How about them Thunder?
It’s a great time to be a Thunder fan. We’ve officially bagged our second 5-game win streak this season. That’s really something for a team that was 3 and freaking 29 before New Year’s Eve last season.
It’s especially fortuitous when the next MVP your superstar manages to have a bad shooting night while the team is playing the Warriors. Sometimes everything in the universe is properly aligned and everything flows majestically. Tonight KD missed two-thirds of his shots but the team still won walking away.
As you would expect, tonight’s game was something of a track meet. Golden State/Nellie ball is all about getting out in transition; they are willing to let you shoot unmolested for the most part as long as you don’t take too long to do it, so that they can get the ball back and get the quickest shot available.
But something is wrong with the recipe when one of the slower teams in the association (the Thunder-92 possessions per 48 minutes) plays the very fastest paced team (GSW-100 possessions per 48), and played at the Warriors fast pace (103 possessions tonight) and took them to the woodshed. Am I the only one who thinks Nellie is just flat out tired and bored and only hanging on to get the last ten or so wins he needs to pass Lenny Wilkins for the all time coaching victory record? Really Nellie? You really start Coby Karl on Kevin Durant in his first career start? Really?
- I was shocked, but then, not really shocked (it is Don Nelson after all) to see Coby Karl on Durant. Giving up 5 inches, not the most athletic guy in the world, just called up from the D-league, it was all against him. Yet history probably won’t frown on this too much. After all KD did miss a lot of shots and ONLY SCORED 29 on 7/21 shooting. Sort of subpar for Durantula. It must have been Karl’s defense right?
- Biedrins had 10 first quarter rebounds and Jeff Green and Nenad Krstic combinded for only 4. Biedrins finished up with 18 boards. The dude was really getting inside position when every shot went up.
- The Thunder have now won five in a row, two of which were on the road, and scored 100 points in each of the last five, while only allowing the opponent to get to 100 one time.
- Don’t look now but the Thunder are climbing up toward respectability on offense. Last season the Thunder were 29th of 30 teams with an offensive efficiency of 102.9. Most of this season we’ve been around mid 20′s with an offensive efficiency of around 105. Now we are up to 18th with an offensive efficiency of 106.4 (not counting tonight). The last five games we’ve been just shy of 111.
- Here’s a perfect example of why the offensive scheme that GSW uses doesn’t work: On a missed Krstic jumper in the first quarter the defensive rebound was gathered in by Corey Maggette; he took off in transition. By the time he got to the three point line there were four Thunder defenders back in the shell and no Warriors. Most players would pull it back and wait for their teammates so they could set something up. Not with Maggette and Nellie ball. Maggette jacked up a deep two…..miss. No chance for a rebound.
- It was pretty gross watching the Warriors team trainer yanking on Maggette’s jammed finger; it was all bent and jammed and ugly looking. Our wonderful announcer Brian Davis said “It’s one round of pull my finger where nobody is laughing“. That’s a quote.
- Did you notice that tonight was the second game in a row where KD didn’t get the call on his famous “rip move”? Should we be like Laker fans and cry about how our superstar is not getting his calls?
- I thought Serge might have a chance to have a big game tonight with all the rebounds that would be available, but he picked up two quick fouls and only played 8+ minutes.
- At the half, with a slim 2 point lead, the play of the Thunder showed why defense is so important. Only shooting 39% to GSW’s 44%, yet still having the lead because of a big edge in turns and rebounds. The little hustle plays matter.
- Can you believe Russell Westbrook’s line tonight? 21 points, 10 assists, 7 rebounds, 8 steals, 2 turns and only one foul. That’s not a misprint.
- The third quarter was again the pivotal quarter for the Thunder. We came out and dropped 36 on 14/23 shooting. Meanwhile GSW put up 23 on 9/24 shooting. Game over.
- We win the game by 9 points but only sink one more field goal than the Warriors. The difference here was 8 missed FT’s: 13-21 61% for them and 22-24 91% for us.
- I thought Maynor was excellent in his 12 minutes. 5 points 4 assists and only one turn. Somehow he was -1.
