11/30 Daily Links

Huge win last night on the back end of a double header.  The Rockets loss still stings, and may for a while as it could be a missed opportunity in the packed Western Conference.  The Thunder will be chasing the Jazz all season long for that coveted 4 seed and a home court advantage.  Every win matters. Every loss hurts.

What the pros are saying:

• Mayberry’s post-game nuggets.  He noticed a few small things that speak volumes.
• Mayberry’s post-game filing, where he (or probably his editor) gets to apply Generic Headline of the Day.
• Daily Thunder’s post-game review.  A sound note on the fact that offensively, the Thunder leave much to be desired.
• Excellent analysis of Durant’s 4th quarter block on Emeka Okefor.  Sometimes the perfectly diagrammed play fails when someone else tops it with an even better play.
• Hollinger examines Westbrook more closely, balancing his youthful aggressiveness against Durant’s struggles so far.
• Pretty nifty Alphabetical, highlighting both Sam Presti’s deal-making acumen, as well as Westbrook’s torrid ascent.
• Daily Thunder takes its own look at James Harden.  I feel as if he’s going to be appearing on many virtual sofas this year.
• A look at NBA 2K11 through Westbrook’s eyes.
• Hollinger at ESPN takes a look at the Hornets’ failure in the 4th, praising Durant’s late game defense.
• As much as Durant and Green have struggled shooting the ball, it’s good to know that they’ve had some perfect guys backing them up.
• Beyond the Boxscore.  I love sourcing anything with the name “Picayune” in it.
• NBA.com’s MVP watch.  Guess who shows up?
• The700Level officially gives Westbrook Beast-Status.
• John Rohde takes a look at the Thunder’s struggles at home this year.
• ProBasketballTalk on the Thunder’s team chemistry.  Regardless of their spotty play, they have continued to fight together.
• Jeff Green and Nick Collison make The Bleacher Report’s “20 Most Underrated Players.” Hmmm…

What I’m saying:

• I like that Mayberry saw a few of the things I did.  And not just because it is an ego stroke (which is nice) but that it also affirms my overall sense of perception (which is double-nice).
  • Westbrook set up Durant for the late game gimme, just because Westbrook knew that it was important to the overall team concept.
  • Sefolosha had some key leadership moments, which seems to mirror his growing confidence while on the court.
  • Harden had some strong spots.  He may not be playing like a #3 pick, but at least he’s bringing positives to the table.
• Mayberry’s headline aside, he brings forth the truth about Durant’s defense in the 4th against David West.  West was really the only guy on the Hornets that had his quirky offensive game working, and Durant did an admirable job shutting it down.  I like Durant’s attitude – if one part of your game isn’t working, it is no excuse not to try in the other facets.

“This game is all about wins. And as a leader, you’ve got to do whatever it takes to win. I think that I did that tonight. That’s a part of my growth as a player.” – Kevin Durant

• It never ceases to amaze me how much pro athletes like to play the video games of themselves.  I get the enjoying the games part; they’re young, rich, and have a lot of free time on their hands.  Certainly it strokes the ego.  If it were me though, I would think that the ways that the games fall short of reality would be more of an inhibitor.  For example, when I create my custom character, he doesn’t jump nearly as high or dunk as hard as I do in real life.  I’m like a Neo in hightops.

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John Hollinger 11/18 Chat Excerpt

Jeremy (Portland)

Do the Thunder need to seriously think about moving Harden & Green for a better/more consistent player?

ESPN John Hollinger:

What are they gonna get for those two? I’d love to see them start Ibaka at the 5 and keep Green at the 4 — that’s a small team but it’s the only way they have enough floor spacing. As for Harden, he’s been a total mess this year. I think you have to see if he can get it turned around, because right now they won’t be able to get fair value for him.

Read the complete transcript here.

I Have the Power! Week 3 Power Rankings

From Around the NBA:

• Dime Mag gives Thunder their highest ranking this week at #8.
• Hoops Karma gives the Thunder the #13 spot, although it is important to note that this was posted  before the Jazz win.
• Stein sits Thunder at #14, oddly 3 spots behind the Blazers, whom the Thunder have beaten twice.
• Hollinger raises Thunder three spots to #19.  Number 18? The 2-8 Sixers, whom the Thunder have beaten. I don’t get Hollinger sometimes.
• Britt Robson bumps them up a spot to #12, with particular mention of Westbrook’s talent for getting to the rim.  He does like the finger-roll.
• Zac Jackson at FoxSports keeps them at #11.
• NBA.com’s rankings drop them a spot to #11. Once again, this was pre-Jazz.
• Hoopsworld also drops them a spot to #11. See above.
• CBS ranks them at #15.  Fair enough, but the Blazers 6 spots ahead?

I think that, with their two wins against the Blazers and Jazz this past week, the Thunder have earned the right to be considered a top half team.  Their defensive improvement could move them into the top 3rd.   Right now the two dates I have circled are 11/19, for their rematch against Boston, and 11/29, when Chris Paul and the Hornets come to town.