Wednesday Bolts – 1.28.15
Michael Lee of the Washington Post: “While addressing one problem, the Thunder might have created another. Oklahoma City outscores opponents by 2.3 points per 100 possessions when Waiters shares the court with Reggie Jackson. But Jackson, who averaged 20.2 points in 13 games without Westbrook, has seen his playing time and production take a dramatic decline, averaging just 9.6 points in 20.1 minutes, since Waiters’ arrival. The Thunder’s success continues to hinge heavily on whether or not Durant or Westbrook hits shots. Oklahoma outscores opponents by 6.4 points per 100 possessions with Durant and Westbrook on the floor together and they have accounted for 46.4 percent (1032 of 2220) of the team’s scoring in their 21 games together.”
Marc Stein of ESPN.com picking All-Stars: “As for Mr. Durant … your protests are futile. I know he’s missed 24 games thanks to his various foot ailments, but I also know that’s not a high enough number to dissuade West coaches from finding a spot for the game’s reigning MVP. KD will be at MSG. Trust me.”
Podcast talking the West’s power players.
Berry Tramel: “Think about that. Westbrook’s assists have remained steady even without being able to pass the ball to Durant. That’s remarkable. His turnovers have not gone up, even though the Thunder relies on him even more, everything from scoring to ballhandling, sans Durant. Westbrook without Durant has averaged 24.4 shots per game and 8.7 foul shots per game without Durant. Westbrook’s season averages are 20.2 shots per game and 8.4 foul shots. So Westbrook is taking more shots but maintaining his established success rate and not committing any more turnovers. The Thunder has to have Durant to become a Western Conference contender. But if Durant misses any more time temporarily, the Thunder isn’t doomed without him. Russell Westbrook has raised his game.”
Anthony Slater: “To Morrow’s credit, he’s been impactful in other ways. He’s steady enough defensively, grabs a few rebounds per game and has found other ways to score – whether it’s on the one-dribble pull-up, the mid-range floater or at the free throw line, where he’s nearly automatic (42-of-49 this season). But the Thunder has other guys that can do those things. Morrow was brought in for his elite outside shooting ability. And as OKC readies to enter the stretch run, the Thunder need him to recapture that groove. It’s vital for an offense in desperate need of floor-spacing for its superstars.”
