Viewed lengthy like rings in this article now, When i lastly observed, Cartier enjoy necklace Most favorite from fuadiskws's blog
Five observations from the Thunder's 96
Detroit Pistons' Josh Smith (6) battles for a loose ball with Oklahoma City Thunder's Kevin Durant, right, during the second half of an NBA basketball game Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014, in Detroit. The Thunder defeated the Pistons 96 94. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)
The Thunder beat the Pistons 96 94 in Detroit on Sunday. Here are five observations from the game:
1. Win's a win With news of Kevin Durant's likely return leaking out right before this road trip, many expected a dominant three game run from a Thunder team desperately needing to get its season back on track. What transpired was a bit underwhelming. Durant was rusty and the rest of the team struggled to fully adjust. It started with a bad loss in New Orleans and finished with two closer than they should have been wins over a pair Eastern Conference cellar dwellers that now sport a combined 5 36 record. The victories need to pile up in December. Which means the Thunder must improve its play right now. A solid Milwaukee team comes to town Tuesday, followed by LeBron and the Cavs on Thursday. But, bright side: Despite the recent struggles, they've found ways to pull out a pair of games late. Earlier in the season, that Josh Smith 3 is splashing through for a game winner. On Sunday, it hit front rim and the Thunder escaped. Now they sit at 7 13, only 4.5 games behind the Suns. Here are the updated standings:
2. Ibaka Russell Westbrook posted a near triple double, while adding a ferocious slam that'll get its own section about 300 words from now. Kevin Durant dropped in a game high 28 points and hit the dagger 3. But I thought Serge Ibaka was the key to this win. The Thunder played uninspired in the first half a word that can also be used to describe Ibaka's play for most of the past month. But trailing by seven out of the break, the Thunder cranked up the energy. It was most apparent on the offensive glass. OKC averages 10.9 offensive rebounds per game. It had 13 in the second half. And Ibaka had six of those, including two monster rebound putbacks. It's been an area he's been lacking in this year. Despite shouldering a heavier load, his blocks, rebounds, free throw attempts and points in the paint are all down from a season ago a sign of decreasing aggression. But on Sunday, he played an impactful interior game, tying a season high with 13 rebounds, setting a season high with those six offensive boards and adding four huge blocked shots. The kind of meat and potatoes game you want to see from him every night, especially with the stars back to carry the offensive load.
3. Westbrook's slam Besides the points and the assists and the excitement and the wins, you know what was missing over the first month? Those stop what you're doing, that's why the NBA is so popular type highlight plays the clips that set the Internet abuzz. I'm not sure OKC had a SportsCenter Top 10 caliber clip while Westbrook and Durant were out. Maybe I'm forgetting one. But I know, for sure, they didn't have anything near the hammer dunk Westbrook uncorked on the Pistons on Sunday night. I'm not sure anyone in the NBA has had one as viscous in a long time. The monster smash is embedded below:
Durant on the dunk: "That was one of the best I've seen. His explosiveness, I've never seen anything like it, especially at his position."
Westbrook with the most Westbrook explanation of why he dunks so ferociously: "I just don't want nobody to block my shot. That's why I dunk so hard." Ahh, now it all makes sense. I think I'll try that next time I'm playing pickup hoops.
4. Durant's new minutes pattern Following his sluggish 10 point outing in Philadelphia, Kevin Durant admitted his new substitution pattern had thrown him off. He'd play the first seven and last eight minutes of each half giving him an extended nine minute rest that included a quarter break and two media timeouts. It stiffened him up. So on Sunday, Scott Brooks tried something new. Still limiting Durant to 30 overall minutes, he spaced out the rest time. He'd play Durant about five minutes, then sit him for four. Then play him five more, then sit him for around four. And when he was out, Durant would ride a stationary bike behind the bench. This new strategy seemed to work. Durant rebounded for a nice game 28 points and better energy on the defensive end. Look for that new pattern to continue until Brooks is comfortable enough getting him back to his old routine.
