Game 64: Oklahoma City Thunder (36-27) at Phoenix Suns (19-44), Friday, March 2, 7PM MST

[nevetsov]

What was with that 4th quarter lineup of 4 wings and Dudley at C? Stealth tank written all over it.

[thamadkant]

Anyone else picturing a signature McD smirk face after this loss?

yup



I'm sorry but this will sound so bad, but I was cheering Westbrook to go off in that last minute. lol

We need a top 4 pick so bad.

[thamadkant]

I wonder why we always play well against OKC. We are shooting 55% from 3 and the field.

because they dont have a system either, its all about Westbrook, Melo or George creating their own shots off screens or dribbles.

[Hesh]

yup



I'm sorry but this will sound so bad, but I was cheering Westbrook to go off in that last minute. lol

We need a top 4 pick so bad.

Everytime Booker hit a shot in the 4th I was like but then those shots he made were amazing, so I was like

[Qwigglez]

This was a really fun game to watch. Glad Westbrook took it up a notch in the fourth quarter. Was getting scared we were going to pull this one out.

Watch on YouTube

[Revived]

Payton's lack of shooting and defense will be an issue if he is a long term starter.

I don't see him being a long term starter. It's been fun seeing someone much more competent than Ulis, James, and Canaan out there, but we need better if we want to be a playoff team.

There’s two things that’s required out of starting caliber players in the NBA today...shoot and defense. You have to be able to do at least one or the other, preferably both as the best teams in the league have guys that do both.

It’s why I don’t think Payton or even Warren will be on the team whenever the Suns are ready to be contenders. Warren maybe in a 6th man role could stick around.

[thamadkant]

Payton was fine.

He's not a scoring star like Booker is or an athletic supremo like Josh. He plays in control and he takes good shots inside the paint.... You can't have too many cooks in the kitchen either. Payton picks off of the scraps and he's fine at it. Defensively you can't blame him for being man handled by Melo... Not being torched by Westbrook off of screens... No one can guard those guys one on one either.

I'm fine with Payton if he can accept that role and a fair contract Like 4 years 40 million or something. He's good for 12 to 15ppg and 5 to 6apg with good control.

[thamadkant]

Bender was disappointing in this game. He was hidden on other hidden players for Thunder....

37 minutes and zero points on under 3 attempts tells me he was intimidated. Huestis was more prominent.

[Saberestar]

Westbrook was the difference at the end. So close, happy with the effort.

[King4Day]

Had we won this, we would have been 7th worst I believe. Crazy how close this race is. Every win is scary.
Competitive losses is what I want.
If we're down to the final few games and it's this tight, McD needs to play vets more. Say you don't wanna risk injury to our future stars

[Jdiddy701]

I remember I got flamed when I said Josh Jackson has good ball handling.. dude is unreal.


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[kennydorglas]

It's pretty clear we need BAMBA on this team.
Dear good, all of those open layups, people disrespecting our bigs going right after them.

And shout out for Triano to not play Shaq against RW. Very subtle tank move.

[Revived]

I'm fine with Payton if he can accept that role and a fair contract Like 4 years 40 million or something. He's good for 12 to 15ppg and 5 to 6apg with good control.

No way he gets more than Lou Williams after the type season Williams has had.

People need to realize the cap is changed...not many are getting overpaid like crazy anymore.

4 years, $25M or 4 years, $28M with a player option on the last year seems more likely imo.

[thamadkant]

I'm fine with Payton if he can accept that role and a fair contract Like 4 years 40 million or something. He's good for 12 to 15ppg and 5 to 6apg with good control.

No way he gets more than Lou Williams after the type season Williams has had.

People need to realize the cap is changed...not many are getting overpaid like crazy anymore.

4 years, $25M or 4 years, $28M with a player option on the last year seems more likely imo.

I get that, but Lou Williams contract was an anomaly. He could score anywhere in the half court... good shooter!

I think ultimately, he signed that contract because..
a. He wanted to stay in Clippers and probably got a verbal agreement with the ownership that he will sign under his value to stay in LA.

b. He's over 30 years old







Payton is 23 years old, he will ask for more than 8 million per.
I would be happy if accepts 9-11 million per year, that would be very good value for someone who can control the PG spot as a starter.

[bwgood77]

I'm fine with Payton if he can accept that role and a fair contract Like 4 years 40 million or something. He's good for 12 to 15ppg and 5 to 6apg with good control.

No way he gets more than Lou Williams after the type season Williams has had.

People need to realize the cap is changed...not many are getting overpaid like crazy anymore.

4 years, $25M or 4 years, $28M with a player option on the last year seems more likely imo.

I get that, but Lou Williams contract was an anomaly. He could score anywhere in the half court... good shooter!

I think ultimately, he signed that contract because..
a. He wanted to stay in Clippers and probably got a verbal agreement with the ownership that he will sign under his value to stay in LA.

b. He's over 30 years old

Payton is 23 years old, he will ask for more than 8 million per.
I would be happy if accepts 9-11 million per year, that would be very good value for someone who can control the PG spot as a starter.

It doesn't matter what he asks for. Do you think he would play for the QO rather than accept the best contract he can find?

[Mulhollanddrive]

Payton had 6 assists to Booker this game.

Overall though we're 30th in 3PT% and D-Rating and we can't afford role players to handicap that.