Monday Bolts: 2.5.18

Nick Gallo recaps yesterday’s loss to the Lakers: “Momentum is fickle, and the Thunder’s grasps at it on Sunday afternoon seemed like trying to snag smoke with bare hands. A swipe this way or that, and suddenly the Thunder was left empty handed. That’s how it went for the Thunder in a 108-104 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday afternoon’s matinee at Chesapeake Energy Arena, a game where the Thunder traded the lead and had its chances to break through during the first three quarters and fell behind late in the fourth before the clock ran out on its comeback hopes.”

Erik Horne on Thunder frustration and technical fouls: “When Brandon Ingram scored through George’s contact and foul, a technical foul for arguing resulted in a four-point possession for the Lakers. It was the fourth and final technical for the Thunder. Aside from a defensive three-second violation, Steven Adams was T’ed up in the third quarter for disagreeing about an offensive foul to go with the techs for George and Anthony. That’s four free points for the Lakers in a game decided by four.”

Royce Young with Russell Westbrook’s comments about facing adversity: “It’s fun, man. Adversity is great,” Westbrook said. “Me personally, I love adversity. It gives you an opportunity to bring your teammates together, bring everybody together and look forward to positive things. Throughout the season, there’s going to be a lot of ups and downs, but we never flinch. That’s one thing about this organization, about our team: We never flinch based on what’s going on. We always stay together.”

Berry Tramel on the Thunder’s lack of urgency in the four-game losing streak: “Conversely, teams that don’t play desperate are comparatively easy to play against. And the Thunder isn’t playing with the edge required in a league in which the margin of victory is thin if Golden State and Houston aren’t involved. The Thunder sometimes approaches games as if it can out-talent foes. This much we know almost two-thirds through the season; the 30-24 Thunder can’t cut corners.”

Paul George sat down with Rachel Nichols for an in-depth discussion: “Paul George sits down with Rachel Nichols to discuss the adjustments he’s made to improve his game with the Thunder and what his life is like in Oklahoma City after moving from Indiana.”

Adam Wells (B/R) on the Thunder’s continued interest in Avery Bradley: “Avery Bradley is a popular figure leading up to the NBA’s Feb. 8 trade deadline, with the Oklahoma City Thunder reportedly interested in the Los Angeles Clippers’ newly acquired veteran guard. Per Tim Bontemps of the Washington Post, the Thunder have interest in Bradley as a potential replacement for Andre Roberson. The Thunder announced Roberson would miss the remainder of this season after rupturing his left patellar tendon during a Jan. 27 win over the Detroit Pistons.”

KC Johnson (Chicago Tribune) mentions Tony Allen as a Thunder possibility: “Executive vice president John Paxson said Thursday that “playing time will not be a premium for them given our direction.” With the trade deadline this Thursday, it’s likely the Bulls won’t waive Tony Allen until it’s determined whether his expiring salary can be used in another deal. A league source said the Thunder have engaged in talks for Allen.”

Around the League: A major NBA financial crisis is coming…. The problem with NBA max contracts…. Tyronn Lue’s job is apparently safe in Cleveland…. Giannis Antetokounmpo injured his ankle…. LeBron thinks the Cavs should be taken off national TV.