Tom Donoghue/NBAE/Getty Images
LOS ANGELES — I asked Chris Bosh today at All-Star availability if it’s been awkward seeing Kevin Durant this weekend and Bosh joked about the two getting together for an NBA Cares event, kind of rolling his eyes as he said it. But when I asked if things were smoothed over, Bosh kind of sidestepped that and took the high road.
“His comments after a game, I’ve made bad comments after a game before,” he said. “Or I’ve made comments that I wanted to take back or just something that I felt very strongly about and just said it the wrong way. Sometimes after a game, especially a close one, it can be the wrong time to ask a guy something like that but it’s the nature of the business.”
Interesting that Bosh called KD’s line a “bad comment.” But I actually thought he handled it rather diplomatically. Durant didn’t take it back when he was asked about it, but he also didn’t really feel the need to stand up and re-affirm it. All in all, probably something best to forget about.
Where’s the spoiler alert, James? KD has mentioned it sort of, but I asked James Harden about what Serge Ibaka had in store for Saturday night. Harden talked about how Serge can jump high and all of that, but when I asked if Serge was using a prop, Harden said, “Oh yeah.” Then as if he messed up, he got worried he let the cat out of the bag. So who knows what Serge has planned, but something extra is going to be used.
Thunder taking over LA. With Harden now in the Rookie game plus Durant, Ibaka and Russell Westbrook taking part, Oklahoma City is well represented. “Thunder up, Thunder up,” Harden said. “That was the whole objective, that was key. We didn’t really worry about the individual statistics because we’re all a family over there but it’s great to be rewarded for your accomplishments so I’m excited for everyone to be here. As for a Thunder sweep? “That would be a good look,” Harden said. “We could go back to our city with something to carry home.”
Lunch with Chuck. Personal story here. Ben Golliver and I went and grabbed lunch at a nearby sandwich place and as we were standing in line, Charles Barkley (and someone else who was evidently famous, though neither of us recognized him) walked up behind us. Pretty random.
Not exactly starstruck. Being in Los Angeles, I expected to see some serious Hollywood stars. So far, the only one I’ve seen is the black guy from Reno 911! who was by himself wandering around during the Jerry West statue unveiling. Kind of cool, but I might have been the only person that recognized him.
f5alcon :@DJ
R7
ibaka played his game, which isnt superstar mode
true.
@DJ R7
ibaka played his game, which isnt superstar mode
Strong Showing by Harden. He looked like a man among boys in there. Second highest scorer, took over for his team late, hit big shots, Made some Spectacular Dunks that i think the NBA should consider as a bid for the next slam dunk contest.
Ibaka was average, he had a cool put back dunk, but man oh man he showed He could hit the 3. Harden 4 MVP in my eyes, yes a little bias, but man he had a very good game. Just no showboating. He prolly wont get it though. Maybe Wall, or Blair.
If Ibaka develops a reliable 3-point shot...well, there's just a lot that you can do with that.
Harden Quietly Erupting for 30 pts.
f5alcon :
yeah ibaka is a better career 3 point shooter than anybody on our team 3/5 i think
I remember reading numerous times that he is pretty good shooting the 3, i remember when he was drafted one of his strengths was shooting, and i remember seeing him nail some during shoot arounds. I don't know why it surprises me. Maybe because i never seen him hit one during a in game situation.
Harden taking over late
@RWisMyFavThunder
yeah he hit another one
yeah ibaka is a better career 3 point shooter than anybody on our team 3/5 i think
@justin
Me too. He seems too timid, which is weird because he's aggressive on defense on the court, but he doesn't have the swag like other players do
@DJ R7
Did he hit another three? I didn't watch the second half.
@DJ R7
+1!!!
Can we maybe have Ibaka shoot 3's?
DUDE IBAKA CAN HIT THE 3!
Real worried Ibaka is going to suck in the dunk contest.
Danny :
Ibaka looks like he’s hurt.
maybe hes saving his energy for tomorrow?
Ibaka looks like he's hurt.
DJ R7 :
OMG HE DID A WHIRLWIND DUNK!!! JAMES HARDEN FOR 2012
Harden for 2012 slam dunk contest!
OMG HE DID A WHIRLWIND DUNK!!! JAMES HARDEN FOR 2012
I dunno if anybody posted this but it was on the season ticket renewal
"
The NBA continues to make every effort to reach a satisfactory new collective bargaining agreement with the Players Association in a timely manner for the 2011-2012 season.
However, it is possible for the possibility that a work stoppage and the cancellation of games during the 2011-2012 season could occur.
Please be assured, as a Season Ticket Member of an NBA team, you will NEVER have to pay for a game that is not played.
Should games be missed next season, you will be provided an opportunity to receive a refund of the purchase price for those games, plus interest, based on the prevailing rate at the time as determined by the NBA. This refund policy and interest rate will be at one uniform percentage for all NBA teams.
Please keep in mind, the NBA is focusing all of its efforts on reaching an agreement and there is ongoing dialogue with the Players Association.
The Thunder, in conjunction with the NBA, will continue to provide updates as warranted.
Thank you for your continued support of the NBA and the Thunder.
"
HARDEN FOR 2012 SLAM DUNK CONTEST!!
its not even funny how easy it seems Ibaka can get the rebound. I know half the dudes aren't trying but Cousins, and Blair are, and seeing Ibaka get it
ibakas thee looked smooth, better than green's
gr8ball83 :
How the crap do they perform Dougie and not have KD come out and dance?!?!? And how do none of them have a KD jersey on?! FAIL!!!
LOL i think they had a number 6 jersey(which is lebron right), how can they be from L.A. and like a guy who plays for miami?
How the crap do they perform Dougie and not have KD come out and dance?!?!? And how do none of them have a KD jersey on?! FAIL!!!
Teach me how to THUNDY, teach me, teach me how to THUNDY??? Ok, im having to much fun. Sorry!
Harden splits the D for a dunk and a three on the next possession
holeydonut :
Lol after you call out him being nervous he drops a 3
LOL dude he was like shaky, im glad he's getting loose. Its his time to shine
Lol after you call out him being nervous he drops a 3
Ibaka can become our new stretch 4
Ibaka block!
Ibaka just hit a three!
IBAKA CAN SHOOT THE 3!!!
Harden playing like a pro, Ibaka seems rather nervous. Hes not use to the spotlight
Ibaka block leads to Harden smash!
AAWWW Ibaka looks so nervous!
Bieber's USG rate is way too high
Royce :
Being in Los Angeles, I expected to see some serious Hollywood stars
One time when I visited New York, I saw Al Roeker (or however you spell it) walking down the street, chatting on a cell phone. I thought that was pretty cool.
can't wait for the Rookie/Sophemore game. Im actually enjoying the Celebrity All Star Game lol. I enjoy All Star Weekend alot. Its nice to see the players having fun.
@Floppy Punch!
NICE!
I think Rubio was a 14 year old girl in his previous career.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pxzvn_Rw_hI#t=28
Did you tell him to back off OKC Thunder and to realize that Serge Ibaka blocks shots, gets rebounds, and plays defense
Beiber is actually playing pretty well. Like if Rubio was a 14 year-old girl.
Have fun and rep OKC well, Godfather! Slap Beiber for me, if you get a chance. GO THUNDER!