Thunder 111, Spurs 102
News, notes and observations from Monday’s 111-102 win at San Antonio…
- Is a win still a win when wins don’t matter? You be the judge. Either you’ll look at the final score and the way the Thunder played the second half and think this was a fairly decent performance. Or you’ll look at the way the Spurs manhandled the Thunder for much of the first half and rested their big guns in the second half and come away ready to push the panic button.
- As awful as OKC played in the first defensively, giving up 22 fast break points, the Thunder did do a lot well in this game. It’s just that the good moments were so sporadic that they became lost in the final outcome. Scott Brooks said it best when he said his team played in “spurts.” Give the guys credit for regrouping, regardless of which Spurs were on the floor, and playing with better effort in the second half.
- It was hard to not be impressed with Jeff Green tonight. He dominated the Spurs from the left block. Brooks made it a point to post up Green against Garrett Temple, Richard Jefferson and Matt Bonner. Green bullied all three and earned trips to the free throw line or 3-point plays. And the versatility that we hear so much about when it comes to Green became evident when he was able to take DeJuan Blair out to the perimeter whenever Blair came in. Green didn’t hit any 3s tonight, but just pulling the Spurs’ big away from the basket is beneficial. Also, when Green can get into a rhythm with touches down low and trips to the foul line, he is capable of putting together a monster game.
- The one complaint you could have about Green tonight, and it is very nit-picky, is that he finished with zero assists. That wasn’t all his fault, as some of his passes were on time and on target but went unfinished. Green commanded a double team throughout the night, and, if that’s going to be the case this season, the next step should be making plays for others. But tonight, it was more about how his teammates didn’t finish plays for Green.
- James Harden could become one of the most efficient guards in the game. Not this year. And maybe not next year. But games like tonight’s show you he has the tools. He took six shots and finished with 18 points. He made all three of his 3-point attempts and all five of his free throws. And he did it without turning the ball over a single time. Oh, and he had six boards, four assists, two blocks and one steal. Incredible game by the young fella. Could it be a preview of what he could look like as a starter, taking less shots but making the most of his chances?
- Serge Ibaka blocked four more shots tonight after swatting six against CSKA Moscow. I went into this game looking for how Ibaka played defensively against Tim Duncan. The matchup was short-lived because Duncan played only the first quarter. But the best description is perhaps respectable. The longer Duncan stayed in the game, the more Ibaka struggled. And that’s to be expected against a Hall of Famer. But Ibaka did some nice things. His most glaring strength is still coming from the weakside and swatting shots as opposed to playing straight up. And his pick-and-roll defense was shaky at times. One possession in particular stood out. Ibaka failed to properly communicate to Russell Westbrook that a screen was coming, and then he allowed Tony Parker a free lane to the basket when Westbrook was screened.
- I sat next to Malik Rose tonight and got even more excited about his addition to the FOX Sports Oklahoma studio crew. Rose broke down a few plays to me with so much precision that I instantly became smarter about the game. Or at least I felt smarter. There were plays Rose called out, to no one in particular, before they happened. I’m telling you, it will be an absolute joy to listen to Rose break down the Thunder at halftime and after the games this season. Check back for a Q&A with Rose to get his thoughts on the Thunder and his new television career.
- Two Thunder players were whistled for “respect for the game” technical fouls tonight, the first time OKC players have experienced the league’s new rules. Kevin Durant and Westbrook. And neither seemed warranted. Controlling whining is one thing. Cutting out overreactions is understandable. But popping guys for reactions? That seems over the top. The worst part of it is these new rules leave to much up to the refs’ interpretation. The league should make the new laws concrete or do away with them.
- Durant and Westbrook won’t play Tuesday in Denver. Brooks said he’s likely to go with Maynor at point, Green at 3, Ibaka at 4 and Mullens at 5.
- Mullens could use the start. He probably can’t get tonight’s taste out of his mouth fast enough. Not much went right for him against the Spurs. He made weak moves around the basket offensively and was beaten several times defensively. His six rebounds were his lone bright spot.
- Thabo Sefolosha said he might play at Denver. He told me his pinkie is still sore and doesn’t allow him to catch the ball. But if this were the regular season, Sefolosha said, he would be playing.
-DM-
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[...] Mayberry’s thoughts: “It was hard to not be impressed with Jeff Green tonight. He dominated the Spurs from the left block. Brooks made it a point to post up Green against Garrett Temple, Richard Jefferson and Matt Bonner. Green bullied all three and earned trips to the free throw line or 3-point plays. And the versatility that we hear so much about when it comes to Green became evident when he was able to take DeJuan Blair out to the perimeter whenever Blair came in. Green didn’t hit any 3s tonight, but just pulling the Spurs’ big away from the basket is beneficial. Also, when Green can get into a rhythm with touches down low and trips to the foul line, he is capable of putting together a monster game.” [...]