vs. 
OKC Thunder (3-0, 1-0 road) vs. Denver Nuggets (0-3, 0-1 home)
TV: TNT (Cox 31, HD 730); FSOK (Cox 37, HD 722, Tulsa Cox 27, DirectTV 679, UVerse 754)
Stream: Click here
Radio: WWLS The Sports Animal (98.1 FM, 640 AM, 97.1 FM Tulsa)
Time: 9:30 CT
Series: OKC leads 3-0
View from the enemy: Roundball Mining Company
Most would agree, the series is over. Now it’s just about how it will wrap up. In terms of Game 4 with a team up 3-0, the team ahead is 57-37 in that game. Most end in sweeps, but a decent amount go 5. After that, the percentages really dip.
So that’s where this series stands. Most didn’t see it being in this place when it started or even after a hotly contested Game 1 in Oklahoma City. But the Thunder have displayed almost an air of dominance the last two games, completely stifling the Nuggets’ high powered offensive attack. Game 3 was close by the end, but if Kendrick Perkins doesn’t make a bonehead pass, OKC wins by a comfortable margin.
It’s just obvious that this is a horrendous matchup for the Nuggets. Not only do they struggle guarding the Thunder, but offensively, they can’t find an edge. Two of their best scorers in Wilson Chandler and Danilo Gallinari have gone missing in action as OKC’s defensive scheme has limited their open looks and chances to drive to the rim.
A series is never over until its over — the Boston Red Sox taught us that — but it’s a long, long shot for the Nuggets. They’re playing for pride tonight. But it’s a big moment for the young Thunder. This is their first chance to close a series. That’s always a tough game to win. And sometimes that pressure can affect things.
Nobody likes to concede a series on their home floor. Nobody likes to get swept. If you don’t think there’s still a good amount of motivation there for the Nuggets, well, you’re wrong. This team already came back with its back to the wall after the Carmelo Anthony deal and proved there’s not any quit in them. They’re going to come out and fight.
Again, it comes back to if the Thunder can seize the opportunity and close out an opponent in their first crack at it. Winning the decisive game is the toughest one. You’re playing a desperate team that’s going to pull out every stop to stay alive. And this Thunder group is young and hasn’t ever presented itself with this opportunity. The Thunder took control of Game 3 which was the one that swung the series entirely in their favor which was a big step. Closing out is the next, and much more difficult one.
I don’t get the sense the Nuggets are ready to quit. There are a lot of prideful veterans on that team that are more than ready to put up a fight and make it hard on OKC. But at the same time, it just seems that Denver is entirely overmatched. Not only are the Thunder better, but almost every matchup leans their way. It’s been proven over and over again the last five meetings between these teams stretching back into the regular season.
Denver can win this one but it’ll happen for two reasons: Either the Nuggets play a perfect game and get big contributions from Gallinari, Chandler and J.R. Smith or the Thunder wilt a bit under the pressure of closing out a series. Otherwise, if everything holds form, the Thunder’s walking out of Denver with the series.
Tip at 9:30 CT. Go Brooms.
well, it seems you draw a very fine line between 'entity' and 'non-entity', very black and white. that shot he can hit is very valuable and is much better than westbrook taking an out of control, contested shot. Hell, I'd try to post him up some. It's true that westbrook has to often times play a little over aggressive because of who is on the floor with him, but Russ often passes up an open Ibaka jumper for a contested shot. just my opinion, but I would give Ibaka more shots. he's capable. so I agree with you to a point, I just think your wording is a bit misconstrued.
@bosco
What's Ibaka's role in the offense? How does he score in the half court? Pick and pop almost exclusively, offensive put backs. With the lack of three point shooting in our starting lineup, Cook would be far from a non-entity. Cook shooting a three pointer is a lot better than Ibaka taking a mid range shot, and it creates more problems for the defense when you have a 3pt shooter.
yeah, but you've just created your own definition of 'non-entity.' A player such as Cook, or any three point specialist for that matter, rarely creates their own shot - would you call every three point specialist a non-entity as well? Ibaka is far from non-existant.
bosco :@justin
He can create his own shot in the post. he’s shown flashes of good post moves. incorrect to group him with perkins and sefolosha.