5. Trending: Lamb up, Roberson down For Sunday's paper, I wrote about Jeremy Lamb in the midst of the most consistently solid stretch of his young career. He'd put together four great games. Scott Brooks' response basically was: Cool, make it five. And on Sunday, Lamb did just that. He finished 5 of 8 shooting and 2 of 4 from three for 12 points in 22 minutes. He's now made 26 of his past 35 shots and 12 of his past 16 threes. Impressive stuff. And enough to earn more trust from Brooks. Lamb has received 52 minutes the past two games second most on the bench behind Reggie Jackson and was out there in crunch time during both wins. Andre Roberson, meanwhile, averaged only 17 minutes during the road trip despite starting all three games. He had a couple nice plays on Sunday an important rebound putback and a crafty steal but he just hasn't impacted the game from all non shooting areas like was expected. Lamb is playing better. So Lamb is playing more.
A Detroit area kid had his KD 7 sneakers stolen recently in a rough area of the city. On Sunday, Kevin Durant met with the kid and replaced the sneakers.
Up next: Milwaukee in OKC on Tuesday.
Detroit Pistons' Josh Smith (6) battles for a loose ball with Oklahoma City Thunder's Kevin Durant, right, during the second half of an NBA basketball game Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014, in Detroit. The Thunder defeated the Pistons 96 94. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)
Oklahoma City Thunder's Russell Westbrook (0) collides with Detroit Pistons' Cartier Martin (35) while going to the basket past Detroit Pistons' Caron Butler, right, during the first half of an NBA basketball game Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014, in Detroit. Westbrook was whistled for a charging foul on the play. The Thunder defeated the Pistons 96 94. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)
Oklahoma City Thunder's Kevin Durant (35) takes a shot over Detroit Pistons' Greg Monroe (10) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014, in Detroit. Durant led all players with 28 points in a 96 94 win. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)
Detroit Pistons' Greg Monroe (10) is fouled while going to the basket by Oklahoma City Thunders' Andre Roberson during the second half of an NBA basketball game Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014, in Detroit. The Thunder defeated the Pistons 96 94. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)
Detroit Pistons' Greg Monroe (10) is fouled while going to the basket by Oklahoma City Thunders' Andre Roberson during the second half of an NBA basketball game Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014, in Detroit. The Thunder defeated the Pistons 96 94. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)
Oklahoma City Thunders' Kevin Durant watches during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Detroit Pistons,cartier bracelet white imitation, Sunday,cartier bracelet rose Knockoff, Dec. 7, 2014, in Detroit. Durant led the Thunder with 28 points in a 96 94 win. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)
Detroit Pistons' Andre Drummond (0) looses the ball out of bounds against Oklahoma City Thunders' Nick Collison during the second half of an NBA basketball game Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014, in Detroit. The Thunder defeated the Pistons 96 94. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)
Detroit Pistons' Greg Monroe (10) looses the ball against Oklahoma City Thunders' Nick Collison during the second half of an NBA basketball game Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014, in Detroit. The Thunder defeated the Pistons 96 94. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)
Detroit Pistons' Josh Smith (6) battles for a loose ball with Oklahoma City Thunder's Kevin Durant, right, during the second half of an NBA basketball game Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014, in Detroit. The Thunder defeated the Pistons 96 94. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)
Detroit Pistons' Andre Drummond (0) dunks over Oklahoma City Thunder's Serge Ibaka during the second half of an NBA basketball game Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014, in Detroit. The Thunder defeated the Pistons 96 94. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)
Detroit Pistons' Greg Monroe (10) passes the ball against Oklahoma City Thunder's Kendrick Perkins during the first half of an NBA basketball game Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)
Oklahoma City Thunder's Kenrick Perkins (5) defends against a shot by Detroit Pistons' Jonas Jerebko (33), of Sweden, as Thunder's Kevin Durant, right, looks on during the first half of an NBA basketball game Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)
Oklahoma City Thunders' Russell Westbrook (0) dunks over Detroit Pistons' Kyle Singler (25) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)
