Thunder vs Nets: Pregame Primer
vs.
Thunder (1-2, 0-2 road) vs. Nets (1-1, 0-0 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 – 100.2 (22nd), Nets – 110.6 (7th)
Defensive Rating: Thunder – 103.4 (9th), Nets – 112.8 (28th)
Coming off an emotional win in the home-opener against Denver the Thunder goes into Brooklyn to face the 1-1 Nets.
In these first few weeks without Durant and Westbrook the Thunder needs to bag winnable games, and tonight’s has become even more so with the season debut of Reggie Jackson. Jackson has been cleared to play after spraining his ankle in practice a week ago.
I’ve seen talk of the ball stopping with Reggie in the lineup and him trying to do too much on his own, but he’s gotten to see what this team looks like when the ball continues to move and most importantly what he has in Perry Jones as an offensive weapon. If Jackson and Jones start to develop a real chemistry it will not only stem the tide while Durant and Westbrook are out, but could pay massive dividends when the playoffs arrive.
Perkins scored 17 points in 20 minutes. This should play on an endless loop in Springfield.
We’re introducing the DT Comment of the Night (COTN) — with the assist to @duhsweetness. If you don’t like the selections take it up with Royce… kidding. This is a committee of one (me) so come at me, I’m a man I’m 40 — minus 17. But seriously, let’s have fun with this.
Saturday’s COTN: My pugs name is “Oliver Perry Jones” if you are gonna talk the talk, you gotta walk the walk – @Durants Shimmy.
We also have an honorable mention going to @Jooseppi for valiantly letting everyone know there was no Oklahoma State football game on Saturday night in a series of hilarious comments.
Look for tonight’s winner in tomorrow’s Primer!
3 Big Things:
1. Pace. The Thunder’s defense really sparked this, but the offense was able to get good looks in transition and semi-transition just from pushing the ball ahead and not letting the defense get set. With Jackson back the opportunities will be there to keep this up.
2. Andre Roberson. First off, I’m digging ‘Robes as a nickname for him. Robes gets his first premier matchup of the season in Iso-Joe Johnson. With Johnson coming off a 34-point night against Detroit on Saturday this will be a great opportunity for Roberson to show off his chops on the defensive end.
3. Brook Lopez. Lopez makes his debut tonight after missing the first two games healing from his foot injury. Lopez hasn’t played a regular season game since December 20, 2013. This will be another great test for Steven Adams down low. Activate Funaki.
Tip at 6:30 CT. Go win another one.
