Comments on: Lakers 101, Thunder 85

By: Thomas

Thomas — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 01:25:14 +0000

“The Thunder missed 20 3-pointers tonight. 20! It came just one game after OKC made 11 of 21. Maybe that’s why [Scott] Brooks said this team isn’t built for a shootout.” A fast-paced offense run sucessfully produces easy layups or dunks (like the Thunder did against the Wizards). It is a waste of effort when a fast-paced offense produces only 3-pointers. You can do that with a half-court offense. Besides, I watched the game last night, and the Thunder was slower than the game before.

By: Brandon

Brandon — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 19:09:13 +0000

that’s a bit harsh, Chuck, and i’d say way off the mark..

Brooks isn’t a head coach? the dude just now has coached 82 games, which is one full season.. and the improvement in the Thunder has been night and day.. they almost always play harder and seem to want it more than the other team.. part of that is because of the players themselves and the kind of guys they are, and part of that is Brooks’ coaching..

as for Westbrook, he’s averaging something like 18 points a game, over 7 assists, and over 5 rebounds.. not too many PG’s have better numbers.. his turnovers are down this year too.. and let’s not forget, he’s just a second year player.. he is going to get better and better.. and he’s already one of the most exciting PG’s in the NBA.. he’s much better at this point than everyone’s golden boy from last year, Derrick Rose..

and Green nothing more than a 6th man?? are you kidding me?? sheesh, i don’t even know what to say to that one..

the Thunder is much improved and getting better and better.. they played the world champions at their house on a night where they hit every single shot, even crazy HORSE shots, and the Thunder’s shots were more off than any night this year.. the Lakers are not this much better than the Thunder, and the Thunder is not as close to the Lakers as what we played them at home.. it’s somewhere in between.. and i’ll take that..

By: chuck

chuck — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 18:11:58 +0000

Thanks for the terrific coverage. I love the Thunder but it is still very obvious that they have two significant problems and I don’t think they will be solved this year. One is that Westbrook has no instinct to be a point guard and Green will never be much more than a solid 6th man because he is not that mobile, can’t pass or really dribble. Plus he is a little small for the power position. Three Brooks is not a head coach. They still are basically a dribble and then shoot team, no matter who is dribbling. They don’t pick well, have no pick and roll and no plays.
Harden will be very good.

Ibaka could cure their inside game but they still need some mobile bulk inside. Perhaps, they can maneuver next year, but I am now not expecting much this year, not with Brooks coaching, if that is the correct word.