Friday Bolts – 4.1.11
Ben Golliver of CBSSports.com picked Russell Westbrook as his Most Improved: “This giant leap forward not only made him an All-Star for the first time this year, it has defined Oklahoma City’s season and future. His emergence as a superstar will push OKC from 50 wins last year to the mid-50s and a Northwest Division title this year, and it gave GM Sam Presti the confidence to take the plunge on a franchise-altering trade for center Kendrick Perkins at the deadline, as he could be confident that he had two franchise building blocks that seamlessly fit together from which to build around. Westbrook’s improvement makes the Thunder the most feared team in the West this season — outside of the Lakers, of course – and it makes them, on paper, a sure-fire Western Conference contender for the next 5-10 years. Taken together, Russell Westbrook has improved his skills, bumped his numbers, carried his team to new heights and he’s done it in a way that seems sustainable for years to come. That’s everything – and more – that I ask of my NBA MIP. Give the man his trophy.”
ESPN.com’s 5-on-5 asked who the most intriguing team is: “Let’s see, they made a wonderful midseason trade, are winners of nine of their past 10 games and flaunt Kevin Durant, the league’s best scorer. What’s not to like?”
John Rohde writing on Westbrook’s 3-point shooting: “But when the ball rips through the net, Westbrook’s defender instantly wears an expression that says, “Oh, no. How do I possibly defend this guy if he starts making 3s?” Westbrook’s teammates chuckle at the thought. Cook: “It’s going to be a long night. No way to stop him. Just do the best you can.” Backup guard Eric Maynor: “You can’t do nothin’. There’s no way you can stop him.” Coach Scott Brooks: “Good luck.”
The Blazers see tonight’s game as very important.
Michael Wilbon talked on Scott Van Pelt’s show about OKC’s playoff chances.
Mike Tokito of The Oregonian: “Still, as the Associated Press points out, the Thunder’s 14-2 mark in March is the best record for a month in “franchise history.” This is one of those things that drives Sonics loyalists batty — the notion that the Thunder can break franchise records set for Seattle, essential wiping Soncis’ history off the books. Another one: The Thunder have clinched the “franchise’s” first back-to-back 50-win seasons since 1998.”
The Tulsa 66ers have re-signed Robert Swift for the remainder of the D-League season.
Dave of Blazers Edge is confident: “They’re going to win it because they owe the Thunder and Portland tends to play extremely well when they owe somebody. They’re going to win it because they lost two critical games in the past week: the first to the Thunder and the second in their last outing, a close-ish affair against seeding rivals New Orleans. This is Portland’s exact M.O. They lose the initial game or two in which they could really prove their resolve and then just when you count them out they come back and snag a victory or two, making you wonder if they’re serious again. They’re going to win it because, despite the lack of success this year, the games against Oklahoma City have been close and intense…not a recipe for season dominance on OKC’s part.”
