Daily Thunder.com

Darnell Mayberry explores if the Thunder are better this season: “According to a recent survey of NewsOK.com readers, 62 percent of more than 700 polled think the Thunder is worse without Harden. Various other quibbles, such as the lack of a “true” low post scorer, the coach not playing certain players, erratic ball movement and, of course, Derek Fisher’s playing time among other things, has only added to the belief that the Thunder would be hard-pressed to knock off Miami in a potential Finals rematch. Then there’s the matter of whether the team’s All-Star duo is ready to sprout in this year’s postseason and offset any and all flaws, or if the tandem will continue to be handcuffed by their biggest weaknesses. The Thunder, after all, has been plagued at times this season by Kevin Durant’s turnovers and Russell Westbrook’s tantrums. Only 17 regular season games remain in this vengeful journey. Soon, the answer to the only question that matters will be revealed to us. Exactly what are we to make of this year’s Thunder?”

5-on-5 where Israel Gutierrez of ESPN.com takes Westbrook’s season over Wade’s: “And that’s only because you have to take the entire body of work into play. Wade, once he has gotten completely healthy, has been the better player. But Westbrook, despite the inefficient shooting, has had a greater responsibility for a longer stretch of the season and has still kept his team in the running for top record out west.” Keep Reading…

Darnell Mayberry: “Durant just didn’t look into it tonight. If anyone deserves a pass it’s Durant. But he wasn’t available to the media at shoot-around this morning for unknown reasons — he asked off — or prior to the game. Then he came out and looked lethargic from the start, almost like he didn’t want to be here. Again, if I’d played my tail off for 64 games I would be mentally, physically and emotionally spent as well. But when Durant checked out of the game for the first time with 4:45 left in the first period, he sauntered to the bench, sulking almost. When Sefolosha drilled a 3 moments later, Durant, typically the captain of the cheerleaders on the bench, barely budged. Something just wasn’t right with him in this one.”

SLC Dunk: “While the Thunder should be credited for good defense, Utah simply seemed off their game nearly all night: Hayward airballed two shots (though finished with 20 points), Al Jefferson was only 4/13, Millsap finished 1-5 (albeit went 5-8 from the free throw line), Mo Williams shot 2-7 and had 4 turnovers. The Thunder also deserve some credit for fighting through the early offensive struggles by Kevin Durant, who had 6 TOs by the end of the half.” Keep Reading…