Post#82 » by VictorPage44 » Sun May 2, 2010 12:25 am
I said yesterday at the beginning of the 3rd quarter that Westbrook had to look Durant's way if not more often, then more quickly. Durant was bottled up by Artest the whole series, but in a few instances when he had some space, Westbrook didnt get him the ball. IMO that could have been crucial to get Durant going. I think that has a lot to do with Westbrook not being a "pure point" at the moment. Those are the kinds of things that Steve Nash or Chris Paul might recognize, but Westbrook doesnt yet. I thought overall Russ played a good game, and he did everything solidly, but if he had been able to find Durant more often when Artest was drifting, the offense might have run more smoothly.
Also, I dont think they really forced the offense too much through Durant. He forced a few shots, but for the most part he was taking shots that he normally makes. He was just off for the series. With that said, IMO he still had a positive net impact on the game because of defense and good playmaking. He created the open shot for westbrook in the final minute or two and he had a nice skip pass to Jeff Green for the 3. Jeff Green actually played a good game yesterday. It really isnt his fault that he cant guard Pau. Thats a mismatch that he wont ever win.
OKC really played a very good game. They didnt have the size to match up with LA, Kobe was making impossible shots, and all three of Fisher/Brown/Farmar were making their shots. Sometimes when you play well the other team just plays better. Really nothing to be ashamed of. Besides the lakers are the defending champs.
and What about James Harden's dunk? That was sick. Harden is going to be an allstar without a doubt IMO. OKC just needs to stay the course with this young, hardworking team with Scott Brooks running things, and they will be good for a long time. The cap flexibility certainly wont hurt them. They could use that on Lee and I think he would be a great fit, however I'd like to see them sign him to a reasonable offer and not break the bank on him (no more than 10 mil per IMO). Then they should draft the best center prospect available with their pick even if hes a project (i like Alabi and Varnado). They have the depth to wait for a guy to develop and taking a shot on a shotblocker has the potential for a great payoff.
Maybe if they sign a PF, they could package Green and a pick to move up for Whiteside? Or they could forgo trying to find a PF in free agency altogether and instead attempt to package Green and a pick to find a better fit at PF in the draft. Either Monroe or Davis would fit well. Anyway, Presti has plenty of options, and OKC should be an even more exciting team to follow next season. I'm a washington fan and have followed Durant since he was in high school, but OKC has a bunch of players that I like. I havent had a second favorite team since the jailblazers broke up, but OKC is my second favorite team now.
