Art Garcia writing about the importance of coaching: ”Scott Brooks is the Coach of the Year favorite because of his fit with the Thunder. Among the lowest paid in the league, Brooks has guided the NBA’s youngest team into the playoffs after a four-year franchise drought. Sure, he has Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and Jeff Green to work with, and Brooks is the first to heap praise on his players. But those in Oklahoma City cite Brooks’ demeanor, style and consistency as just as valuable to the Thunder’s growth. Brooks understands the front office’s long-term vision while focusing on daily improvement. OKC has more than doubled its win total from last season and figures to be a tough out in the postseason.”
ESPN.com revealed their MVP votes yesterday Kevin Durant finished second: “Points per game don’t do it for me. But all-out nonstop effort at both ends of the court, profound improvement in almost every facet of the game, and all that winning … that’s awesome.”
And Scott Brooks is the Coach of the Year.
David Aldridge’s award ballot: “The logical place to start, it seems, would be to ask why wouldn’t you give the MVP to James? In what way has he not proven himself superior to the league’s elite? Do you really think he couldn’t overtake Durant for the scoring title if that was important to him? Haven’t his Cavs swept Kobe’s Lakers?”
NBA.com power rankings have OKC 10th and make a good point: “More important than where they land in the standings may be that the Thunder just aren’t playing their best basketball. Though they shut down the high-octane Suns on Friday, their defense hasn’t been strong of late, with a 106.7 rating over the last month.”
KD on the finish to the season: “We would have liked to have finished the season out stronger than we did,” Durant said “But we’re still in the playoffs. We just got to take the opportunity to go out there and play our hardest and leave it all on the floor. Nobody expected us to be here.”
Oklahoma product Ekpe Udoh is entering in the draft.
Aron Phillips of Dime says KD should win MIP: “At just 21 years old, his name is already being mentioned in the MVP discussion after he’s helped his young team to almost 50 wins. But with all that said, basketball insiders have been asking the following question: Why shouldn’t Kevin Durant win the Most Improved Player award? My answer: He should.”
John Krolik on that topic too: “I understand that the NBA likes to spread its awards out and recognize players who normally wouldn’t get late-season publicity. And I doubt Durant will care that much (read: at all) about not being considered for an MIP trophy. But wouldn’t it be something to give out the Most Improved Player award to the player who actually made the biggest improvement this season?”
Phil Jackson is already trying to mess with Kevin Durant: ’It didn’t take long for Lakers Coach Phil Jackson to start working the referees. A day after the Lakers found out they’d play Oklahoma City in the first round of the playoffs, Jackson pointed out that Thunder forward Kevin Durant got a lot of favorable attention from referees. “Yeah, by the calls he gets, he really gets to the line a lot, I’ll tell ya,” Jackson said Tuesday. “There’s a couple plays in the last game where I was pretty curious how he got there.”
If OKC loses the opening round playoff series against the Lakers, it will be because we just didn't play our best. We could win every series if we really wanted to.
-- The above statement is BS, and disrespectful. Even if it were true, it would still be in bad taste.
Is King James the better player? Sure
But he still doesn't need to disrespect other's accomplishments by saying, basically "No big deal, I could do that"
LeBron is the best player in the league. If he wanted to score more, he could. What would be his scoring ceiling? I don't know. It would be higher than 30. 35? 38?
KD is not the best player in the league, but he's top 5 and a great scorer (hence his scoring title at age 21). If he wanted to score more, he could. What would be his ceiling? I don't know. It would be higher than 30 (obvious in that it already is this season). 35? 38?
My simple point is it's unknowable - so I don't automatically agree with the LBJ comment and I'm tired of hearing it repeated as a gospel truth (which it isn't). I also think it is somewhat direspectful to KD (which I think Kev finally admitted to). Honestly, KD probably doesn't care and I only care because I am a KD fan (and proud to admit it). I've got his back!
I know I'm getting repetitive now so this will be my last comment on the subject.
