Wednesday Bolts – 12.31.14

Anthony Slater on clutch time: “In those clutch situations, the Thunder is only assisting on 38.3 percent of its baskets, third worst in the NBA. After the initial playcall breaks down, Reggie Jackson or Russell Westbrook often go rogue and try to create a look on their own, facing an opposing defense that’s stable behind the frontline and knows to key strictly on the playmaking guards.”

David Aldridge of NBA.com reflecting on the year’s best moments: “He carried the Thunder for a month while Russell Westbrook was out, becoming as adept at passing as he already was at scoring. He became a very good defender. And he was, correctly, the overwhelming choice to receive his first league MVP award. Which would have been more than enough. But, then, Durant stepped to the podium and spoke from the heart, in what was a pitch-perfect acceptance speech that thanked just about everyone without sounding rehearsed, and touched most everyone’s hearts without being maudlin. “You the real MVP” — Durant’s tribute to his mother’s ability to raise his family alone just outside of Washington, D.C. — became an internet meme, but it was more than catchy. It was heartfelt and real. Just like him.”

Anthony Morrow, a top 25 glue guy.

Paul Flannery of SB Nation: “I can’t remember a season that was this wide open — with this many quality teams — ever? If you look back at history, these odd years have popped up from time to time, mostly in the ’70s when you had random champs like the Warriors, Bullets, Sonics, even the Bill Walton Blazers, who blazed across the sky and burned out just as quickly. Those teams had an ephemeral quality about them. There was a moment and then the moment was gone.”

KD dropped out of the top 10 floor spacers.

Zach Lowe of Grantland with an important take: “The holiday uniforms again failed to move the needle, but I enjoyed the nice touch of superimposing a red bow and ribbon around the black padding on the basket stanchions. Those kind of little things just tickle me. Then again, I’m the guy obsessed with court designs, announcing quirks, and mascots, so … yeah. Did anyone else notice this? Am I truly alone in the world?”

Boy, the Cavs are turning into a mess.

Apologies on the issues from the wee hours this morning. North Korea got us, you guys.