He cannot create his own shot in the post against Kenyon Martin or Nene, maybe once or twice a game at most.
@wjasona19
I don't know him and have no relation to him. I get questions and comments posted sometimes. You have to ask either a good question or have an interesting comment. He even posts ridiculous arguments/comments from d rose die hards and lakers fans who like to just call anyone a hater who doesn't agree with them. There are like four other thunder fans on there who get comments posted and questions answered. I don't go to DDL to have other fans or bloggers re-affirm whether this team is good. Thunder haters are found on Denver stiffs and that idiot from what the Denver post? I give JM a hard time in jest because he says he would take Russ over KD. I disagree with him but I wouldn't say he's a KD hater. You think Royce would occasionally go on DDL if he thought zach was an okc hater?
@justin
He can create his own shot in the post. he's shown flashes of good post moves. incorrect to group him with perkins and sefolosha.
brent :
Anybody who hates on Russ no matter what the stats say…turn in your Thunder gear and stop calling yourself a fan. One bad game doesn’t mean anything and he still scored 30. I want Russ in hero mode along with KD. They complement each other and it is a team game. He is a huge part of why we are even here!! If you disagree with this you are a joke!! Just imagine right now if Russell left for anywhere else in the NBA after next year via free agency…you would be nervous about our team!
good post- i admit i overreacted w/ the marbury stuff. i think we'll be fine.
@Daniel
I know, Brooks shoulda taken a timeout after Felton's FT with 15 seconds left.
By not doing so he basically trusted Russ to get the Thunder a good 3 pt. look in 15 seconds. We saw how that worked out.
Its happen more then once. Put your beer goggles away and Russy poster up.
He doesn't know how to pass to anyone in crunch time
bosco :@justin
at this point, not sure how you can call ibaka a non-entity on offense…
He cannot create his own shot or dribble. He has to be set up. He's a non entity.
@justin
at this point, not sure how you can call ibaka a non-entity on offense...
@andrew
We had a timeout left. Brooks used the last timeout with 6 seconds left, down 5 (98-103). After Felton shot his FTs, there were 15 seconds left on the clock. Russ took the shot with 7 seconds left (when we still had a timeout).
http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/playbyplay?gameId=310425007&period=4
my prediction is team will rally around each other and against haters in game 5. The team got russ's back...
Anybody who hates on Russ no matter what the stats say...turn in your Thunder gear and stop calling yourself a fan. One bad game doesn't mean anything and he still scored 30. I want Russ in hero mode along with KD. They complement each other and it is a team game. He is a huge part of why we are even here!! If you disagree with this you are a joke!! Just imagine right now if Russell left for anywhere else in the NBA after next year via free agency...you would be nervous about our team!
@justin
You pulled a synergy stat that says Russ shoots 42% on 3s off the dribble the other day. What kind of percentage does KD shoot off the dribble? Especially fading away... Without a timeout and play drawn up we were bound to get a crappy look no matter who took the shot...
I agree Russ ignoring Harden is a big problem at the end of games... However, I don't think that is gonna change until Harden starts. Russ isn't used to playing next to a SG who does more than pump fake and pass the ball back to him...
Maybe Ibaka meant to not call that screen out on Russ
Its pretty bad when you got KD yellin at you before the half. hahha
So here's the pressing question:
Does all of the criticism make Russ more prone to hero-mode in game 5?
I'm afraid that it might. He wants to prove everybody wrong.
Hopefully he will...
Who took more shots tonight? Russ or Jersey Shore crew at the bar
@andrew
He was not garbage the whole game but he was awful defensively for most of it, and pretty poor offensively for a lot of it. Not all the blame should go on Westbrook's shoulders; Brooks kind of forces him to be the player that he is by starting him with three non-entities on offense. But he has to know better down the stretch of games.
