the Wizards aren’t really anything special, but they still have some nice players and they still have a win over OKC already – and that was without Caron Butler who is back (but is listed as questionable with a hamstring injury). But they are terrible on the road (4-24), have lost four of five and are one of the worst defensive teams in the league.
Again, Russell Westbrook needs to create and distribute and make everyone on the floor better. I’m actually really excited to watch the team (hopefully) execute well and do the little things necessary to win. These games without Durant are going to really help the team in the long run and especially help Westbrook. He did wonderful against Dallas, but tonight’s a new game and it’s got to happen again. Set up Nenad Krstic for sweet jumpers. Set up Kyle Weaver for dribble-drives and open threes. Get guys like Thabo, Nick Collison and Malik Rose in the mix of the offense and playing with confidence. And then do a little scoring yourself.
Nothing is guaranteed in this league and in order to get that elusive three-game stretch, the Thunder’s going to have to lay it out there. Scott Brooks hopefully will pound that home and behind the energy of the home crowd can get it done. I know I’d sure love to see three straight, no matter how we get it.
Tip at 7:00 CST and OU plays at 8:00. Set the DVR, flip back and forth, whatever. Go both teams.
Thabo's stats in 6 games are almost exactly his career averages except most notably his turnovers are about half and his assists are down too.
I guess he is doing stuff at the right time and stuff that they need right now. Good chance it will work out but it is real early and other teams don't know what he does / can do in this new context and they probably scout him better in the future. Whether they control him or not is an open question.
WHAT A STEAL OF A TRADE!!!! UNBELIEVABLE!
Is Chicago really that stupid to leave him buried in the bench for this long? Well, hopefully he knows that we would love to keep him for a loooong time. 3 in a row!
Me too Joe. I really, really, really, really like that guy. So active and such an intelligent player.
I'm going to be organizing the Thabo fan club if this keeps up.
Krstic has no rebounds at the half, but Wilkins has four (probably mostly from his four missed field goals).
Annnd an airball. Woo Damien!
AAAAaarrrgg. Did anybody else see Wilkins miss the layin on the break because he wouldn't give it up to Thabo??? Terrible.
Thunder will win the battle of the boards tonight. Can Krstic score 20+ in back to back games? I think Westbrook can take their guards off the dribble. I wouldn't be surprised to see him shoot 20 free throws.
@Steve H
Absolutely Steve. Totally agree.
Tanking to try and improve your lottery odds is a dispicable practice. Being EXTRA cautious about bringing injured players back when you have no shot at the playoffs- that's just being smart. I hope KD and Uncle Jeff stay in street clothes until they are 100% ready to play.
I think that you are right. These games without Durant (Green?) are a great learning experience. For Durant, he can see that he doesn't have to bear the whole load. For Krstic, Thabo, Weaver, and others it shows that when they are on the floor, they can compete a higher level as well as giving them more minutes. And for Westbrook, it gives him the opportunity to take control like a point guard should. Not to mention that if he continues to lead like this, it can help his ROY chances as well.
I think that Durant should not come back until he is ready even if that is not till next week. These growth opportunities need to be taken advantage of when they present themselves.
Boo... Boomer Thunder.
Rock Chalk Thunder. A 3 game winning streak and clinching a share of the conference title in the same night!