Thunder vs Hornets: Pregame Primer

vs.

Hornets (10-19, 3-10 road) vs. Thunder (14-16, 7-7 home)

TV: FS Oklahoma
Stream:  Click here
Radio:  WWLS The Sports Animal (98.1 FM, 640 AM, 1300 AM The Buzz Tulsa)
Time: 7:00 CT

Offensive Rating: Thunder – 104.5 (21st), Hornets – 102.9 (25th)
Defensive Rating: Thunder – 103.0 (6th), Hornets – 106.8 (19th)

The Thunder goes for two straight after scoring the win of the year yesterday in San Antonio. Russell Westbrook once again looked like an MVP candidate as the Thunder grabbed win number 14. Tonight Oklahoma City is back at the Peake to take on the 10-19 Charlotte Hornets.

After a disappointing start to the season the Hornets come into OKC on a four-game winning streak and will demand a maximum effort from the Durant-less Thunder.

The Matchup

After playing his best game of the season, Steven Adams faces what he calls the toughest test in the league in Al Jefferson.

“He just destroyed me (last time). I felt real bad looking at the bench.”

At age 30, Jefferson is one of the premier back-to-the-basket bigs in the NBA. His array of post moves can leave anyone, not just Adams, completely stumped and looking for help. He comes in averaging 19 points and 8.9 rebound a game. Steven played Tim Duncan extremely well yesterday, especially down the stretch. Adams used his size and mass to stay in front of Duncan and did a good job of staying down on his pump fakes — something Serge can’t figure out (seriously, take the most un-athletic relative you were around yesterday and have them pump fake at Ibaka, bet he jumps). If Adams can play straight up once again he’ll find the same effectiveness against his biggest challenge.

Brooks deserves a lot of credit for riding Adams for extended minutes in the fourth yesterday and subbing offense for defense when needed. Roberson, per usual, played some outstanding perimeter defense and Morrow continues to shoot it well from beyond the arc. The last eight minutes of that game the ball moved, bodies moved, extra passes led to open looks and guys were paying them off. Even against lesser opponents, that level of urgency and execution needs to be present.

What can you say about Russ yesterday? Tonight he gets a talented Kemba Walker to try and victimize before the team hits the road again. Walker is a talented offensive player, but struggles against Westbrook on the defensive end — imagine that. If Westbrook can get the pace of the game up from the jump this game could get out of hand early.

The Thunder had five players in double-figures scoring yesterday which was a pleasant sight. Everyone was involved from the start and it payed off late in the game. Tonight is another night to build on the ball movement from yesterday and bury a team early.

Brooks mentioned today that Lamb’s reduced minutes isn’t permanent and that he’s looking for more consistency on both ends from him. We’ll see if he gets him on the floor tonight.

Thursday’s COTN: “Merry Russmas to all. And to all a good Adams.” – @propsizzle

I can dig it.

Tip at 7:00 CT. Go winning streak.