You're not sure there's a difference between a three by Russ (0-5 at that point) and Durant (4-5 at that point) in that situation? What about Harden six feet away from him the possession before? No, Russ doesn't deserve all the blame for this, some of it is surely coaching related, but it's moments like these that reinforce how shoddy our game plan is offensively. You need a pecking order and an understanding that the open man will get the ball in those situations. It's just not established.
after bill simmons called westbrook's performance marbury-esque, i looked up his scouting report. here were some of the negatives :/ ( i know i know im not saying he is...just pointing out what the bad russ could be)
"Very dominant ball-handler--tends to pound the ball as a point guard, making his offense lack significant flow. Everything needs to revolve around him, as he cannot play off the ball. Some players may find it difficult to play with him, as he only wants to make the definitive pass for an assist. Has a very sudden jump shot with good elevation and tremendous follow through. Takes quite a few threes and hits them at a below-average clip. Tends to settle for bad shots early in the offense, overestimating his ability at times. Gets a ton of looks at the rim for a point guard. Likes to go to the rim rather than pull up. Makes some bad passes and overpenetrates at times, but can hit floaters, finger rolls, and runners with no trouble. Not a bad finisher, but tends to be selfish when he attacks the rim. Goes to the line at a very high rate due to the way he forces the ball into the lane. Shoots a decent percentage from the foul line. Effective as a playmaker, but used to be much more generous. "
Oh no here come the highlights from the game. I better change the channel. Better yet I better go to bed. I'll be ok by tomorrow but Royce it's ok to not try and reach for some positives in this game. That way I won't feel like an ass for bitching so much tonight haha.
The other Daily Dime commentators like JM Poulard, Ethan Strauss, and Devin K are great guys, smart basketball minds. Zach just had a popular thing going in DDL and he let it get to his head and now its just him, inside jokes, photoshops, and 99% of his ego.
Did a twitter search for Russ.. That was regrettable.
@Perkins Game Face-The last four playoff games Zach Harper has only posted comments by Nuggets fans, he is always complaining about the refs if they call a foul for the Thunder, and unless you know him somehow he doesn't even post your comments! He posted maybe 15 different people's comments all day its ridiculous. I used to love going on DDL now it is such a disgrace.
@justin
He deserves to be criticized, but he wasn't garbage the whole game. He was the only one who looked like he wanted to be on the court for long stretches of it. He has been making a lot of 3s lately and it would make sense that he is confident in that shot. I am not sure if there is a difference between a pull up 3 by Russ and a fadeaway by Durant(the likely end to that possession had Russ got the ball to him). Russ is still learning how to use all his tools(especially his newfound 3 pt. stroke) to benefit the team. He will be fine.
KD wasn't very assertive in the fourth, either.
Games like this kill his trade value though. Presti needs to work some Jedi mind tricks on Westbrook to get him to play like a PG and not like 05-06 Kobe.
westbrooksjumpshot :@andrew
..this guy!
..this guy!
@andrew
..this guy!
Russ is just impatient. AI characteristics
walrusmuse :@okc
baby
he did, and he stepped up at the end bigtime, but if we spend 3 quarters settling for jumpers and being lethargic, we’ll pay against a good team. Really, I’m just seeing all these comments on KD being batman and RUss Robin, and while of course KD is primary, and yes, RW prob lost us at least a shot at the game towards the end, it was such a dismal effort for 44 minutes that it’s tough to blame the whole game on the dude who will still be bringing the ball down the court on wednesday.
He never got the team into the game. There was no rhythm. Thats his job
@okc baby
FYI none of that directed at you-just being clear
andrew :
All this game proves is that we need to start Eric Maynor. He plays like a pure point guard, and will make KD much better than Russ ever could. Plus Maynor is a much better 3pt shooter that will space the floor for KD and Thabo’s drives.
Think we could thieve Kahn and trade Russ to the T-wolves for Jonny Flynn? Or maybe (gasps) Ricky Rubio?
There's no need to deflect the criticism with sarcasm. He made awful decisions and deserves to be criticized for them.
Daily dime live is not pro nuggets and anti thunder. I'm on there all the time and they're always saying how we're a threat in the west and the team of the future. Zach Harper just says that Westbrook's ego and decision making are the recipe for hurting this team. After tonight do you think he's wrong?
@andrew
Funniest post of the night! congrats.
