Friday Bolts: Break's Over

Daily Thunder Staff -

The new-look Oklahoma City Thunder made its debut last night against the Los Angeles Clippers. Coming out of the All-Star Break, the game was a potential course-setter for the remainder of the season--the young Thunder with a chance to measure up against one of the league's hottest teams before the break.

Gordon Hayward, the centerpiece of OKC's trade deadline moves, logged his appearance in the second quarter and ended up missing both of his shots in 14 minutes of action.

And yet, the Thunder trounced the Clippers, 129-107.

Break's over, and the Thunder look ready for the second half of the season.

Welp, the All-Star Game itself was an exhibition of offense and showcase of how I'd play defense against the NBA's elite talent. The reviews of the game were not kind.

Adam Silver’s anger felt around the NBA - but can league fix its All-Star Game problem?
Adam Silver wants a better All-Star Game product. His options may be limited. It’s time for the players - or their union - to step up.
USA TODAY, USA TODAY
NBA’s All-Star Game has become unwatchable, and it also might be unfixable
The players simply don’t care, and beyond that, don’t want to get hurt
CBSSports.comBrad Botkin

With a brand-speaking new arena coming, could OKC be a future host of the All-Star Game? Unlikely, writes Joe Mussatto (The Oklahoman).

Mussatto: Why Oklahoma City, despite new arena plan, is far from hosting NBA All-Star Game
The list is long why OKC won’t host a NBA All-Star Game anytime soon, with almost all of the reasons relating to size.
The Oklahoman, The Oklahoman

Outside of the game itself, ESPN asked Steph Curry who he thought might be the next superstars of the NBA, and among the names mentioned: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

‘Just let it happen organically’: LeBron’s advice to the next face of the NBA
Who will succeed LeBron James as the face of the NBA? At All-Star Weekend, the next class of young stars made its case.
ESPNTim Bontemps

It's about the fashion. Converse is leveraging SGA to turn the Weapon into a fashion statement.

How Converse and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander turned the Weapon into a lifestyle sneaker
Outside the entrance of Converse’s global headquarters in Boston, Massachusetts, the newest ad from the oldest footwear brand in basketball history hangs. The l…
AndscapeAaron Dodson

Despite being small, aging, and subject to replacement, the Paycom Center ranked no. 1 for concessions.

Tim McMahon (ESPN) says the Paul George trade may have created the next NBA dynasty... in Oklahoma City.

The Paul George trade, OKC’s rise and the blockbuster that keeps on giving
The Paul George trade to the Clippers in 2019 sent shockwaves through the league and two of its franchises. Nearly five years later, one of those teams is still reaping the rewards.
ESPNTim MacMahon

In an hour-plus long interview with his agent, Kevin Durant talked about a variety of topics including his time in OKC.