Friday Bolts: 02.21.20

There’s a game tonight. It’s been too long. Paris Lawson (okcthunder.com) previews the matchup.

We’ve stayed busy at DT. Jerry Ramsey (The Franchise) joined us for a really fun episode of the Daily Thunder podcast. And Dom Flaim checked in on how Russell Westbrook has been doing in Houston, after a rough start.

ICYMI: The Oklahoma City Blue made a trade to acquire Tyler Cook, sending Vince Edwards out to the Cavaliers’ affiliate.

Dennis Schröder compared this season’s culture and coaching favorably to last season’s. Make of it what you will:

Nick Crain (Forbes) spoke with Enes Kanter on his passions, including opening a charter school in Oklahoma City: “I grew up on the east side of Turkey, in a place called Van. Where I grew up, it was the poor side of the country…not many kids really had the chance to go to school, especially the girls because the families wanted their kids to bring money home. So that’s why a lot of the parents took their kids out of the school and just put them in jobs. I thought you know what…these kids need an education so we can have a brighter and better future. After seeing that, I was always in the back of my head asking how I could change that?”

Collin Sexton tells Alex Kennedy (Hoops Hype) that he talks to Chris Paul every week to pick the brain of the Hall of Famer.

J.D. Tailor (Welcome to Loud City) on what the Thunder need to hone as they prepare for the playoffs.

Joe Mussatto (The Oklahoman) compares the Thunder’s schedule difficulty to other playoff hopefuls.

Kevin Durant tells Taylor Rooks (Bleacher Report) he isn’t coming back until next season. ESPN has stories on Kyrie Irving and Klay Thompson, both of whom have also been ruled out for the season.

A.J. Bussey (The Suave Report) has five facts in recognition of Black History Month: “Franco Harris: In 1975 during Super Bowl IX, Harris rushed for 158 yards and a touchdown. As a grand finale, he was named the game’s MVP; the first black player to ever achieve that honor. Harris was named offensive MVP in 1972, rushing touchdown leader in ‘76 and won the Super Bowl three additional times throughout his career.”