Monday Bolts – 11.16.15
Berry Tramel: “Russell Westbrook frustrates and intimidates opponents. He plays basketball with a
redwood on his shoulder. It’s part of what makes him great. Not every NBA player stands up to Westbrook. Those that do aren’t always successful. But Marcus Smart was Sunday night. The Celtic point guard, 19 months removed from the OSU campus, won a clash of wills with Westbrook and Boston beat the Thunder 100-85.”
A report said Dion Waiters wants to go home and play for his hometown 76ers. Waiters tweeted about it over the weekend, seeming to deny it: “I dnt need or want the attention I never been that guy… I’m not worrying about money I’m chasing a championship wit my bros… #thunderUP.”
Thoughts on last night for ESPN.com.
Seth Partnow for the Washington Post: “One caveat is Westbrook is somewhat wild with his passing, with a playmaking turnover rate of 12.5 percent this year following 13.7 percent last year, slightly above league average (around 12 percent) and significantly higher than many top point guards. Among players with assist usage of 15 percent or greater, the average is playmaking turnover rate is just over nine percent. That wildness is what draws much of the criticism of his play. However, this is much more of an aesthetic argument than proof that Westbrook is anything but one of the very best at the primary job of the “point guard” position, which is putting teammates in positions to succeed.”
Anthony Slater: “The Thunder’s bench, thought to be a strength heading into the season, has been inconsistent. Much of Sunday’s struggles were due to the downward tilt of its up-and-down ways. At the end of the third quarter, OKC held firm to a 74-72 lead. Westbrook took his customary rest. Donovan went with a lineup filled entirely with bench players. By the time Westbrook reentered with 7:30 left in the fourth quarter, Boston had spurted out to a 13-2 run and a nine-point lead.”
Interesting inside baseball sportswriting piece.
KD talked about his hamstring last night.
James Herbert of CBSSports.com: “In Durant’s absence, the Thunder had no problem with the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday but lost at home to the Boston Celtics on Sunday. Anthony Morrow has been starting in his place, but the sharpshooter missed all four of his looks against the Celtics, who have perhaps the best collection of perimeter defenders in the league. After what happened last season, though, no one in OKC will be clamoring for Durant to rush back and save the day. He’ll be back when he’s healthy, and that shouldn’t be too long anyway.”
