Tuesday Bolts – 4.7.15
Darnell Mayberry: “Thunder coach Scott Brooks has a lovable, beat-up bunch that is fighting tooth and nail to make the postseason, but it doesn’t appear to understand how to get the job done, and of late has found only more ways to come up short. Meanwhile, there’s a wedge between fans about whether the best thing is to make the playoffs — and possibly see this same beat-up bunch get waxed by the Warriors — or not make it and land a lottery pick no one could have dreamed of at the start of the season. Here’s what we do know: the Thunder enters Tuesday’s game against San Antonio with a half game lead on New Orleans, but the Pelicans are tied in the loss column and own the tiebreaker. In other words, OKC does not control its own destiny. It’s the first time that’s happened in the Thunder’s seven-year history.”
Kevin Pelton of ESPN Insider on stats stuffers: “As Booker alluded to, Kanter has been getting his in Oklahoma City, averaging 17.9 points and 11.0 rebounds per game. Per Basketball-Reference.com, only three players have averaged more points and rebounds this season. Unfortunately, opponents are getting theirs too. With Kanter on the floor, the Thunder are allowing 109.7 points per 100 possessions, which would be worst in the NBA over the course of the season. As a result, Oklahoma City has been slightly outscored when Kanter plays.”
Russell Westbrook surprised a single mom with a new car.
Patrick from The Lost Ogle sharing his deep thoughts on the Harden backlash: “Also, it’s pretty easy for you to tweet “Just Let It Go” when you can always leave for free agency next year and literally “Just Let It Go.” We don’t have that fortune. I’m going to be stuck here in Oklahoma City reading Jenni Carlson columns and having an internal monologue on whether or not to renew season tickets with a franchise that covets profits more than winning championships. It’s shitty thing to think about on Monday afternoon. I guess I’ll just watch that clip again, remember the good times, and cry like an Aaron Tuttle selfie. I could use the therapy.”
Kind of crazy: LeBron picked up his first triple-double on Sunday. Westbrook has, well, you know.
From a few days ago but I forgot: ESPN Forecast says the MVP race is over: “What had been looking like the best MVP race in years may not even be competitive at this juncture. Based on our ESPN Forecast survey results, the award will go to Stephen Curry, barring a miraculous end to the season by James Harden. Furthermore, it appears Russell Westbrook has little shot at the trophy. When asked this question — “Who WILL win the MVP?” — 80.5 percent of respondents voted for Curry, 18.3 percent voted for Harden and 1.2 percent for Westbrook. Harden garnered more support on the question of “Who SHOULD win the MVP?” — getting 32.9 percent of the vote to Curry’s 52.4 percent.”