- Best news of the night: Houston, Memphis, Denver and Portland all lost. New Orleans and Utah won. We are officially now ahead of Portland in the Western Conference and just a 1/2 game behind San Antonio. We have a lead on the glut of teams battling for 8th spot up to 7. Portland now sits in 8th.
- In a word: Jeff Green, decent. Kevin Durant, subpar. Russell Westbrook, stellar. Nick Collison, tough. James Harden, streaky. Byron Mullens, tall.
Jake :
Anyone else think Westbrook’s shovel pass back to Durant on the break was forced, to add another dime? It struck me as the equivalent of a breakaway receiver jumping dramatically into the end zone all alone.
No way it was a smart play. Durant was struggling on offense. That was great play to possible get him over the hump. Don't know why you questioned that play.
Jake :
Anyone else think Westbrook’s shovel pass back to Durant on the break was forced, to add another dime? It struck me as the equivalent of a breakaway receiver jumping dramatically into the end zone all alone.
I think maybe so, but I also think Russ knew KD was kind of struggling, so he wanted to give him something to get his spirits back up. Kind of a two-fold purpose, really.
We ran one play in this game, a pick and roll with Russ rolling and the GSW broadcasters really liked it. I liked it, too, and I want to see more of it. It was similar to the one against Charlotte where Kevin Durant was double teamed.
Jake :Anyone else think Westbrook’s shovel pass back to Durant on the break was forced, to add another dime? It struck me as the equivalent of a breakaway receiver jumping dramatically into the end zone all alone.
could be since he's never done it before (to my memory) . . .
@justin
Yeah, I'd definitely rather have a big. Still, kind of interesting to think about.
Anyone else think Westbrook's shovel pass back to Durant on the break was forced, to add another dime? It struck me as the equivalent of a breakaway receiver jumping dramatically into the end zone all alone.
It would mean trading Thabo or Harden. Kevin Martin's having a down year after the injury but he's been one of the league's most efficient scorers. He's been 60%+ TS the last four seasons, about as good as you can get as a wing player.. Kevin Durant's at 60.7% right now.
He's a horrible defender, though, and his game is similar to Durant's in a lot of ways. If we're going to commit that kind of long term money to anyone I'd rather it be a big..
@Lefty
3 years after this between 11-13 mm per year, so not too bad, but it would meand cutting thabo and hardens minutes, also this year martin has shot 38% and 16 time per game, last year he was much better at 42%, so he is an upgrade if having durant as a teammate inproves his open shots, but if still shoots 38% he isnt an upgrade over harden
justin :Kev I don’t see Eric Maynor in your breakdown, he seemed to get torched by Steph Curry a couple times..
oops - sorry . . .
Eric Maynor (-4)
His notes:
• Contest CJ Watson outside (10:00 – 2nd)
• Foul on Corey Maggette (8:40 – 2nd)
• Foul – bumped Corey Maggette from behind (1:20 – 3rd)
• Schooled by Steph Curry and 1 (end of 3rd quarter)
So, Kevin Martin is possibly up for trade. He could do a lot for this team. He's a shooter. He'd give Durant another guy to rely on when his shot isn't falling. I'm not really saying we should get him - I don't know what his contract is like, and we'd probably have to give up something we don't want to to get him, but it's and interesting thought, anyway.
Also, there's the possibility of having a 1-3 all named Kevin on the floor at the same time.
Kivman :@KevJust wondering, but does your system adjust for pace? Is it easier to get a “best ever” against a fast paced team (and, I suppose, also a “worst ever” if you get killed by a fast paced team)?
good call - it doesn't, so you are probably right, this was the second best (pace adjusted) . . .
@Kev
Just wondering, but does your system adjust for pace? Is it easier to get a "best ever" against a fast paced team (and, I suppose, also a "worst ever" if you get killed by a fast paced team)?
j-mo :
I found this article from the GSW (Gun Shot Wound?) perspective. They give a lot of props to the Thunder, unlike other teams that just say “We played bad.”
http://www.goldenstateofmind.com/2010/2/7/1299288/recap-thunder-104-warriors-95
Even better than saying "we played bad." From the article:
"On one memorable play at 7:25 of the third quarter, Biedrins caught the ball in the low post, used his off hand to hitch up his pants while the defense got set, then threw the ball out of the double-team straight to Russell Westbrook for a fastbreak slam. Check it out. I'm not sure I've ever seen that move from a post player before."
