Monday Bolts: 02.24.20
Brandon also joined the Dream Team to podcap the game.
It was a jocular postgame:
Chris Paul finding out from @BerryTramel he was 1 rebound short of a triple double tonight: “Oh that’s Billy then. He won’t let me be great.”
— Brandon Rahbar (@BrandonRahbar) February 24, 2020
It was just a lot of fun, and Nerlens Noel says that’s on par with the whole season:
“It’s pure basketball. Probably my funnest year in basketball…” –@NerlensNoel3 on @FOXSportsOK after the game. #ThunderUp pic.twitter.com/IUozph7kni
— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) February 24, 2020
That came on the heels of an even more impressive victory over the Nuggets on Friday night. Erik Horne (The Athletic) on that statement game. “Friday’s win was more than just another opportunity to watch the Paul/Shai Gilgeous-Alexander/Dennis Schröder lineup numbers climb even higher (for the record, that three-man lineup now has a net rating of 37.2 in the fourth quarter this season). This was one of only three nationally televised games for the Thunder this season. Much of America hasn’t had the opportunity to see what Paul, Schröder, Gilgeous-Alexander and Billy Donovan thought was possible since preseason.”
Paul had himself a game against Denver:
Michael Malone praised CP3:
Coach Malone said Chris Paul is the best leader he’s ever been around.
— Katy Winge (@katywinge) February 21, 2020
Also said he’s one of the best competitors he’s been around.
And Jerami Grant spoke highly of the Thunder fans after receiving a warm reception:
Jerami Grant on his return to OKC: “I love the fans here. I’ve got a bunch of great memories here.” pic.twitter.com/qYuDDGwn5F
— Daily Thunder (@dailythunder) February 22, 2020
Another Chris Paul nugget:
Congrats to @CP3 of the @okcthunder for moving up to 7th on the all-time STEALS list! #ThunderUp pic.twitter.com/psEDEemtZK
— NBA (@NBA) February 24, 2020
For good measure, I made Paul the theme for our Sunday Crossword puzzle.
Royce Young (ESPN) on the league’s best lineup, featuring the three-headed pointmonster of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Dennis Schröder, and Paul: “I hoped it would work,” Paul said, leaning on the word “hope” pretty heavily. “We all have different personalities — you never know what different guys’ goals are and whatnot — but I was excited about it. The biggest thing was that Billy sat us all down. We met, us three and Billy, and talked about the possibilities of what it could be, and thankfully all of us are giving up a little bit here and there for the success of the team.”
Paul told media including Daily Thunder about the positive chemistry between those point guards:
CP3 on the camaraderie among SGA, Schröder, and himself: “We’re all each other’s biggest cheerleaders … I’ve seen teams where guys aren’t necessarily rooting for each other. They want you to do bad so they can get in the game. We’re not like that. It’s refreshing.” pic.twitter.com/DkJ1JvQWi6
— Daily Thunder (@dailythunder) February 22, 2020
Young on Lu Dort’s case to get converted from a two-way to a full NBA contract: “Already a fan favorite, Dort has stayed ready, breaking through as a surprise starter and impact player on a potential playoff team. In Sunday’s 131-103 win over the Spurs, Dort sparked multiple runs, finishing with 15 points on 6-of-6 shooting plus three steals in 24 minutes. He was a game-high plus-36, the best plus/minus mark for any two-way player this season, and the best in the past 20 seasons by a Thunder rookie.”
Whether or not this should breathe more life into Andre Roberson’s recovery hopes this season (it probably shouldn’t), it’s worth noting that there isn’t the wall of separation between him and the Thunder that many presumed:
Andre Roberson stopped by the locker room before the game and changed into workout clothes. Billy Donovan has said Roberson has been back and forth between here and LA.
— Maddie Lee (@maddie_m_lee) February 23, 2020
Alex Abrines tells Georgios Kyriakidis(TalkBasket) he hasn’t ruled out an NBA comeback.
Chuck Chaney (Thunder Digest) on the Thunder’s surprisingly successful 2019-20 campaign.
Around the league: Dwyane Wade’s retirement ceremony had a CP3 cameo … Vintage Melo performance … Kobe’s NBA memorial will air on ESPN today at noon
