Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Sacramento Kings

Post #1 » by **slick_watts** » Tue Apr 12, 2011 12:36 am

Most likely the second to last home game for the Kings, which kind of sucks. They might be fired up by a raucous crowd, and the Kings have been playing well lately anyway.

The Kings start a really weird lineup with Dalembert / Cousins / Garcia / Evans / Thornton. This is a far cry from the last time we saw these guys, Garcia and Thornton can shoot, Evans is having a rough go of it but he's still Tyreke Evans, and Cousins / Dalembert gives them some good size in the interior. Beno Udrih is still getting decent minutes, so the crazy lineup doesn't play all game.

The defensive assignments will be interesting. Westbrook will have to guard either Thornton or Evans to start the game, which is an advantage for the Kings.

The key to winning will just be to play mistake free. The Kings like to move the ball around, and can get a little careless when you take away their first choice on offense. They run a lot of high post through Cousins and high screens.

Something to watch for is Durant's Assists and Turnovers. He has three more assists than turnovers on the season - could be the first year he has a A:TO over 1.

Also, some of you might not know that Ibaka passed Alton Lister for the franchise (OKC/SEA) record for blocks in a season a few games back.

CKRT · Post #2 » by **CKRT** » Tue Apr 12, 2011 12:42 am

Should be a win but since this going to be one of the two last home games ever for Sac I expect the crowd to will them to either a victory tonight or against the Lakers.

I hate when my teams play each other. I hope OKC wins so Kings have more lottery balls.

Post #3 » by **sonictecture** » Tue Apr 12, 2011 2:14 am

Thornton has averaged 20.8ppg in the 25 games with the Kings since the trade.

Missed is first basket thanks to the Durantala.

Post #4 » by **sonictecture** » Tue Apr 12, 2011 2:19 am

Presti often mentions the term sustainability in terms of team building. Do the Kings have a sustainable roster with Evans, Cousins and Thornton?

Post #5 » by **sonictecture** » Tue Apr 12, 2011 2:25 am

Durant with 2 turnovers and 0 assists with 4:39 to play in the first.

How many points would Sefolosha average if he was always defended by Beno Udrih? Nice back down and turnaround jumper.

Post #6 » by **slick_watts** » Tue Apr 12, 2011 2:30 am

Kind of weird how they are trying to involve Perkins offensively like this.

Post #7 » by **sonictecture** » Tue Apr 12, 2011 2:34 am

A result of increased team confidence? We're playing so well we can set up our worst offensive players and still compete.

Krodis · Post #8 » by **Krodis** » Tue Apr 12, 2011 2:36 am

Well, not Harden's best moment.

They did seem to be kind of "experimenting" on offense. Getting Thabo and Perkins involved. Durant trying to distribute. Mostly not great results though.

Dayman UhAhAhhh · Post #9 » by **Dayman UhAhAhhh** » Tue Apr 12, 2011 2:36 am

Tough break for Harden on that dunk, I feel bad for him! Hopefully he goes on a tear now.

Post #10 » by **slick_watts** » Tue Apr 12, 2011 2:36 am

It might be. But Perkins is better offensively cleaning up garbage, not posting up or catching balls in traffic...

Post #11 » by **sonictecture** » Tue Apr 12, 2011 2:37 am

Harden raises the question of, "will I ever be more than a role player?" by missing a break away dunk to end the first quarter.

You get the feeling the Thunder believe they can score at will and are a little sloppy as a result.

Post #12 » by **sonictecture** » Tue Apr 12, 2011 2:38 am

Harden follows up with a missed layup to start the second.

Post #13 » by **sonictecture** » Tue Apr 12, 2011 2:48 am

Collison gives up his body defensively on a 4 on 1 breakaway and forces the Kings to the line. Always playing the right way.

Post #14 » by **sonictecture** » Tue Apr 12, 2011 2:53 am

Eugene "Pooh" Jeter living the dream by making an NBA roster after years of playing in Europe and developmental leagues.

Thompson ate his wheaties today with 10 points already.

Dribble, dribble, launch from 3 point range, lose the lead.

Post #15 » by **sonictecture** » Tue Apr 12, 2011 2:56 am

Mavericks and Rockets going into overtime in their game tied at 86.

Sacramento has no answer for Westbrook, he could score 50 in this game if he wanted to.

Post #16 » by **sonictecture** » Tue Apr 12, 2011 3:00 am

For those watching on NBATV, has Dodge convinced you to consider a Durango based on what it's "learned" during its time out of production?

Post #17 » by **sonictecture** » Tue Apr 12, 2011 3:08 am

Udrih and Thornton double team Westbrook to create a steal because Thabo does not need to be defended. Should Harden have been on the court in this situation? No, lets save the coaching for later.

Meanwhile, Houston determined to prove they can win in overtime by only shooting from beyond the arc is about to fall to Dallas, 97-91 with 7.1 seconds left.

dream_catcher_9 · Post #18 » by **dream_catcher_9** » Tue Apr 12, 2011 3:13 am

Terrible 1st half, hopefully they come out determined in the 2nd half.

Post #19 » by **slick_watts** » Tue Apr 12, 2011 3:13 am

This is turning out to be another poor defensive game like last night. Not a good trend heading into the playoffs.

Hobes · Post #20 » by **Hobes** » Tue Apr 12, 2011 3:22 am

To be fair though, Thornton has made absolutely everything. That shot where he got trapped down low was ridiculous.