Oklahoma City Thunders' Russell Westbrook (0) collides with Detroit Pistons' Cartier Martin (35) while going to the basket past Pistons' Caron Butler, right, during the first half of an NBA basketball game Sunday,cartier bracelet white gold Knockoff, Dec. 7, 2014, in Detroit. Westbrook was whistled for a charging foul on the play. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)
Oklahoma City Thunders' Kevin Durant, right, drives to the basket against Detroit Pistons' Greg Monroe (10) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Sunday, Dec. 7,cartier bracelet rose gold price, 2014, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)
Detroit Pistons' Josh Smith (6) battles for a loose ball with Oklahoma City Thunder's Kevin Durant, right, during the second half of an NBA basketball game Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014, in Detroit. The Thunder defeated the Pistons 96 94. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)
The Thunder beat the Pistons 96 94 in Detroit on Sunday. Here are five observations from the game:
1. Win's a win With news of Kevin Durant's likely return leaking out right before this road trip, many expected a dominant three game run from a Thunder team desperately needing to get its season back on track. What transpired was a bit underwhelming. Durant was rusty and the rest of the team struggled to fully adjust. It started with a bad loss in New Orleans and finished with two closer than they should have been wins over a pair Eastern Conference cellar dwellers that now sport a combined 5 36 record. The victories need to pile up in December. Which means the Thunder must improve its play right now. A solid Milwaukee team comes to town Tuesday, followed by LeBron and the Cavs on Thursday. But, bright side: Despite the recent struggles, they've found ways to pull out a pair of games late. Earlier in the season, that Josh Smith 3 is splashing through for a game winner. On Sunday, it hit front rim and the Thunder escaped. Now they sit at 7 13, only 4.5 games behind the Suns. Here are the updated standings:
2. Ibaka Russell Westbrook posted a near triple double, while adding a ferocious slam that'll get its own section about 300 words from now. Kevin Durant dropped in a game high 28 points and hit the dagger 3. But I thought Serge Ibaka was the key to this win. The Thunder played uninspired in the first half a word that can also be used to describe Ibaka's play for most of the past month. But trailing by seven out of the break, the Thunder cranked up the energy. It was most apparent on the offensive glass. OKC averages 10.9 offensive rebounds per game. It had 13 in the second half. And Ibaka had six of those, including two monster rebound putbacks. It's been an area he's been lacking in this year. Despite shouldering a heavier load, his blocks, rebounds, free throw attempts and points in the paint are all down from a season ago a sign of decreasing aggression. But on Sunday, he played an impactful interior game, tying a season high with 13 rebounds, setting a season high with those six offensive boards and adding four huge blocked shots. The kind of meat and potatoes game you want to see from him every night, especially with the stars back to carry the offensive load.
3. Westbrook's slam Besides the points and the assists and the excitement and the wins, you know what was missing over the first month? Those stop what you're doing, that's why the NBA is so popular type highlight plays the clips that set the Internet abuzz. I'm not sure OKC had a SportsCenter Top 10 caliber clip while Westbrook and Durant were out. Maybe I'm forgetting one. But I know, for sure, they didn't have anything near the hammer dunk Westbrook uncorked on the Pistons on Sunday night. I'm not sure anyone in the NBA has had one as viscous in a long time. The monster smash is embedded below:
Durant on the dunk: "That was one of the best I've seen. His explosiveness, I've never seen anything like it, especially at his position."
Westbrook with the most Westbrook explanation of why he dunks so ferociously: "I just don't want nobody to block my shot. That's why I dunk so hard." Ahh, now it all makes sense. I think I'll try that next time I'm playing pickup hoops.
4. Durant's new minutes pattern Following his sluggish 10 point outing in Philadelphia, Kevin Durant admitted his new substitution pattern had thrown him off. He'd play the first seven and last eight minutes of each half giving him an extended nine minute rest that included a quarter break and two media timeouts. It stiffened him up. So on Sunday, Scott Brooks tried something new. Still limiting Durant to 30 overall minutes, he spaced out the rest time. He'd play Durant about five minutes, then sit him for four. Then play him five more, then sit him for around four. And when he was out, Durant would ride a stationary bike behind the bench. This new strategy seemed to work. Durant rebounded for a nice game 28 points and better energy on the defensive end. Look for that new pattern to continue until Brooks is comfortable enough getting him back to his old routine.
