Monday Bolts – 2.3.14
Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports: “Around the NBA, they’re hoping one thing: That only Russell Westbrook can stop Kevin Durant now, that only his appetite for shots and scoring can undo an MVP at the apex of his talent. And around the Thunder, they’re sure of this: Everyone else is dreaming. Westbrook hadn’t come back to these Thunder chasing shots, but assists and rebounds and devastating defensive stands. He’s come back chasing a championship. Thirteen years ago, Bryant watched those Lakers winning without him, watched how he could fit back into everything and nothing ever touched L.A. on that back-to-back title push. Never close.”
Brian Windhorst of ESPN.com: “Brooks, Durant and the rest of the Thunder didn’t have a game plan of how to play differently when Westbrook went down last season in the playoffs. They didn’t really have one this season, either, as their struggles immediately after his latest surgery showed. Now, the challenge is to get Westbrook to continue to play with that pedal-to-the-floor style but do so recognizing the whole spectrum of options. Some nights, indeed, the trusty 1-2 punch with him and Durant will be more than enough. But there is no reason to go backwards now. The Thunder have the best record in the league and are about to get an All-Star back into their lineup. If Westbrook plays it right and the Thunder find the balance they have shown they possess, they could crack the ceiling they’ve been looking at for the past few seasons.”
The Suns might be after Pau Gasol.
KD on signing with the Wizards in 2016, via CSN Washington: “I grew up here. I’ve got 100 people coming to the game tonight. That should tell you how much I care for this city,” said the smiling superstar to a throng of reporters and cameras while sitting in front of his cubicle in the Thunder’s locker room. “Just growing up here, catching the subway down to the MCI Center at the time as a kid, and watching the games. I’m very fortunate, blessed to come back here and play. Every part of D.C. is embedded in my heart. Looking forward to playing tonight.”
Funny, here’s the same thing transcribed from The Oklahoman: “I had to buy 100 tickets tonight. I spent a lot of money on tickets tonight. Imagine if I played here,” Durant said when asked if he’s given it any thought. “I don’t even want to think about that. But I haven’t given it any thought. Growing up here and, like I said, taking the train down to Gallery Place-Chinatown to come watch these games as a kid, I never really thought about coming home to play. I love Oklahoma City. I love coming here and visiting.”
Derek Fisher in a new blog entry on the Miami game: “I felt pretty great going into that game, but I think it was the way we played as a team that fed into it the most. Mickey and Nick Arison, the owner and CEO of the Heat, were sitting courtside for the game. There was a play in the second half where I thought I got fouled. Nick made a comment that he didn’t agree. I made the fifth three shortly thereafter and kind of looked at him and smiled, just to tell him that I didn’t forget what he was saying about that earlier play.”
Tree and Leaf has their latest DT shirts for sale online now, including the new Slim Reaper one.