Uh .. Lebron plays point forward quite a bit and in that position, dishes the ball more often than Kevin has the opportunity to. If Lebron wasn't worried about getting his teammates as involved and wanted to try to score just a bit more than he already does, he would win the scoring title. He is the best player in the NBA. That isn't a slight on KD, it just is what it is. KD doesn't begin the offensive possession with the ball in his hands. LBJ does. If Lebron wanted to shoot more often, he could. KD has to depend on Russell or Eric or whoever to get him the ball first. If KD brought the ball up as often as LBJ does, then it is an even comparison. So yeah ... LBJ could have won the scoring title this year if he had wanted to. It might have cost his team a win here and there, and certainly would have pissed them off if he was selfish like that. On the other hand, if Kev was concentrating on the scoring title, he wouldn't pass out of the double teams and would have to beg for the ball on each and every trip down the floor (or just get off the screen's easier).
justin :@Kivman
To surpass Kevin Durant, LeBron would have to make an extra .5 FGM per game. LeBron averages 8.6 assists per contest. If that dropped to 3.6 assists, still higher than Durant, and LeBron used those possessions to shoot the ball, he’d have to only make .5 FGM of those 5 FGA to surpass him. That’s 10% FG.
That’s why I think it’s safe to say if LeBron chose to use his possessions scoring the basketball he would have the scoring title every year. Sure it’s a hypothetical, and maybe it’s not obvious to you. I guess we can agree to disagree on this point.
This assumes that LBJ changes his game to strictly win the scoring title while KD does nothing different. My argument is that if both tried to win it (and I really don't think KD did, either) the result would not be so clear. When Durant scores 30 a game without trying harder than LBJ tried (this is a presumption on my part since I don't believe you can prove one way or the other), why would the result obviously be different if both tried more?
@kev
I was okay the first time I heard it even though I thought it was unbecoming of LBJ. I'm just tired of hearing it again and again as if it's an obvious truth. That's all my first comment said (I think).
@Jared M
Durant gets a lot of touches but the ball shouldn't start with him because of his predilections for turnovers. He is definitely working on his court vision though. So much that the rest of the team seems surprised when he makes a difficult pass that should be scored. Hey, if RW can learn and perform the way he did this season compared to last season, hopefully Durant can get the TOs down.
@kev
it a west coast game, that makes sense, its not a high interest nationally, though it is the lakers, so maybe could be the late game(10:30), but not the primtime game, thats going to be the 4/5 matchup i bet.
I will predict that the first game is Sunday at 2:30 on ABC . . .
Man can brag whatever he wants, imo. Thinking about what LeBron is doing is, to me, like trying to mentally comprehend the size of a galaxy: I see the numbers and I know what they mean but when I when I really try to internalize the numbers, the enormity of the thing is just too far beyond any sense of scale that I'm accustomed to
just noticed this from darnell's twitter last night "EJ on OKC: "They make it fun 2 watch, I will guarantee U. You'll see them in the playoffs when they begin on TNT on Sun. The schedule TBD"
so first game probably sunday
It would be super easy to win the scoring title also because with the cavs philosophy the ball must enter Lebrons hands every possession. That is why his assists and such are so high. He is an amazing play maker and the cavs should go to him every possession. Durant seems to not get nearly the same amount of touches per game.... P.S. I may be wrong on how much Durant gets the ball. I don't think I am though.
@justin
yeah even if its just his career average of 7 APG, he could take more shots.
If thunder in east,can they beat Atlanta or Boston to be 3th seed?I think they can.And if it happened,it means thunder has chance for final champion.KD can get more glory than now.
Kivman :I’m also not saying Durant is perfect, Kev. I’m okay with some “criticism” of Durant (though how much criticism should there be for a 21 year old who will be top-5 MVP?). I’m just not okay with demeaning him or repeating hypothetical, impossible to prove, NOT OBVIOUS comments as if they are true.
you are right, I was wrong, it IS a slight on Durant - BUT so what? He's still a great player?? No matter what LBJ sys, KD's average is is average? I guess I don't see what your problem is with LBJ's statements . . .
@Kivman
To surpass Kevin Durant, LeBron would have to make an extra .5 FGM per game. LeBron averages 8.6 assists per contest. If that dropped to 3.6 assists, still higher than Durant, and LeBron used those possessions to shoot the ball, he'd have to only make .5 FGM of those 5 FGA to surpass him. That's 10% FG.
That's why I think it's safe to say if LeBron chose to use his possessions scoring the basketball he would have the scoring title every year. Sure it's a hypothetical, and maybe it's not obvious to you. I guess we can agree to disagree on this point.
If KD in east,what would happen?I remember he can get 31 with 50% FG.I think KD can get title easier
LBJ is better than KD,it is obvious.But he has better teammates and in east where one team can play playoff by 41-41.
So the gap between them is not so large as number shows.
