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NBA Playoffs throwback: Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Memphis Grizzlies, 2011, Western Conference semifinals.
In a must-win game 4 with the Thunder down 2-1 in the series, Russell Westbrook goes for 40 in Memphis in a triple overtime victory. The Thunder go on to win the series before losing to Dallas in the WC Finals.
The rematch, sans Russ, begins Sunday at 1pm ET on ABC.
There’s no timetable for Russell Westbrook’s return or his surgery yet. It still sucks never the less.
It’s a big blow for the Thunder and their Championship push.
NBA Playoffs throwback: Houston Rockets vs. Oklahoma City Thunder Seattle Supersonics, 1993, Game 7, Western Conference semifinals.
Way back in ‘93 Robert Horry showed flashes of his clutch-gene hitting this go ahead jumper with 0 seconds left on the shot clock and only 32 seconds remaining in the game. Unfortunately for Big Bob, the heroics don’t pay off as Seattle tied the game and won it in overtime. The Sonics advanced only to lose to Barkley’s Phoenix Suns in the Conference Finals.
The remix to this matchup begins tonight in Oklahoma City at 9:30pm EST on TNT.
From The Daily Thunder:
“Really, you could look at this Westbrook tantrum two ways: You could see it as a classic fit, a sign of his frustrating immaturity and overly emotional play, OR, you could see it as big time growth by the hot-headed 24-year-old. Because really, Brooks didn’t bench Westbrook at all. Immediately after the blowup with Thabo, Westbrook actually tugged on his jersey and said “get me” at Brooks. He wanted out. He knew he needed a little breather. And when he couldn’t settle himself, he decided to take a timeout in the hall.
And evidently, it worked. He checked back in and was terrific in slamming the door on Memphis. “
Russell Westbrook — and the intrigue behind what makes him tick? — makes him one of the most compelling players in basketball. Yes he plays angry, but the anger is mostly righteous: a notorious shoot-first point guard who yells at teammates when they pass up a shot. A turnover prone ball-handler who yells at himself when he commits one (or others). This is the enigma that is Russ Wess.
From Russell Westbrook’s Instagram account.
Acceptance
Marc Gasol puts the MOVES on Kendrick Perkins. Damn son.
These are the new OKC alternate jerseys. So. Ya or nay?
Fear the Beard :(
In over the weekend news, the “ill blocka” agreed to a four-year $48 million dollar deal to stay with the Thunder (up).
2011-2012 DEFENSIVE PLAY OF THE YEAR
Russell Westbrook’s acrobatic block of Nic Batum, torquing his body to avoid contact. Oh, and Rusty blocked this layup at the end of the 4th quarter. Oh, and the game was tied. Oh, and OKC ended up winning in OT.
GotEmCoach makes the best gifs.
Somehow (someway) Perry Jones III fell all the way from guaranteed lottery selection to #28 selected by who? The Oklahoma City Thunder. Sam Presti rides again.
And Kevin Durant leads House Thunder.
In the Westeros Conference, the Oklahoma City Thunder are House Stark, specifically the Stark children. The execution of Ned Stark and the burning of Winterfell is a bit too much like the unfortunate demise of the Seattle Supersonics. Because of this, the Thunder children have been on their own, growing wiser and bonding together in their new territory.
Kevin Durant is equal parts Robb Stark and Jon Snow (the bastard child of the Supersonics): the noble hero, destined to rule the Throne. Russell Westbrook is Arya Stark: rebellious and courageous; a fearless warrior despite his small stature. James Harden is Sansa Stark: once under the command of Metta World Peace and his elbow, “Hearteater”, he is now free and is looking to make a name of himself. The other two Stark kids, Bran and Rickon, are Serge Ibaka and Thabo Sefalosha, important role players and members of the main unit. There is also the addition of Derek Fisher and Kendrick Perkins: Osha and Hodor, experienced outcasts using their skills to help the Thunder in their quest for the Throne.
It is not yet certain if House Thunder will rule Westeros, but if not this year, then possibly next year, or the year after. Their time will come. Regardless of the outcome of this series, the Thunder have established themselves as a major House in the Six Kingdoms (Divisions), and will be a team to acknowledge in the seasons to come.
