RealGM

Russell Westbrook / Thabo Sefolosha / Kevin Durant / Jeff Green / Nenad Krstic

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Deron Williams / Raja Bell / Gordon Hayward / Paul Millsap / Al Jefferson

Matchup

The last time we saw the Jazz, it was in the doldrums of November. Utah was coming off their ridiculous East coast swing, and OKC was trying to shake off the early season cobwebs. Both teams look a lot different now.

Mehmet Okur and Andrei Kirilenko missed the Jazz's victory against Denver last night, and it does not sound like either will play tonight. Carmelo Anthony had his way with Gordon Hayward and Raja Bell did some Carmelo duty later in the game. It will be interesting to see who matches up with Kevin Durant - if KD makes mince meat of Hayward it wouldn't surprise me if Bell got a shot. Deron Williams returned from injury and was alright, if a bit rusty on his jump shot. Al Jefferson has had an impressive streak of games, and was a load against the Nuggets.

The key matchup for me in this game is Williams vs. Westbrook. Williams is one of those point guards who will exploit Russ' lazy defense, especially on the perimeter, and he's had games against us where he's hit jump shot after jump shot. It's conceivable that Brooks will stick Thabo on Williams, but that's probably not that much better when you take Thabo's recent performance into account. If Westbrook can match Williams blow for blow then the Thunder will probably win the game against a slightly depleted Jazz team.

Jefferson and Millsap, of course, present a problem for our starting front court. Ibaka and Collison will hopefully get big minutes in this one.

Some Numbers

Since December 1st, the Thunder offense is scoring 114.1 points per 100 possessions, which is #1 in the league in that time frame.

A Question

Can Jeff Green come through with another solid shooting night?

I want to see how long Durant's increased emphasis on rebounding will last.

He pulled down almost 8 in January, and has 10.5 in the two games in February.

I want to see Thabo play some good defense this year.

Sinant wrote:I want to see how long Durant's increased emphasis on rebounding will last.

He pulled down almost 8 in January, and has 10.5 in the two games in February.

Hopefully he can keep it up. We need his rebounding.

dopeismarcus wrote:I want to see Thabo play some good defense this year.

I want to see thabo on the bench, team was alot more exciting with Harden and Cook playing shooting guard. Thabo looked terrible last game and I don't think much will change but he only has raja bell today so he may look like a stopper against a equal opponent but Vince Carter killed him for atleast 25 of his 33 points.

Thabo has lost his defensive prowess. He is looking just like all the other fake kobe stoppers. Raja bell, bruce bowen and etc.

Why the **** do we start off so bad every damn game?

dream_catcher_9 wrote:Why the **** do we start off so bad every damn game?

We have thabo going 1 on 1 shooting jumpers and Kristic soft as cotton in the paint.

dream_catcher_9 wrote:Why the **** do we start off so bad every damn game?

Because two of our players are effectively useless in the starting lineup.

This goes back to last season.

So when does Brooks change the starting lineup? Do we have to start every game like this?

Thabo's one of the worst starting SG's in the NBA.

slick_watts wrote:

dream_catcher_9 wrote:Why the **** do we start off so bad every damn game?

Because two of our players are effectively useless in the starting lineup.

This goes back to last season.

raja bell is looking like vince carter out there. The opposing 2 guards can do nothing on the defensive end and save all of there energy for offense because thabo is NO THREAT at all. TAKE HIM OUT BROOKS AND BRING IN HARDEN AND IBAKA.

Thabo is looking like a scrub out there , he is getting burned on defense and has 0 offense. someone remind me why he is out there again?

Playing defense is optional in this quarter.

Yea were about to get raped inside the whole game.

Jazz have not missed yet.

dopeismarcus wrote:Yea were about to get raped inside the whole game.

Until we get Ibaka / Collison in the game.

This looks like November defense. Holy crap the defense is awful. Open shots for everyone, nobody getting back in transition, Krstic / Green absolutely getting destroyed as usual. Russ can't guard Williams for his life.

HEY COOK IS IN THE GAME

Brooks showing his coaching chops subbing Cook in for Harden.

JAMES HARDEN SHOULD BE STARTING , He has much improved defense and he is a offensive machine that can handle, pass and shoot. What is the problem with brooks?

slick_watts wrote:Brooks showing his coaching chops subbing Cook in for Harden.

cook came in for durant

The starters gave the Jazz a nine point lead, and it's 10 at the end of the quarter. As soon as the starters come out things stabilize a little bit.

Krstic / Green has to be broken up, and for the love of god get Thabo out of there.