Comments on: Thunder 106, Lakers 90

By: Nick

Nick — Wed, 23 May 2012 13:39:26 +0000

You know the Thunder are watching Spur film right now, looking for any and every weakness and getting prepared to attack it. Conditioning for the Thunder looks great. Their legs look strong. Perkins looks almost 100%. Thabo is shooting the ball better. Fisher doesn’t have the distractions and is shooting and playing better. Hardin is playing great. Durant and Westbrook are franchise players and showing that. Collison will lay everything on the floor for the Thunder. Cook will get some looks and he will make them. Nazr will get some time and he’s been looking much improved. I think we’re ready for this test. The warriors of OKC are ready for this second Texas/OK war. I think it’s going to be a lot of fun!

By: Clay Stern

Clay Stern — Wed, 23 May 2012 08:45:25 +0000

Who are we kidding, Seattle is so much nicer than this backwater town. I love my husband David Stern!

By: Tuesday Bolts – 5.22.12 | Daily Thunder.com

Tuesday Bolts – 5.22.12 | Daily Thunder.com — Tue, 22 May 2012 15:53:58 +0000

[...] Darnell Mayberry: “This was a huge win for the Thunder. Not just because it was a closeout game and allows OKC to now advance to the Western Conference Finals for the second straight season. But this victory tonight ensures that the Spurs aren’t waiting in San Antonio getting ample rest and additional preparation time while the Thunder takes more time putting the finishing touch on this series. The Thunder couldn’t have afforded to give the Spurs the same advantage the Lakers gave it. When the Nuggets forced their opening round series with the Lakers to seven games, it allowed the Thunder to sit back, relax, heal up and prepare. Had the Spurs gotten that opportunity, the West Finals could have gotten ugly.” [...]

By: Mike

Mike — Tue, 22 May 2012 15:14:59 +0000

No. We must win to build on this teams success. Im liking the fact everybody is picking the Spurs. You know Coach is going to use that as a motivational tool. These young vets will not give in. We have this newly found playoff will that will show up in these WCF. And for all the peeps who think we got no chance, sit back and enjoy the ride. We got something for the Spurs. ThunderUp!

By: Cam

Cam — Tue, 22 May 2012 14:59:43 +0000

I think they’ve grown as players. There’s success in that.

I cant believe Colin Cowherd predicted OKC in 7. Never mind that SAS have home court. They have Pop, they have experience, they’re disciplined, and they have multiple players that shoot above league average from deep. Aren’t they on like a 100 game winning streak?

OKC’s weakness: pick n roll defense and guarding the 3 point line. Awful match-up.

With that said, stranger things have happened.

By: Chris Sullivan

Chris Sullivan — Tue, 22 May 2012 14:36:59 +0000

“So I ask you. Is this a successful season no matter what the West Finals brings?”

wow

its a jewel of a team and its a thrill and wonder to follow and watch them

now I can’t help but suspect if KD’s 3 doesn’t fall in game 4 the story leads with the old “settling” complaint -

nice Notebook DM, but you didn’t close it out

By: Adam

Adam — Tue, 22 May 2012 12:46:27 +0000

I mean… there’s no shame in getting bounced by San Antonio, but there would be no progression if we lost so I can’t call that success.

San Antonio is what OKC wants to be when it grows up. I expect a beatdown but I don’t expect our guys to quit and show no heart like some of those Laker boys.

*I just knew Kobe would go out guns blazing*

By: totalfan62

totalfan62 — Tue, 22 May 2012 11:33:58 +0000

Great stuff, Darnell. Always enjoy your analysis and insight. This was a team win, no doubt. Our bigs played extremely well; all three played solid team defense and moved without the ball to give us easy buckets.

Both Durant and Westbrook continue their clutch shooting. Every time Russell rises up I think TWO! Durant is dangerous from anywhere inside 30 feet, and he continues to improve at taking it to the hoop.

San Antonio is a lot like OKC. Deep, talented team playing very well right now. The homecourt advantage is a substantial advantage for them. Thunder may have to win two road games in order to advance.

GO THUNDER!!

By: Trevor

Trevor — Tue, 22 May 2012 11:05:36 +0000

Darnell,

The answer is yes. Hopefully, the Thunder can win a couple of games, but let’s not kid ourselves the Spurs are the better team.

It is all part of the journey. Let’s enjoy it!