I saw that play and was wondering what Biedrins was doing as well.
we're going to have to start compiling a list of nicknames for Thabo for all the victims he is claiming...
we've already pronounced him a 'Koby Killer'
after last night, I think we can add 'Ellis Eater'
;)
cool...
from 82.8% to 86.5%
Hollinger's 2010 Playoff Odds
When we hit 90%, I think we can all officially start high fivin each other (and strangers in the street too!)
very happy with the win but...
I have to complain about the rather stinky ending that no one else appears to have brought up.
We had a 16 point lead with about 5 mins left to play when we went on a major shooting slump. KD looked absolutely set to do another 30+ game as he was sitting on 29 pts. But he kept missed several jumpers (well, those weren't falling all night). And even when he tried to drive, he just turned it over rather than score or get the foul call. Totally cold.
And no one else scored either. GSW hung in there and hit a couple of shots. Then with about 2 mins left, Brooks sends in the scrubs. And they can't hit a shot either. GSW makes a couple more buckets. Now it's down to an 8 point lead with about 1:30 left in the game. Not good at all.
Fortunately, Eric finally hits a trey which pushes the lead back to 11. And GSW only manages one more bucket in the game. So we came out of it alright and win by 9.
But that was very dangerous. Letting the foot off the gas pedal with 5 mins left in the game is tempting fate. A better team would have stomped all over that. The Warriors were kind and gave us Coby Karl lofting air balls. The Mavericks or Spurs would not have been so generous.
We often discussed on this board about how the team needs to learn how to pull off the close ones with late game execution. And I think they have improved vastly in that regard. But they also have to learn (what should be a simpler task) how to close out games where they hold a substantial lead.
It shouldn't be that difficult. It's mainly a job of being relaxed and yet still focused. Pass the ball around a lot and eat up game clock. Keep passing until you find a man with an open shot. Then take it. Most of the time you'll make it. Game time gets chewed up and the opponent can't really make any headway even if they manage to start making shots.
I'm thrilled with the win and happy over all. But our game play at the end was not smart and really annoyed me. I hope Brooks and his staff noticed that and make some adjustments.
Kev I don't see Eric Maynor in your breakdown, he seemed to get torched by Steph Curry a couple times..
don't sweat it Joe, I saw the same mistake games ago when he first got it . . . i didn't mention it because
a) its no biggie
b) both Royce and you do a great job of editing your material . . .
keep up the great work . . .
Snowflake :
Come on Joe it’s “Mullens” not “Mullins”
Darn it. I'm such a dope. Believe it or not I won the spelling bee in Middle school.
@j-mo That is a good write up. Thanks J=mo.
I found this article from the GSW (Gun Shot Wound?) perspective. They give a lot of props to the Thunder, unlike other teams that just say "We played bad."
http://www.goldenstateofmind.com/2010/2/7/1299288/recap-thunder-104-warriors-95
I think Mullens nickname should be Mulligan, as in can we draft again and pick Blair. Westbrook just had the best stat game since Gary Payton in 1999,nice. They are gonna win 50 this year.
Defensive Breakdown
It was the best Thunder defensive performance ever. Yes, ever. The high of the year was +63, but I tinkered with my formula a month ago, and those changes result in lower totals. So this was it. You already know about Russell’s eight steals. But the contested shots were piling up. I went and counted. The Warriors missed fifty-one shots. The Thunder contested thirty-four and blocked another four. That means that seventy five percent of the GS misses were either contested or blocked. Very good stuff.
