Nick Gallo (OKCThunder.com) with a practice report on the eve of the beginning of the regular season: “Terrance Ferguson completed the NBA’s concussion protocol and was back in practice on Sunday. Abdel Nader was also a full participant in practice after recovering from knee soreness. Russell Westbrook continues to do more and more in practice and is progressing well.” Continue reading
Royce Young (ESPN) with the medical update on Russell Westbrook: “Russell Westbrook is “progressing” and getting nearer to a return, Oklahoma City Thunder coach Billy Donovan said Thursday, but has not been cleared for full-contact practice yet, leaving the All-Star point guard’s status for the season opener in question.”
BetSDI, a sports-betting website, has set the over/under total on Russell Westbrook triple-doubles this season at 22.5. Check more of the prop bets and where Thunder players land on those bets. Continue reading
Nick Gallo (OKCThunder.com) on the new menu items at the Chesapeake Energy Arena: “Well this year at Thunder games there will be more than enough delicious options to satiate that need, conveniently located around the arena. On Wednesday afternoon, the Thunder and its partners, Levy Restaurants and Savor Catering, showed off some delightful food items that will be for sale in the arena during the 2018-19 season, tapping into every price point, seat location and taste bud requirement. Both caterers take pride in sourcing locally, both throughout Oklahoma and other states within a 400-mile radius.”
The God of Thunder giveth: “The Oklahoma City Thunder has signed forward Donte Grantham, guard Scotty Hopson and forward Dez Wells, it was announced today by Executive Vice President and General Manager Sam Presti. Per team policy, terms of the deals were not disclosed.” Continue reading
A recap podcast of last night’s game hosted by myself and NTTB contributor Dylan Huntzinger.
Nick Gallo (OKCThunder.com) recaps the wild game against the Milwaukee Bucks: “During the third, however, the Thunder did get a shot in the arm from rookie guard Hamidou Diallo, who made his first NBA-level start at shooting guard in place of the injured Andre Roberson and Terrance Ferguson. Diallo went 4-for-4 for nine points in the third quarter, part of a 19-point, five-rebound, four-assist effort on 8-of-16 shooting in 40 minutes of play, but Donovan is more pleased right now about the rookie’s grasp of the team’s defensive concepts, his motor and toughness than his scoring.” Continue reading
There was a play on Sunday that encapsulated what exactly Thunder fans are hoping for from Paul George this season. In the second quarter, as the Thunder were finally getting a hold of the game, George jumped up to steal a cross-court pass attempt on the defensive end of the floor. He then dribbled the ball up court and calmly stepped into a transition three that swished through. The Thunder went up by 10 at that point and never looked back. Continue reading
Nick Gallo (OKCThunder.com) on the energy shown by the Thunder in their win against the Atlanta Hawks: “Rookie Hamidou Diallo again was impressive, utilizing his athleticism, tenacity and intelligence to make plays, garnering more minutes after starter Terrance Ferguson went down with concussion-like symptoms. Sure, as a 20-year old, Diallo will have moments like when he hesitated on a cut to the rim. But he made up for it by receiving the pass from a posted-up George and turning the corner quickly to attack the rim to draw a foul. Diallo was aggressive on the glass in keeping loose balls alive and finished both at the rim and at the charity stripe as he chipped in 13 points and 5 rebounds.” Continue reading
There are times where basketball takes a backseat. Whether it’s the death of a loved one or a personal set-back, the human aspect of athletics usually gets lost in the minutiae of sports. On Wednesday, Paul George missed the Thunder’s preseason opener due to a personal matter. That personal matter turned out to be the passing of his girlfriend’s father. Continue reading
The Topic: Thunder crew recaps the Pistons game on their first recap podcast.
Erik Horne (NewsOK) with one of the major developments from the Thunder’s first preseason game: The Dennis Schröder/Steven Adams pick and roll: ““I spend time with him, mate,” Adams said of the chemistry between him and Schroder. “It’s more about finding out what you like, where you’re looking. Whenever you’re trying to figure out their body language in terms of them coming off screens, how they’re setting up, it helps on both sides. Especially with the passes, he will ask me what type of passes I like. It just comes down to that.” Continue reading
A journey has to start somewhere. And for the Oklahoma City Thunder, their journey into the 2018-19 season starts tonight. Thankfully, it’s at the Chesapeake Energy Arena in front of what should be a raucous home crowd. The Detroit Pistons come into town looking to kick-start their preseason docket of five games, and bring with them a pair of familiar faces. While Reggie Jackson will likely illicit some boos from the crowd, hometown boy Blake Griffin should receive the opposite. Continue reading
Just a collection of the Thunder’s media day interviews for your listening pleasure. Enjoy.
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