Monday Bolts – 1.6.14
OKC drops to No. 4 in John Schuhmann’s NBA.com power rankings: “After scoring just five points (in 25 minutes) over his previous three fourth quarters, Kevin Durant busted out in Minnesota on Friday, scoring 23 of his 48 points in the fourth. And after Reggie Jackson shot 9-for-26 in the Thunder’s two losses, he went for a career-high 27 points against the Celtics on Sunday. The OKC offense misses Russell Westbrook, but it’s still going to have some big nights.”
Brian Robb of ESPN Boston: “Jackson had a career night while filling in as starting point guard for an injured Russell Westbrook. The 23-year-old hit 9-of-12 field goal attempts, including all three attempts from 3-point range, to lead all scorers with 27 points. Boston’s front office was a big fan of Jackson, the former Boston College star, before the 2011 NBA draft. Unfortunately for the Celtics, Thunder GM Sam Presti selected Jackson with the 24th pick in the draft, one slot before Boston’s turn. That night, the Celtics ended up trading for JaJuan Johnson, who is out of the league.”
Darnell Mayberry: “Tonight was a good opportunity for Perry Jones III to play good minutes thanks to Boston’s small ball lineup. He played 21 minutes, scored six points with two rebounds, two assists and one blocked shot. I was most impressed with his two steals. Showed good court awareness on both and used his length to pick off cross-court pass attempts.”
The Thunder are No. 1 in Yahoo’s power rankings.
Berry Tramel: “Foreman Scotty paid homage to Perkins’ Celtic heritage by running the opening play for Perk. A one-on-one in the post. Perkins missed a jump hook, but no matter. He made five of his next seven shots, plus a couple of foul shots. Only four times as a Boomer has Perkins scored more than 12. Sometimes Brooks will run an opening play for Serge Ibaka or Thabo Sefolosha, trying to get them involved in the offense. You don’t want Perkins involved in the offense, at least not with an eye on the basket. This was a tribute.”
Jack Winter in a 5-on-5 says Steven Adams is the most surprising rookie: “The league’s favorite Kiwi was a deer in the headlights at times during his lone collegiate season, looking every bit the raw athlete who picked up basketball just a few years prior. But for Oklahoma City? Adams is setting hard screens, showing advanced defensive knack, offensive rebounding like crazy, and stealing minutes from Kendrick Perkins. He’s not only living up to expectations, but easily exceeding them.”
