Tuesday Bolts: 2.27.18

Nick Gallo recaps last night’s win over the Magic: “During pregame warmups, Russell Westbrook called over reserve forward Patrick Patterson and gave him a very straightforward message: “Shoot the ball”. It was as much an instillation of confidence as it was a directive. Turns out it was an effective message not just for the Thunder stretch forward, but the entire reserve unit. Patterson had a perfect shooting night, going 4-for-4 from the field, 2-for-2 from the three-point line and hit his lone free throw attempt on his way to 11 points as the Thunder’s bench racked up 48 total points to bolster a 112-105 home victory over the Orlando Magic.”

John Denton (Magic.com) recaps the game from the other side: “The Magic opened the game with a season-best 36 points in the first quarter and they made 20 of their first 29 shots – with six made 3-pointers, to boot – while building a lead as large as 11 points. However, much of that offense disappeared in the second half, and when the Magic continued to struggle mightily on the defensive end of the floor, it proved to be a lethal combination for Orlando. Russell Westbrook fell a basket short of another triple-double against Orlando, but he was far from being the primary problem for the Magic in a 112-105 loss to Oklahoma City.”

Royce Young on Paul George’s belief that the OK3 is officiated differently: “It’s tough. We’re so aggressive; we play at the rim constantly,” George said. “We’re just officiated differently, all three of us. And it’s tough. At least one of us [should] get the benefit of the doubt. But when we’re on that floor, no one is getting the better side of that whistle. But we’re going to keep attacking, we’re going to keep being aggressive. That’s our job, to put pressure on them. At some point it’s gotta work out for us.”

Erik Horne on the shooting guard rotation being effective versus Orlando: “Combined with Josh Huestis, who started at shooting guard for the third consecutive game, the Thunder was eight points better than the Magic with Huestis, Abrines or Ferguson in the game. The formula at shooting guard will undoubtedly change night-to-night for Donovan, who loves to keep his rotation players involved. The revolving door will continue, even in a tight Western Conference playoff race.”

Royce Young on Zaza Pachulia avoiding discipline for the Westbrook “fall”: “Golden State Warriors center Zaza Pachulia will not receive any discipline from the NBA for falling on Russell Westbrook’s legs during Saturday’s game, the league confirmed to ESPN. The NBA reviewed the play and the league office told ESPN’s Chris Haynes they had a difficult time finding evidence showing that Pachulia intended to fall on Westbrook’s legs.”

Melissa Rohlin (Mercury News) on Warriors fans being split on the Zaza play: “We asked fans what they thought. Here’s the video of the incident in question in case you missed it, and below are some of the many responses we received… Wrote Steven Boyd: “Yes the play was an intentional fall onto Westbrook’s. I am a huge Dub’s fan but I am also a realist. Zaza has a history of borderline if not blatant dirty plays…. that is just another. In the old days of the NBA there would be retaliation.”

Patrick Redford (Deadspin) on Steven Adams working on an autobiography: “Steven Adams has an autobiography coming out this year with author Madeleine Chapman. The Oklahoma City Thunder center talked about it today when prompted, and it’s clear that he worked very hard on it. “It’s about myself … that’s pretty much it mate,” Adams said, before clarifying that the book wasn’t his idea, but when someone pitched it to him, “I was like ‘Okay. Whatever, bruv.’” When asked about his abilities as an author, Adams said, “I don’t write … I can barely read, mate. I’m gonna write a book? Jesus.”

A description of Steven Adams’ autobiography from the publisher: “For the first time, Steven Adams shares the story behind his meteoric rise from the streets of Rotorua to his emerging stardom in the NBA. Adams overcame the odds to become a top prospect in the 2013 NBA draft. From there he has gone on to secure a four-year US$100 million contract with the Oklahoma City Thunder – making him New Zealand’s highest paid sportsperson – and forge a reputation for his intense, physical style of basketball. In this intimate account of his life story thus far, the seven-foot center reflects on his humble childhood, the impact of his father’s death when he was just 13, challenges, setbacks, defining moments and what basketball means to him. Told with warmth, humour and humility, this is a gripping account of the rise of one of New Zealand’s most admired sporting stars.”

Newshub (New Zealand) discusses the blooming bromance between Steven Adams and Chef Gordon Ramsay: “Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay has offered a tasty deal to Kiwi basketball star Steven Adams. The famously fiery British chef offered to teach the NBA star how to make the perfect beef wellington, after Adams revealed Ramsay was his hero and mince pies were his favourite food.  In a new quick-fire interview with ESPN, the Oklahoma City Thunder player was asked questions about his favourite things. When asked about his personal hero, Adams had a suprising, non-sport related answer. “My personal hero is Gordon Ramsay,” Adams replied.”He’s amazing, he has an amazing story behind him.”

Around the League: Kawhi Leonard could return in March…. Dirk Nowitzki opposes the idea of tanking the Mavs…. How the Rockets might be the Warriors’ biggest threat yet…. Dwyane Wade discusses a Parkland victim being buried in his jersey…. Anthony Davis dropped 53 & 18 last night… Inside the world of NBA barbers.