Wednesday Bolts – 1.4.17

Kevin Durant in a Q&A: “Yeah, there’s times I felt like I wanted to get something off my chest,

but then I understood why they was like, “You know, it’s not even worth it,” because distractions are real. You can easily get distracted from this, but when you’re around a bunch of veteran guys that’s been covered just like this, it really doesn’t matter. You can talk and just move on. But when you’re on a younger team and we don’t get that much coverage playing in a smaller market, that stuff can really seep in and really get a hold of the team and distract the team. So, it’s not about me not wanting to talk to y’all or feeling untouchable. I just followed protocol. I followed the rules, you know what I’m saying? Those are the organization’s rules. I play basketball. I can’t control the media, the way I play. I can’t control all of it.”

Nick Friedell of ESPN.com on if the Bulls should trade Butler: “Yes. Butler has turned himself into one of the very best players in the league. The Bulls’ roster isn’t very good. He is their most valuable asset. I don’t think they will move him, but I do think they should consider it for the right offer.”

The story of how KD went to the Bay.

Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer on Westbrook: “He’s from Southern California and would be such a natural in the star culture that is the Los Angeles Lakers. But it would be very cool if he appreciated that OKC has been good to him and hangs on for the long haul. It’s not unprecedented. So-Cal native Reggie Miller was a Pacer for life.”

USA Today has Westbrook second in MVP: “The triple-double machine just keeps rolling. In 19 minutes in the first half against the Clippers on Saturday, Westbrook got his 16th of the season. He’s still leading the league with his 30.9 points per game to go along with 10.7 assists and 10.5 rebounds, and he has those numbers despite grabbing just five rebounds and zero assists in a loss to Memphis on Dec. 29. Mark down those lows, because you probably won’t see them again.”

Matt Moore of CBSSports.com: “The Clippers are falling down a mine shaft so fast they can’t stop their momentum, and in the meantime, something funny started happening with the Thunder. They’ve started putting away bad teams, winning by double-digits. That’s a big deal with how this team has played. So now the Thunder are tied for fourth in the West and seem to be figuring out more and more. Their January schedule is brutal, so if they make it through this stretch, they’re going to be in great shape. The Jazz and Grizzlies are both equally likely to snag that fourth spot, and if the Clippers can stop wallowing in the corner like they’re the sad dude at a bar during a blues song, there’s no reason they can’t get right back into it. This could be really fun down the stretch.”

Erik Horne: “Is another monster night from Westbrook coming Wednesday? That’s almost a nightly likelihood for Westbrook as he brings averages of 30.9 points, 10.4 rebounds and 10.5 assists in Charlotte. But the Hornets are coming off allowing 52 points to Chicago’s Jimmy Butler in a loss. The Hornets rank in the Top 10 in the NBA in opponents’ paint points allowed (sixth), opponents’ fast break points allowed (eighth), and opponents’ second chance points (tied for third).”