Thunder vs Hawks: Pregame Primer
vs.
Thunder (22-20, 9-13 road) vs. Hawks (35-8, 18-3 home)
TV: FS Oklahoma
Stream: Click here
Radio: WWLS The Sports Animal (98.1 FM, 640 AM, 1300 AM The Buzz Tulsa)
Time: 6:30 CT
Offensive Rating: Thunder – 104.9 (18th), Hawks – 109.4 (7th)
Defensive Rating: Thunder – 103.2 (8th), Hawks – 101.8 (3rd)
That’s four in a row, and five out six for the Thunder. Wednesday night in Washington Kevin Durant poured in 34 points with seven rebounds and three assists in front of his family and friends in his much-anticipated homecoming. The “KD2DC” signs were all over the arena, and Russell Westbrook had had enough. With two late game layups, including the game-winner with .8 seconds left, Russ not so politely said, “Yea, he’ll be leaving with me.”
Tonight the Thunder is in Atlanta to face the scorching hot Hawks — winners of 14 in a row.
Earlier today Durant was asked if the Hawks are best team in the NBA: “I wouldn’t go that far. They’re a good team. I like our team.”
3 Big Things
1. Defense. Atlanta moves the ball extremely well, currently number one in assists at 26 per game. The Thunder is going to have be very disciplined for the entire shot clock and get out on as many shooters as they’ve seen this season. And that includes the best in the league, Kyle Korver. Korver is shooting 53 percent from BEHIND THE THREE POINT LINE. Andre Roberson will start on Korver. His speed and long arms could inhibit Korver’s effectiveness in initial actions, but Atlanta is very good at turning even broken possessions into good looks with player and ball movement.
2. Westbrook. A lot of Atlanta’s success is built on Teague getting into the lane and initiating ball movement from below the free-throw line — much like the Spurs and Tony Parker.
If Westbrook can lock in on Teague it can cause Atlanta problems on the offensive end. When Russ is fully engaged on the defensive end, causing steals and jumping passing lanes he can change the game.
3. Bench. Atlanta brings Dennis Schroder off the bench and will matchup with Reggie Jackson. The Hawks’ backup two-guard Thunder fans might recognize — Thabo SefalOOOOOOsha.
Thabo is averaging 5 points and 4 rebounds coming off the bench and boy oh boy do I want to see him matchup with Durant for a stretch during this game.
The trio of Jackson-Waiters-Morrow needs to have solid contributions tonight. Morrow gave the Thunder a big three-pointer in the fourth quarter on Wednesday despite not shooting well to that point. The Thunder needs an efficient night from its bench trio, as well as a good night on both ends from Nick Collison. This is a game Collison can flourish in, we’ll see if he can get back on track tonight.
Wednesday’s COTN: “WE’RE OFF TO BEAT THE WIZARDS . . . THE WONDERFUL WIZARDS WHO LOST.” – @ThunderChick2010
ThunderChick with the ZINGER.
Tip at 6:30 CT. Go 5 straight.
