Rockets 89, Thunder 77
As I wrote for Sunday’s paper, the Thunder’s best defensive effort was overcome by its worst offensive showing.
Who will step up and become the team’s second consistent scorer after Kevin Durant?
I asked Nick Collison about his offense after the game and whether he’s as aggressive as coach P.J. Carlesimo wants him to be. He’s attempted only 13 shots (eight tonight) through two games. He said he needs to look for his offense more and should be more assertive.
Earl Watson looks like his thumb injury is affecting his shot. I’ve asked him about it on more than one occasion, including following tonight’s 3-for-12 performance. He said he’s primarily looking to get to the rim and set up the offense. He told me something Hubie Brown once told him about players’ shots being flat to start the season because they don’t yet have their legs. Watson said he believes his shot will start falling soon.
Jeff Green continues to put together solid all-around performances but again finished well shy of being spectacular in any one area. His 10 points, six boards, two assists and one steal prove his the versatile talent the team has advertised him to be. I’m still trying to figure out where he is most comfortable and effective on the offensive end.
Kevin Durant had his way with Tracy McGrady tonight. Ron Artest played KD tougher. But Durant showed off his natural gifts, shooting over the two of them and using his long arms to play the passing lanes (game-high four steals).
Chris Wilcox displayed the inconsistency that has defined his career. One game after scoring 15 points with seven rebounds, both team highs off the bench, he finished with two points and two boards with four fouls in 19 minutes. he missed five of six shots. I think a tough tandem of Yao Ming and Luis Scola had a lot to do with his performance tonight. Let’s see how he bounces back Sunday against a shorter frontline of Al Jefferson, Kevin Love and Craig Smith.
Desmond Mason and Joe Smith had an unheralded three blocks each.
Damien Wilkins, Carlesimo said, didn’t play because of the logjam at the guard/forward spot. Carlesimo said he like Damien’s effort thus far and it’s all about trying to get guys ample minutes.
The Thunder missed its four 3-pointers tonight and is now 1-for-10 from behind the arc.
The Thunder did cut down its turnovers from 20 to 16…..Baby steps, people.
Russell Westbrook continues to be aggressive. It didn’t pay off tonight. He missed 5 of 7 shots but there might not be a guard in the NBA who can keep him out of the lane.
Finally, I thought this team was at its best tonight when it ran and pushed the tempo. The Rockets had no answer for those transition buckets. We’ll see if we see more of that.
-DM-
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Go OKC Thunder!!!