5. Trending: Lamb up, Roberson down For Sunday's paper, I wrote about Jeremy Lamb in the midst of the most consistently solid stretch of his young career. He'd put together four great games. Scott Brooks' response basically was: Cool, make it five. And on Sunday, Lamb did just that. He finished 5 of 8 shooting and 2 of 4 from three for 12 points in 22 minutes. He's now made 26 of his past 35 shots and 12 of his past 16 threes. Impressive stuff. And enough to earn more trust from Brooks. Lamb has received 52 minutes the past two games second most on the bench behind Reggie Jackson and was out there in crunch time during both wins. Andre Roberson, meanwhile, averaged only 17 minutes during the road trip despite starting all three games. He had a couple nice plays on Sunday an important rebound putback and a crafty steal but he just hasn't impacted the game from all non shooting areas like was expected. Lamb is playing better. So Lamb is playing more.
A Detroit area kid had his KD 7 sneakers stolen recently in a rough area of the city. On Sunday, Kevin Durant met with the kid and replaced the sneakers.
Up next: Milwaukee in OKC on Tuesday.
Detroit Pistons' Josh Smith (6) battles for a loose ball with Oklahoma City Thunder's Kevin Durant, right, during the second half of an NBA basketball game Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014, in Detroit. The Thunder defeated the Pistons 96 94. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)
Oklahoma City Thunder's Russell Westbrook (0) collides with Detroit Pistons' Cartier Martin (35) while going to the basket past Detroit Pistons' Caron Butler, right, during the first half of an NBA basketball game Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014, in Detroit. Westbrook was whistled for a charging foul on the play. The Thunder defeated the Pistons 96 94. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)
Oklahoma City Thunder's Kevin Durant (35) takes a shot over Detroit Pistons' Greg Monroe (10) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014, in Detroit. Durant led all players with 28 points in a 96 94 win. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)
Detroit Pistons' Greg Monroe (10) is fouled while going to the basket by Oklahoma City Thunders' Andre Roberson during the second half of an NBA basketball game Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014, in Detroit. The Thunder defeated the Pistons 96 94. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)
Detroit Pistons' Greg Monroe (10) is fouled while going to the basket by Oklahoma City Thunders' Andre Roberson during the second half of an NBA basketball game Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014, in Detroit. The Thunder defeated the Pistons 96 94. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)
Oklahoma City Thunders' Kevin Durant watches during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Detroit Pistons,cartier bracelet white imitation, Sunday,cartier bracelet rose Knockoff, Dec. 7, 2014, in Detroit. Durant led the Thunder with 28 points in a 96 94 win. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)
Detroit Pistons' Andre Drummond (0) looses the ball out of bounds against Oklahoma City Thunders' Nick Collison during the second half of an NBA basketball game Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014, in Detroit. The Thunder defeated the Pistons 96 94. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)
Detroit Pistons' Greg Monroe (10) looses the ball against Oklahoma City Thunders' Nick Collison during the second half of an NBA basketball game Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014, in Detroit. The Thunder defeated the Pistons 96 94. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)
Detroit Pistons' Josh Smith (6) battles for a loose ball with Oklahoma City Thunder's Kevin Durant, right, during the second half of an NBA basketball game Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014, in Detroit. The Thunder defeated the Pistons 96 94. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)
Detroit Pistons' Andre Drummond (0) dunks over Oklahoma City Thunder's Serge Ibaka during the second half of an NBA basketball game Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014, in Detroit. The Thunder defeated the Pistons 96 94. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)
Detroit Pistons' Greg Monroe (10) passes the ball against Oklahoma City Thunder's Kendrick Perkins during the first half of an NBA basketball game Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)
Oklahoma City Thunder's Kenrick Perkins (5) defends against a shot by Detroit Pistons' Jonas Jerebko (33), of Sweden, as Thunder's Kevin Durant, right, looks on during the first half of an NBA basketball game Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)
Oklahoma City Thunders' Russell Westbrook (0) dunks over Detroit Pistons' Kyle Singler (25) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)
Oklahoma City Thunders' Russell Westbrook (0) collides with Detroit Pistons' Cartier Martin (35) while going to the basket past Pistons' Caron Butler, right, during the first half of an NBA basketball game Sunday,cartier bracelet white gold Knockoff, Dec. 7, 2014, in Detroit. Westbrook was whistled for a charging foul on the play. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)
Oklahoma City Thunders' Kevin Durant, right, drives to the basket against Detroit Pistons' Greg Monroe (10) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Sunday, Dec. 7,cartier bracelet rose gold price, 2014, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)
The Wall