Defensive MVP – Westbrook (+18)
Not much more to say about Westbrook. He was racking up steals as if he was playing a pinball machine. The best one came in the second quarter. Warriors guard Monta Ellis was dribbling up the left side. He attempted to drive left past Westbrook. Russell used his quick hands to pickpocket Monta. Ellis kept going but left the ball. Westbrook took the free rock and slammed it in ahead of a chasing Andres Biedrins. This defensive score was the best total of the year (Thabo had a +23 against the Lakers in November, but again, the system creates lower scores now).
Kevin Durant (+17)
How can Durant have a total this close to RW’s without the eight steals?? Take note:
• Steal on pass from Coby Karl (11:00 – 1st)
• Loose ball steal from Monta Ellis (3:50 – 1st)
• Loose ball (3:00 – 1st)
• Steal at the end of the first half
• Block on Anthony Tolliver at the rim (10:00 – 3rd)
• Contest Anthony Tolliver outside (8:50 – 3rd)
• Steal on pass from Steph Curry (6:40 – 3rd)
• Contest Steph Curry outside (2:00 – 3rd)
• Steal on long pass from Steph Curry (1:00 – 3rd)
• Contested Coby Karl outside (4:10 – 4th)
• Forced airball from Coby Karl (3:40 – 4th)
• Contest Steph Curry outside (late 4th)
Durant’s length just causes problems for guys on the perimeter. He’s the longest perimeter defender in the NBA – and that shows in his defensive totals.
Thabo Sefolosha (+13)
Thabo joined in on the defensive dominance with eight contests, two steals, a deflection, and a forced jump ball. The first defensive play of the game showcases how Thabo does it. Monta Ellis is in the left corner, and Andres Biedrins has the ball at the left high post. Coby Karl (son of the Nuggets coach) sets a downscreen for Ellis as Ellis pops up. Thabo has to go under that screen and he runs into Biedrins on the way to Ellis, who now has the ball at the elbow. Anyone who has seen Ellis all year knows that the ball is going up (Ellis has been deadly from 18-20 feet this year). As Ellis starts the motion on his jumper, Thabo (who is still behind Biedrins) reaches past the gangly Warriors center with his long, outstretched arm. He manages to get his hand in the eyes of Ellis. Some defenders would have given up after running into Biedrins, but Thabo always goes the extra mile on the defensive end. And yes, the Ellis shot clanged off the rim.
Jeff Green (+7)
Jeff Green has his issues inside, but he is great at chasing down defenders in the open floor (second on the team only to Ibaka). In the second quarter, Warriors guard Anthony Morrow pops the ball loose from Eric Maynor, and Corey Maggette is the recipient of the ball in the open court. He’s got clear sailing to the bucket. Jeff Green outruns his two guards, Maynor and Harden. He passes both and catches up to the Warriors forward. He commits the foul, but the fact that he chased Maggette down shows his commitment to defense. I could watch this play over and over (especially since last year he NEVER did this).
Nenad Krstic (+7)
James Harden (+4)
Nick Collison (+2)
Kevin Ollie (zero)
Byron Mullens (zero)
Serge Ibaka (-1)
How in the world can you have a subpar night individually when the team sets a defensive record? Well, Serge’s weaknesses are is inconstancy in blocking out, and his penchant for going for the block. They surfaced again today. He needs to watch tape of Collison and harness his athletic ability for use in the right situations.
yeah, he got to the line a lot of times and the GSW announcers were going crazy lol
this game was all about Westbrook, what an amazing performance... great decisions, good defense, very good vision on the court... just awesome all around.
KD got the call on a phantom hand check on a bogus 3-point attempt. The GSW announcers replayed it 5 times and it was clear there was no contact. However, but Durant got the whistle and hit 3 freebies. I think it worked both ways.
I don't think it will be Paul in New Orleans but include him and the other two big names and the next MVP comes from this list.
I'm going to use the crossed out phrase "the Next MVP" differently than the most common usage.
The next MVP, who hasn't already been one.
I don"t think it will be Wade or Melo. I think it will be Howard, Bosh, Roy or Durant. Not this year. probably not next year but the next new one will probably be one of these guys.
That Westbrook will never be a point guard. ha.
Come on Joe it's "Mullens" not "Mullins"