Tuesday Bolts – 12.9.14
Darnell Mayberry: “All the preseason talk of a revamped offensive system that relies on better ball movement, better player movement and better balance will now be put to the test as the Thunder moves forward, sporting an unexpected 7-13 record entering Tuesday’s game against Milwaukee. Furthermore, the defense, which was dominant for the most part without the team’s two stars, is under the microscope now that it coincidentally has fallen off with the return of Durant and Westbrook. From this point forward, the preseason goal of relying on a better brand of ball is in direct conflict with winning by any means necessary. The Thunder needs to build better habits, as history clearly shows, but the possibility of not making the playoffs has rightfully rekindled old habits. What’s a team to do?”
KD on his foot: “I know I’m different. I know my injury was different. I know I’m a different build than most guys. You can’t compare me to Yao Ming. He’s 300 pounds and he broke his foot. I didn’t break mine.”
How the Thunder and Sixers are the same.
Jeff Caplan of Fox Southwest: “The rest of this month will also be a time many of Brooks’ critics judge his handling of the rotation. A magnet for criticism whenever anything tilts the slightest bit sideways Brooks will deal with Durant’s minutes, moving the head-strong Reggie Jackson back to the bench, developing combinations with Jeremy Lamb and Anthony Morrow off the bench, and at some point likely McGary. It’s been one bad break after another for the Thunder since Ibaka’s calf injury last May kept him out of the first two games of the West finals against the Spurs. This certainly isn’t how OKC drew up the start to this expectation-laden season. But let’s see where this club is come New Year’s Day. The All-Star break will be the next benchmark and then finally the stretch run. Ultimately, this early season test of patience and resolve could prove to be the unforeseen forces that once and for all get the Thunder over the hump.”
Good piece from Zach Lowe of Grantland on the Bucks: “Positions aside, the Bucks need to flank Knight with other ball handlers and more shooting. In the modern NBA, you can’t have enough of either. Perhaps Antetokounmpo will develop into something like a co–lead ball handler, and the Bucks expect Antetokounmpo and Parker to eventually shoot 3s well. These are long-term questions for a franchise that can sit back and think long-term. It has the financial flexibility to be aggressive in free agency when the time is right, and that won’t be for years. The Bucks finally have a vision. Now all they have to do is execute it.”
