Monday Rewind: Dec. 31 – Jan. 6

The Thunder played four games last week. As usual, I’m not going to tell you everything that happened — just the really important stuff like uniform choices, Russell Westbrook’s shoes, and theories as to the disappearance of Alex Abrines.

Thunder Roll on New Year’s Eve, Top Mavericks 122-102

• I’ve always been a fan of the New Year’s Eve game. If you’ve never had a chance to go, it’s worth it. The atmosphere is usually a bit more lively and you can always check out the Bricktown festivities afterwards.
• OKC picked up a much-needed win here after absolutely BLOWING IT against the Mavs the night before.
• By the way, not a fan of the scheduling here. A small injury could have a big impact on tie-breakers if the right two teams had to play each other on back-to-back nights. We actually play the Spurs on Thursday and Saturday of this week. Still weird. Don’t like it.
• We should throw more alley-oops to Jerami Grant. They’re fun to watch.

• It really stinks that Russell Westbrook is going through such a shooting slump this season. It’s actually overshadowed some of the awesome games he’s had this season — such as this one.
• Russ had promised he’d be better following the Dec. 30th loss to the Mavericks. He was: 32 points, 11 rebounds, 11 assists, 4 steals.

Paul George Silences Staples Center, Thunder Beat Lakers 107-100

• This one was fuuuuuuuun. It was Paul George’s first game against the Lakers since free agency. Lakers fans handled it about as well as you’d imagine:

• They were seriously chanting “We don’t need you” at George as the game slowly slipped out of their hands.
• Quick reminder that the Lakers have won ONE of their last six games since losing LeBron James to a groin injury. Like… Maybe you don’t need him? But you could really use him right about now.
• Anyway, let’s get to that one part. You know the one. Lance Stephenson is hounding Paul George who puts him in a spin cycle. Foul. And-1. Celebration time.

• Don’t miss the secret high-five from Billy Donovan in that first clip. That’s an underrated part of all of this. After that, Westbrook celebrates the play more than I’ve seen him celebrate anything. He goes full-on Lance air guitar and the camera catches it all perfectly. PG reportedly gave a little air-guitar himself. Westbrook sealed it with another perfectly caught wink-kiss combo.

• Westbrook debuted his new Why Not Zer0.2’s in this one. They feature every color known to man and I want a pair ASAP.
• Terrance Ferguson went for a block in this game, got awkwardly pushed higher by Josh Hart and probably should have died. The still photos of the fall are almost unbelievable when you consider he stayed in the game.

• We closed out the win in LA with Steven Adams cursing live on Fox Sports Oklahoma:

Thunder Win in Portland for First Time Since 2014, Top Blazers 111-109

• Big time win in Portland. OKC doesn’t stand a chance in this game in 2017-2018.
• Portland played well against the Thunder. I might even go as far as to say Just Nurkic was giving Steven Adams the business.
• Russ and PG combined for 68 points in this one

• That’s such a simple comment but I can’t tell you how many times the exact same thought has popped up in my head.
• The PG thing is yet another “pinch me” moment for Thunder fans. We’ve got to witness Kevin Durant greatness. Russell Westbrook greatness. And now this Paul George season is feeling really legit.
• Nerlens Noel is really fun to watch. He’s been so good that Thunder fans are having a hard time enjoying it because it looks more and more unlikely OKC can keep him next season.
• Pro Tip: Just enjoy the season and don’t be too pessimistic.

• Despite some questionable officiating and a late surge by Portland, OKC wins. Can’t say it enough: big time win.

Thunder Fall Flat in OKC, Wizards Win 116-98

• Let’s get through this one quick.
• The uniform matchup was good. City edition digs for both teams.
• The Thunder follow up their big win in Portland with the most cliche letdown ever against the Wizards.

• Those two plays pretty much sum up what it was like watching this one.
• On one hand, I’m very excited that the Thunder haven’t had more of these games. On the other hand, this one seemed like such an obvious “trap game” that I felt OKC would take care of business.
• 116-98 Wizards. Yuuuuuck.

Everything Else

• Alex Abrines was first missing games due to illness. He’s now being listed out for personal reasons. Out of respect, I’m not going to speculate too much. We could all guess what’s going on, but truth be told there hasn’t been much information or even rumors as to what’s going on.
• Regardless, Alex seems like a good dude and his post-game social media pictures are sorely missed. Whatever is going on, I wish him the best.
• The Abrines disappearance has led to the Abdel Nader era of Thunder basketball, though. Nader has filled in nicely, adding some scoring and a spark at times off the bench.
• Ferguson, Nader, Diallo, andDeonte  Burton have all shown a little bit this season. I love this team as-is, but I can’t deny the Thunder perhaps have some trade-bait to work with.
• Paul George’s latest signature showed up online today. The PG3 “NASA” is pretty wild.

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