You won’t read me ranting these last twenty-three post the NBA All-Star Game Thunder basketball games. I’m done with it. This basketball team has worn me down. There’s no point in over analyzing or over thinking. Just watch the games and try to be that honest adult writing about this Thunder basketball season.
I’ve written multiple times this is a superstar driven league and the player always makes the coach. That will never change in the NBA and it was never more evident than on Thursday night in Sacramento when Russell Westbrook nailed a three from the right side of the key with less than a second remaining to allow the Thunder to escape with a 110-107 win over the youthful yet still hapless Kings.
Just win, baby. Winning is fun. That’s what we always wrote on the chalkboards with our hockey teams. Just win because that’s the stat which matters.
I’m not heavy into stats and never will be. I obviously look at stats, but I look more into a player’s heart and as we all know don’t underestimate Russell Westbrook’s heart PER rating because his is off the chart.
I’m going to surprise you here maybe. Billy Donovan did almost exactly what I would have done with this game as a coach. He started Huestis. He finished with Jerami Grant. He only allowed Alex Abrines to see the floor for 6 minutes. He gave Terrance Ferguson some roll. Perfect. Fuck. I’d be a complete phony to write anything critical about Billy Donovan related to this game.
But what I really liked was even though Westbrook was having a bad shooting night was the fact Billy Donovan looked deep into his star’s eyes… I guess during that last timeout and drew up a play for Westbrook… then said, “You’re my guy, Rickey. Go get him.” Then Carmelo said, “This is the out you’ve been waiting your whole life for.” Pretty simple. No?
And Russell Westbrook nailed it.
So instead of me writing some stat heavy bullshit overthought recap that’s it. If you want the faux millenial slant with shot charts go wear yourself out… there’s always Daily Thunder.
Russell Westbrook summoned his inner Kobe and made the shot.
Ballgame.
Thunder improve to 34-26 and head to Oakland to try and beat the Warriors for the third time in a row. And you know what’s crazy, I’m having to pinch myself to not get overconfident because I know the Warriors have no answer for Steven Adams. None. Other than Draymond Green kicking Kiwi in the balls.
Thunder vs. the Warriors on the ABC national game of the week. Quite frankly, I love the ABC Saturday game because I know Hubie Brown will be there doing his thing. Hubie calms me. He makes me calm.
BTW… I had the volume on with the Fox telecast tonight and I was good with it.
I’ve come to terms with the season. Actually…Leslie and Antonio are very cute together.
LET’S GO THUNDER!