I'm also not saying Durant is perfect, Kev. I'm okay with some "criticism" of Durant (though how much criticism should there be for a 21 year old who will be top-5 MVP?). I'm just not okay with demeaning him or repeating hypothetical, impossible to prove, NOT OBVIOUS comments as if they are true.
kev :come one people – Lebron is the better player, and he COULD score more if he only cared about individual glory – however, the idea is for the Cavs to win games, so he doesnt . .
it is NOT a slight on Durant – but Lebron is jsut a better playmaker . . .
its okay to be a Thunder fan and not take offense when Durant takes a little criticism . . . he can handle it – why can’t we??
I just don't understand these arguments. No one is saying that LeBron is not the better player. Durant COULD ALSO score more if he only cared about individual glory. It IS a slight on Durant as it demeans his achievement (and, as an aside, you seem to contradict yourself when you say "it is NOT a slight on Durant" and then quickly follow that with "when Durant takes a little criticism"). I also don't take offense at the comment - but I don't think it is obviously true and I'm tired of hearing people repeat it as if it were.
@andrew
i used to hate kobe, but he redeemed himself the past few years, less whining, played for team usa and didnt demand the ball, was less of a ballhog.
come one people - Lebron is the better player, and he COULD score more if he only cared about individual glory - however, the idea is for the Cavs to win games, so he doesnt . .
it is NOT a slight on Durant - but Lebron is jsut a better playmaker . . .
its okay to be a Thunder fan and not take offense when Durant takes a little criticism . . . he can handle it - why can't we??
Lebron is the only superstar i really dislike(unless you consider anyone on the Celtics to be a superstar). He seems cocky and annoying to me. I let Kobe's arrogance slide because of his incredible work ethic.
When lebron was 21 he did avg 31.4PPG.
I dislike lebron, i find him a sore loser and a sore winner. But he is the best basketball player right now.
justin :LeBron and Kevin Durant score at about the same efficiency this year. LeBron dishes out eight assists a game. If LeBron stopped passing I’d imagine he’d score more points, and he’d have won the scoring title.
What’s difficult about this to understand? It’s not a slight against Kevin Durant who has had one of the best seasons of anyone 21 or younger, but it is probably the truth.
I just don't agree and I don't think it's an obvious truth. I really don't think Durant tries to score a zillion points a game. I don't think LeBron does, either. So why do we assume that LeBron could win the scoring title if he tried (assuming other people were also trying)?
And I do think it is a backhanded slight on Durant. I mean, would the comment be made if LeBron was #1 in scoring and Durant was #2? Of course not, because there is no reason to make the comment. Therefore, when LeBron made the comment and other reporters/bloggers/etc. repeat it, they are really trying to minimize to some degree Durant's achievement. Again, if he/they weren't trying to do that, why would they make the comment in the first place? It also implies that Keven was trying to win the scoring title and LeBron wasn't. I don't think that is true at all.
Also, consider the reaction if Kobe was #1 and LeBron was #2. First, I don't think LeBron would have made the comment and, if he did, a lot more people would criticize him for it or defend Kobe. This is because they would see it as a backhanded shot at Kobe. I think because Durant is so young that people don't feel the need to respond.
As an aside, it's also a very lazy argument - since it's a hypothetical and impossible to prove. Hence, I get tired of hearing it.
can the ford center erupt with deafening condescension when Kobe gets a super-star call? how about a "Michael Jordan!" or "Special Treatment!"
the other question is which RW do we get
first two games against the lakers:
13PPG 7APG 6TOV
2nd two games
22PPG 9.5APG 2TOV
@justin
think of where he will be when he's LeBrons age and has his level experience.
Robbob :@justin but even LeBron did’t win the scoring title a 21. (if that is indeed the case after tonight.
That's true. It's not like Kevin Durant hasn't had a great season, especially for his age.
@justin
but even LeBron did't win the scoring title a 21. (if that is indeed the case after tonight.
@KingGondo
Why the hate for LeBron? Everything suggests he's a great teammate, he's the best basketball player on the planet... I don't think he made those comments to be condescending at all, he just wants to win championships. He's already won almost every individual accolade available to him during the regular season.
If you don't think LeBron plays to win you're sorely mistaken. Just because he has business interests (in which case you should be slamming 90% of the league's superstars since the late 80's) he's a bad guy? Come on..
@f5alcon
That would make two upsets of the first seeds in both conferences. ;)
@KingGondo
i hope the cavs get upset in the first rd by the bulls.
There are different ways to slice it. Now I see that Bynum has been moderately above his average performance against the Thunder.
