Wednesday Bolts: 11.1.17
The Thunder handled business last night in Milwaukee: “Russell Westbrook and the Oklahoma City Thunder were met with little resistance as they kept attacking the lane. When the reigning NBA MVP didn’t take it to the hoop himself, he found Steven Adams in the paint for an easy bucket. Other times, Paul George got his hands on the ball for a 3. Too many options for the Oklahoma City, and not nearly enough defense for the Milwaukee Bucks in the Thunder’s 110-91 win on Tuesday night.”
Royce Young on the Thunder’s improving attack: “It was a punctuating win for the Thunder, building on a 32-point smackdown of the young Bulls three nights ago in Chicago, and the kind that fosters a happy locker room. But it was clear in the 48 minutes on the floor, and in the time after: This Thunder team has preached patience, but it appears they are starting to figure a few things out.”
Erik Horne & Brett Dawson on OKC not picking up Josh Huestis’ team option: “Thunder forward Josh Huestis will be an unrestricted free agent this summer, as the Thunder did not pick up his 2018-19 option by Tuesday’s deadline, The Oklahoman confirmed Tuesday. The 6-foot-7, 230-pounder has already played more minutes this season than his first two seasons with the Thunder. If his option was picked up, Huestis would have been guaranteed $2.2 million next season, or a little less than the value of a minimum contract for a 10-year veteran this season.”
Nick Friedell (ESPN) on Jason Kidd comparing Russell Westbrook to Iron Mike: “He is the Mike Tyson of basketball,” Kidd, a former star point guard himself, said before the Bucks lost 110-91 to Westbrook’s Oklahoma City Thunder. “When the jump ball [goes up], he is coming as Tyson did [in getting] off the stool. When the bell rings, he’s coming for you.”
Vincent Goodwill (B/R) on the OK3’s pecking order: “For all of the individual accomplishments of OKC’s new Big Three, trust isn’t instantaneous. Things will be established as the season progresses, especially as teams start finding themselves and this trend of funky results settles itself out. Then, we’ll find out whether Anthony is as committed to ball movement and the defensive end, and if he or George can be comfortable with being a third option. Or if they can pull Westbrook back when the Tyson in him starts throwing wild punches that don’t hit their mark.”
Dan Favale (B/R) on OKC being a possible destination for Jahlil Okafor: “Enes Kanter, Version 0.45, reporting for duty. Truthfully, the Thunder have no real need for Okafor. Most of their backup frontcourt minutes should be going to Jerami Grant and Patrick Patterson. But general manager Sam Presti is in asset-collection mode. And Okafor is a (fallen) top-three prospect with the offensive skeleton of a dude they were paying $17-plus million until Carmelo Anthony came to his senses. If given the opportunity, Oklahoma City can talk itself into trying Okafor on for size.”
Russell Westbrook dining at Real Chili was news in Milwaukee: “Even the reigning NBA’s most valuable player can’t resist dining at Real Chili. Oklahoma City Thunder all-star guard Russell Westbrook was at the W. Wells St. location near Marquette’s campus Monday night.”
Paolo Ugetti (Ringer) on the Pacers looking much smarter in the Paul George trade: “Remember Domantas Sabonis? When he and Victor Oladipo were traded from the Thunder to the Indiana Pacers for Paul George, the consensus was disbelief at the lopsidedness of the trade. It turns out GM Kevin Pritchard knew the sour reaction might eventually turn sweet. Both Sabonis and Oladipo can be pretty good once they’re given the space to thrive (a.k.a., not playing with Russell Westbrook).”
Around the League: Tyronn Lue says the Cavs aren’t having fun…. Jahlil Okafor might seek a buyout from the 76ers…. There’s no movement on an Eric Bledsoe trade…. Best Halloween costumes around the NBA…. Anthony Davis really struggles with haunted houses.