These are the types of games that make you wonder can Westbrook really be the PG of a championship team?
Your floor general cannot have games where he is this erratic.
Brooks should have benched him IMO. Maynor should have closed the game for us. That would have sent a message loud and clear.
guys, i know everyone is upset. we all invest a lot in this team and its natural to feel that way.
that said , i think there are a few positives we can take away:
1. we were still in it even though we played badly.
2. better foolish play now than in a later game.
3. there will always be tests in the playoffs. im glad that these are psychological issues rather than some glaring holes in our team or injuries.
we will bounce back. we have been fans all year. does no one remember portland and the clippers? this team is resilient- witness the end of the fourth quarter.
@okc baby
he did, and he stepped up at the end bigtime, but if we spend 3 quarters settling for jumpers and being lethargic, we'll pay against a good team. Really, I'm just seeing all these comments on KD being batman and RUss Robin, and while of course KD is primary, and yes, RW prob lost us at least a shot at the game towards the end, it was such a dismal effort for 44 minutes that it's tough to blame the whole game on the dude who will still be bringing the ball down the court on wednesday.
With all said, we've been discussing this all year, When Russ goes into Hero Mode he has the bad side(the late strech of the game for example), and the good side(the 3rd quarter.) HE needs to understand though, this is KD's team, and not only that if he wants to be the Hero, don't take a retarded 3 with 40 seconds left on the clock when your down by 2, especially if theres 18 seconds left on the shot clock.
@justin
Then we'll NEVER, I MEAN NEVER win a championship. Brooks, Kd, Russ, and everyone else need to understand that sometimes the biggest shots don't come from your superstar(Ron Artest with the big 3 in game 7, the drive in the phenoix series, Jordan to Karr for 3, Pippins play that won the bulls their 4th. In '09 when Kobe gave up the shot, gave it to Gasol that put them up by a possesion with a minute left.)
All this game proves is that we need to start Eric Maynor. He plays like a pure point guard, and will make KD much better than Russ ever could. Plus Maynor is a much better 3pt shooter that will space the floor for KD and Thabo's drives.
Think we could thieve Kahn and trade Russ to the T-wolves for Jonny Flynn? Or maybe (gasps) Ricky Rubio?
@Thunder S
He also said Russ was in "i'm gonna get mine" mode.
Stay strong, Russ!!!!!!!!!!!!! LETS GET ITTTTT NEXT TIME
@thelaughingman
I apologize too, my last comment was pretty caustic. While I'm disappointed we didn't come away with the win (and it was well within our grasp), I'm not too bummed out overall. We're a young, growing team, and I think we need a couple losses in the playoffs here and there to build some character and keep the team from getting too high on itself. I think in the end this loss will be a good thing. The extra rest would have been nice, but we're a young team. Why do we need 5 days of rest. I'd much rather our guys come out in 5 game with a fire in their belly and blow the Nuggets out of the building. If we lose game 5, I'll start to get worried. But until then, I have faith in our coaching staff to address tonight's problems and fix them. Better to lose now with a 3-0 series lead so things can be fixed rather than losing in the second round tied 1-1 or 2-2.
@Thunder S
He said that this Durant's team and the late game must move thru him. If Westbrook doesn't want to be Robin to KDs Batman and does what he did tonight he's gonna look like a Joker.
walrusmuse :
Russ made some foolish, foolish plays tonight. But hating on our point guard won’t make KD play better.
I think KD played better in the second half though
I think we will win game 5, no way Westbrook tries that two playoff games in a row. I love how ESPN and Charles barkley think the Nuggets are still going to win, they just keep talking about how our team doesn't play well together, Westbrook/Durant can't play together, etc.....
Thunder S :@PNT
Can someone recap C-webb’s comments? Didnt get a chance to see it.
He basically said we needed to get the ball to the best player which is KD. And if he cant get the shot then you go to your secondary shooter. Russ was just being stat hungry.
This game is payback for the second to last Portland game where Russ put them away with 3s in crunchtime. And that 4 point play over Kobe the last Laker game.
I wish we could know presti's reactions after every game
@Daniel
sorry man, I was in angry fan mode. We do have the next game.