Monday Bolts – 12.26.11
Berry Tramel on Perk’s anger: “Brooks said Perk ‘has to control the emotions. We didn’t want the technical fouls to add up. He told me he will slow it down when he gets to nine. Or eight. I’m trying to talk him down to six.’ Yeah, right, Scotty. We saw how interested you are in trying to settle down Perkins. And you’re playing it just right.”
Darnell Mayberry: “Not sure what happened to Russell Westbrook tonight. He started off like he was headed for a triple-double. Then things went south. He turned it over seven times, struggled with his shot selection and decision-making and had a lousy day defensively against Jameer Nelson. But expect Westbrook to have a big night Monday at Minnesota. In 12 career games against the Wolves, Westbrook is averaging 15.9, 10.3 assists and 4.1 rebounds. Last year, Westbrook averaged 20 points, 9.5 assists and 3.3 rebounds in the four-game series against the Wolves.”
Watch ref Bill Kennedy make the worst pass ever last night.
Nate Robinson told Sam Amick of SI.com he wants to change his reputation: “After his buyout from Oklahoma City was finalized on Saturday and he’s on his way to yet another new stop, Robinson is determined to dispel the prevailing notion that he’s too sophomoric to sign. What was once a refreshing comedy act in those early years in New York has become his latest stigma, with some teams forgetting how explosive of a scorer and shooter he can be while focusing on the antics that have the potential to both doom and define him. As Robinson sees it, the reputation that has caused some wariness about him around the league him is off base.”
On Perk’s defense on Dwight Howard.
Jerry Zgoda of the Star Tribune has OKC has his top team: “Compared to changes elsewhere, this team is a pillar of stability. Biggest questions about youthful Thunder are Russell Westbrook’s mindset and maturity.”
From Elias: “Kevin Durant began defense of his NBA scoring title with 30 points in the Thunder’s 97-89 win over the Magic on Sunday night. Durant, who also had five rebounds and six assists, became only the second reigning scoring champion in the last 20 years to begin a season with a 30/5/5 (points/rebounds/assists) game. The other was Shaquille O’Neal for the Lakers in October 2000.”
Eddy Rivera of Magic Basketball: “Do you want to know what an elite team and championship contender looks like on the court? Look no further than the Thunder. This is a roster that has all the tools to win a title. There’s a go-to scorer in Kevin Durant, a bevy of playmakers in Westbrook and James Harden (as well as Durant), stout defenders in Ibaka, Perkins, and Collison, and a productive group of role players.”