Kobe just average, same for Artest, Fisher a little better, while Gasol has actually really struggled. But in just 4 games.
@justin
It's not that it's difficult to understand, but it comes across as condescending and is simply unnecessary. I'm sure he could, but that's not the point. I much prefer to have a guy like KD who just plays to win, rather than basketball just being a part of his plan for global domination, like the business plan of CEO. Give me a player who just loves to play the game any day of the week.
It implies that he's simply "above" KD, like he's playing basketball on a higher plane of existence and has simply decided that he doesn't want the scoring title.
I really hope the Magic win the East this year for a couple of reasons: 1) watching LBJ's personal torture at continually falling short of a title is entertaining, and 2) the hype for free agency will be amped up to an insane degree.
@justin
LeBron would overcome Durant with ease if he wanted to in the ppg race (don't get me wrong I love KD) but you are right that LeBron spreads the ball. I think this atribute is admirable from a superstar, and KD has weaned some of it as he demonstrated in the game where he passed to Thabo for the final three instead of taking it himself. (Even though it rimmed out! Ugh!)
That oc register article was not only horrendously wrongheaded and smacking of the narrow-minded, self-congratulatory pomposity we've come to expect from Laker fans, but it was really awfully written.
LeBron and Kevin Durant score at about the same efficiency this year. LeBron dishes out eight assists a game. If LeBron stopped passing I'd imagine he'd score more points, and he'd have won the scoring title.
What's difficult about this to understand? It's not a slight against Kevin Durant who has had one of the best seasons of anyone 21 or younger, but it is probably the truth.
@f5alcon
Not to mention the crazy "clutch" ability.
@Crow
yeah green can defend odom much better then gasol. Really i hope green goes bananas and attacks the rim a lot getting their bigs in foul trouble, he has a speed advantage on them.
@Anonymous
Agreed, but how much will our starters play, and more importantly will our bench show up to play because we really have nothing to play for this game except for the 50 game record. I'm looking forward to seeing the bench step it up and showing their exuberant scoring potential!
@Kivman
I agree 100%. Lebron's comment on not wanting it was condescending towards KD and implied that thats all KD cared about. The truth is the real thing keeping Lebron from winning the scoring title is his FT shooting
@Jared M
maybe etan is the next MMA crossover athlete
Yeah f5alcon it depends how Bynum is. Despite that lineup data I cited I am not particularly worried about Bynum himself. He underperformed in the playoffs last season as a shooter / scorer and his condition is still pretty unknwon and subject to further setbacks. But with him they can be better as a team / starting lineup. Would put more pressure of other Thunder lineups to win their time by more.
"Do you really think he couldn’t overtake Durant for the scoring title if that was important to him?"
I'm tired of hearing this kind of thing regarding LeBron. Sure...he could overtake the current Durant if he wanted to (i.e., score more than 30.1 points per game)...but Durant could also up his ppg if HE wanted to. If both REALLY REALLY REALLY wanted the scoring title, then who knows who would get it, and what the ppg's would look like? I'm really not convinced that LeBron would win that fight...I mean, Durant has won the scoring title and every game he makes 30 points seem so easy.
f5alcon :@billyadams
maybe he can start a fight with gasol kobe and bynum so they all get suspended.
that would be awesome! I can see him trying trying to take all three of them on all at the same time. Lets include Artest into that equation!
@KingGondo
Definitely.. I don't think its by chance we have such a good record when he scores that much! He could definitely be a big reason why we win a game or two and or even series....
@billyadams
maybe he can start a fight with gasol kobe and bynum so they all get suspended.
@f5alcon Well, we need to get our money's worth for Etan somehow right?
@Omar
he is targeted for a game 1 return, and his recovery is going well, i would say he will probably play, if not game 1 by game 2. Though no way he is a 100%. So hopefully he is a nonfactor.
The Thunder aren't just happy to be where they are now. The will be motivated more than ever to beat the Lakers and play the underdog role. They simply need to finish games out strong. (And give the ball to Green to shoot in the clutch times!) If Thabo can contain Kobe anywhere near the last time the Thunder played them, we will be in good shape to get some wins.
@f5alcon
It's really hard to make any concrete predictions just because there are so many unknown factors (Kobe's finger, Bynum's injury, Farmar's status, who guards Westbrook, etc.) but I really think we're gonna make this into a series. Biggest reason: our bench is SO much better than LA's. There's really no disputing that.
I also plan on e-mailing that OC Register guy for laughs in a couple of weeks as well.