Game 3 Preview

This will be brief because it’s not that complicated. OKC went back to playing like a dumb team in Game 2. Dumb teams don’t win NBA championships. The final two minutes of the first half were basically horrific from a decision and composure standpoint. From the point Dion Waiters hit a three to give the Thunder a 47-46 lead, the Thunder then in essence morphed into the Sacramento Kings. That’s pretty dumb and if the Thunder as a team don’t take that as the ultimate insult then I really don’t know what to say. Others covering the Thunder might be polite and call it a lack of composure, I’m calling it dumb basketball.

OKC did not touch the rim with a shot on their final three possessions of the first half even with Kevin Durant in a white hot shooting run going 9-13 from the field at that point. This is on both Westbrook and Durant, but more so on Westbrook because he is the quarterback of the team. Get the ball where it needs to be gotten.

Kevin Durant’s eight turnovers were embarrassing—for him. That has to be cleaned up as well.

But what is even more stunning to me were that both Durant and Ibaka took fouls on three point shooters once again in this Thunder post season. By my completely unofficial count, I have the Thunder committing seven three point shooting fouls just from the Spurs and Warriors series to date. If that alone isn’t an indictment of the Thunder’s mentally loose play then I don’t know what is. I hope this isn’t too much for loyal Prestette readers.

Serge Ibaka, please competitively engage or tell Billy Donovan this is too much for you. I feel like I’m watching you go through male menopause or something. I’m even beginning to wonder if it’s a low T problem. I can’t believe I’m even writing this and how awkward it makes me feel writing it. This could be my low point as a first year Thunder blogger who hopes to someday be mentioned in the same breath as Royce Young and Nick Gallo. But still…it’s tough watching.

But mainly, I’m just saying, play like a smart basketball team with some mental toughness. Again… mentally soft teams teams don’t win championships.

In closing, I’ll go with this Draymond Green quote on his role as the designated Thunder rover, “Try to stop KD and Russell,” he said. “…and if Roberson makes a play, then he made a play.”

I hope this wasn’t too direct, but somebody in this market has to write some of this since we know the Prestettes aren’t allowed.

OKC has the talent, but do they have the mental part is the question at this point.

I guess what I’m trying to write is just grow up as a basketball team. Eight years is my statue of limitations for playing mentally loose (dumb) basketball.

I should sign my name since I just called the Thunder dumb in Game 2.

Mike Jackson