Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Denver Nuggets 04/08/2011

Post #1 » by **slick_watts** » Fri Apr 8, 2011 9:33 pm

There are some strange seeding implications in this game. George Karl recently stated that he would prefer to face the Mavericks in the first round (instead of the Thunder). The Thunder being one game back from Dallas, well... you can put two and two together. Meanwhile, OKC may not want the 3rd seed for fear of playing the Lakers in the second round instead of the Spurs. Personally, I think it'd be neat to see a game where both teams try to lose. But I'm thinking both will give it a serious go.

Arron Afflalo and Chris Andersen have been confirmed as out once again tonight. Without Andersen, and losing Timofey Mozgov during the game, Denver was forced into playing Al Harrington at center for stretches. If this happens again, it's likely OKC will take advantage.

A win here would give the team a lot of confidence, albeit against a Denver team that is not at full strength. Hopefully Westbrook plays defense on Ty Lawson tonight, and doesn't let his lizard instincts take over his nervous system.

dream_catcher_9 · Post #2 » by **dream_catcher_9** » Fri Apr 8, 2011 9:52 pm

I love you lizard instincts comment, so true.

I dunno what to expect this game. Denver is short handed, and Karl has said he would rather face Dallas, BUT Denver lost to us a couple days ago and would want revenge if they have any competitive bone in them. As for us, we clinched the division, but still have a chance at the 3rd seed. I would think they would come out with a lot of focus and energy, but we did beat them at their place and they usually don't play well when they have nothing to prove.

I think we lose this game. I hope I'm wrong.

vegajf51 · Post #3 » by **vegajf51** » Fri Apr 8, 2011 11:23 pm

I can see positives to losing or winning this game. I much rather be the #4 seed than #3 seed but I also want to win. I say we go for the win and if we get the #3 seed and meet the laker's in round 2 o- well, bring it on.

CKRT · Post #4 » by **CKRT** » Fri Apr 8, 2011 11:37 pm

I would honestly want a WCF against the Lakers but who says we can even get by the Spurs?

Post #5 » by **slick_watts** » Sat Apr 9, 2011 12:29 am

Our half court offense with the starters is absolutely painful to watch. Thabo is a nightmare.

boobie miles · Post #6 » by **boobie miles** » Sat Apr 9, 2011 12:44 am

2nd unit once again doing a stellar job.

Jimmy76 · Post #7 » by **Jimmy76** » Sat Apr 9, 2011 12:46 am

slick_watts wrote:Our half court offense with the starters is absolutely painful to watch. Thabo is a nightmare.

#1 offseason priority: teach Thabo to hit open 3's

Post #8 » by **slick_watts** » Sat Apr 9, 2011 12:52 am

Jimmy76 wrote:
slick_watts wrote:Our half court offense with the starters is absolutely painful to watch. Thabo is a nightmare.

#1 offseason priority: teach Thabo to hit open 3's

And open 2's... and layups... and how to pass on a fast break...

Jimmy76 · Post #9 » by **Jimmy76** » Sat Apr 9, 2011 12:58 am

slick_watts wrote:
Jimmy76 wrote:
slick_watts wrote:Our half court offense with the starters is absolutely painful to watch. Thabo is a nightmare.

#1 offseason priority: teach Thabo to hit open 3's

And open 2's... and layups... and how to pass on a fast break...

those are priorities 2, 3 and 4

bbms · Post #10 » by **bbms** » Sat Apr 9, 2011 1:02 am

Thabo's role at OKC is done. We need something else.

Jimmy76 · Post #11 » by **Jimmy76** » Sat Apr 9, 2011 1:03 am

bbms wrote:Thabo's role at OKC is done. We need something else.

nah he's a good defender (great when he really commits) and if he learns the open 3 I think he's perfect

Krodis · Post #12 » by **Krodis** » Sat Apr 9, 2011 1:09 am

Ibaka is MAD.

Post #13 » by **slick_watts** » Sat Apr 9, 2011 1:10 am

Jimmy76 wrote:
bbms wrote:Thabo's role at OKC is done. We need something else.

nah he's a good defender (great when he really commits) and if he learns the open 3 I think he's perfect

Thabo is horrible and he's not going to learn a three pointer. He is the absolute worst possible player to put in this starting lineup. Look what happened to close the half. We go back to Thabo with the starters and in three minutes the lead is cut in half.

This is becoming almost as big a joke as Jeff Green starting with Nenad Krstic for a year and a half. I love this team but I hate watching our starting five because I know the offense is going to be horrific.

theokie · Post #14 » by **theokie** » Sat Apr 9, 2011 1:13 am

Dallas is down 16 after one against the Clipps....

that three seed could be ours after tonight

bbms · Post #15 » by **bbms** » Sat Apr 9, 2011 1:17 am

Thabo is a valuable player but not for us anymore, just like Jeff Green.

Devilanche · Post #16 » by **Devilanche** » Sat Apr 9, 2011 1:22 am

bbms wrote:Thabo is a valuable player but not for us anymore, just like Jeff Green.

He still have value from the bench, whether as a rotational or role player

Sinant · Post #17 » by **Sinant** » Sat Apr 9, 2011 1:29 am

Dallas: "OKC, you're going to take that #3 seed, whether you like it or not"

Devilanche · Post #18 » by **Devilanche** » Sat Apr 9, 2011 1:35 am

Why is Denver just playing with an 8 man rotation when the playoff is near?

bbms · Post #19 » by **bbms** » Sat Apr 9, 2011 1:49 am

What's this lizard instinct that I didn't get?

boobie miles · Post #20 » by **boobie miles** » Sat Apr 9, 2011 1:58 am

Nice close out to the quarter from KD!