Thunder vs Blazers: Pregame Primer
vs.
Thunder (32-26, 13-18 road) vs. Trail Blazers (37-19, 24-6 home)
TV: ESPN/FS Oklahoma
Stream: Click here
Radio: WWLS The Sports Animal (98.1 FM, 640 AM, 1300 AM The Buzz Tulsa)
Time: 9:30 CT
Offensive Rating: Thunder – 105.9 (15th), Blazers – 107.4 (10th)
Defensive Rating: Thunder – 103.1 (9th), Blazers – 102.2 (3rd)
After an overtime loss in Phoenix the Thunder head north to face the 37-19 Blazers. Portland looks to win the first season series victory against the Thunder in five years. OKC is 9-3 on the second night of back-to-backs, the league’s third-best record, with eight straight victories. But last night’s loss in Phoenix, and the big minutes played by Westbrook and Ibaka (42 a piece) puts the Thunder behind the eight ball before they even take the floor.
The Thunder aren’t totally out of the division race — currently 6 games back. The Thunder has always had higher hopes than the 8 seed and catching Portland for the division means an automatic top-4 seed in the playoffs. Just another wrinkle in a big game on the road.
3 Big Things
1. Getting Started. Last night the Suns got things going (literally) from the opening tip, forcing the Thunder to play catchup the rest of the first half. Portland is 24-6 at home and has one of the best crowds in the league. Coach Brooks has always done a good job of having his team ready to play no matter who is or isn’t playing. So what will the Thunder look like to start this game? The answer will determine a lot.
2. Russ vs Dame. On Dec. 23 the Thunder gave up a 10 point lead with less than 2 minutes left at home against these Blazers — also without Durant. The Thunder rode a third quarter surge down the stretch and had the game in hand, and then Damian Lillard took. it. over.
Russ obviously has a size advantage and can test Lillard in the post. Wesley Matthews may also see time on Westbrook early to avoid foul trouble for Lillard. Russ told reporters last night that the ankle turn at the end of the game won’t keep him from being ready to go tonight.
Westbrook was inconsistent guarding Bledsoe last night and it cost the Thunder in the end. Russ will have to take the challenge tonight and keep Lillard off the three-point line and make someone else make a play. If he wins this matchup, the Thunder will have a good shot at taking this game.
3. Defense. After allowing opponents just 41.5 percent shooting over their 7-game winning streak, the Thunder got lit for 49.5 percent shooting last night in Phoenix. The defensive effort was a step slow throughout most of the game.
“We didn’t play the defense that we’ve been playing for a while now,” coach Brooks said. “… You have to be able to commit on that end of the floor though out the game to give yourself a chance to win.”
Serge Ibaka did a good job on Lamarcus Aldridge in the first half on Dec. 23. But tonight he’ll need to deliver an inspired performance. He’ll have no lack of motivation after Markieff Morris went for 29 points and 11 rebounds last night.
Thursday’s COTN:
“Our Team who art in OKC.
Thunder be thy name.
Thy will be done.
The ship will be won.
At home, as well as away.
Give us this day our daily KD.
And forgive Russ for his sins,
As we forgive those who challenge Ibaka.
Lead us not into the lottery.
But deliver a victory.
In the name of Presti, Brooks.
And in the name of the OKC Thunder.” – @Main_Event_Mike
Amen and Amen.
Tip at 9:30 CT. Go get revenge.
