This is like a root canal ... OKC has issues right now

[coolm]

turnovers, then NO consistency on offense ... but most of all they only play their brand of defense about 35-40% of the game (if that).

What's the point of having that bench if they're not gonna push the envelope defensively? Brooks needs to be crawling up in some behinds over this.

 

[SoonerBounce13]

Meh

 

[SoonerBounce13]

Gay has just been on fire. One of those nights. I'm not concerned

 

[thebigabd]

Byron Mullens had 12 points, 15 rebounds, and 4 blocks tonight. Kendrick Perkins had 8 points, 2 rebounds, and no blocks tonight. The more this plays out (and its REALLY early) the more I think OKC made a mistake by giving up Mullens so early. He is only 23 years old and producing at a reasonably high level.

This OKC team just has a different feel without Harden right now. I am sure they just need to figure some things out and get used to each other, but they don't have the same feel to them for sure.

 

[coolm]

I don't necessarily disagree that Mullens might have a bigger upside right now (I am not a huge Perkins fan) ... but Minnesota has only 9 players right now and they're really light inside so comparing playing them to playing Memphis is not apples to apples.

I am not saying the sky is falling. I am saying, however, that this team is having troubles right now and I am not overly enthused about how they're being or not being addressed.

 

[stoops4pres]

Byron Mullens had 12 points, 15 rebounds, and 4 blocks tonight. Kendrick Perkins had 8 points, 2 rebounds, and no blocks tonight. The more this plays out (and its REALLY early) the more I think OKC made a mistake by giving up Mullens so early. He is only 23 years old and producing at a reasonably high level.

This OKC team just has a different feel without Harden right now. I am sure they just need to figure some things out and get used to each other, but they don't have the same feel to them for sure.

+1

 

[NickZepp]

They just had a 4 game win streak. OKC needs some of the new bench guys step up. They just won't get enough from Martin and Maynor.

 

[gracefor24]

+1

What's weird is Brooks is acting as if Martin basically doesn't exist. How about run some sets for the guy? Baseline screen action? Do something to make him a threat? It's just brutal to watch how he's being wasted.

 

[campbest]

Byron Mullens had 12 points, 15 rebounds, and 4 blocks tonight. Kendrick Perkins had 8 points, 2 rebounds, and no blocks tonight. The more this plays out (and its REALLY early) the more I think OKC made a mistake by giving up Mullens so early. He is only 23 years old and producing at a reasonably high level.

This OKC team just has a different feel without Harden right now. I am sure they just need to figure some things out and get used to each other, but they don't have the same feel to them for sure.

lol Byron Mullens.

 

[bocabull]

OKC lives & dies by the jump shot. They remind me a lot of Dirks Mavs in the early days. The have to find a way to score the post or will have trouble taking the next step.

 

[coolm]

What's weird is Brooks is acting as if Martin basically doesn't exist. How about run some sets for the guy? Baseline screen action? Do something to make him a threat? It's just brutal to watch how he's being wasted.

agree 100%. The guy is an incredibly prolific scorer ... and we actually need that. I know he does a great job moving without the ball but we might give him a LITTLE help at least.

 

[Mr.B!!!]

agree 100%. The guy is an incredibly prolific scorer ... and we actually need that. I know he does a great job moving without the ball but we might give him a LITTLE help at least.

I read on Daily Thunder that Brooks is going to change the substitution pattern up starting tonight. I agree with you 100%, not in panic mode, but this team went from running and gunning to being sort of bland jump shooters. Harden and Martin are two completely different players, but their stats are similar, I think biggest adjustment is that Harden could create his own stats, Martin needs to be helped.

 

[gracefor24]

I think the biggest thing is figuring out how to get Maynor to stop dominating the ball on the second unit and start creating for others. The second unit's first goal should be to get Martin shots. End of story.

 

[stoops4pres]

What's weird is Brooks is acting as if Martin basically doesn't exist. How about run some sets for the guy? Baseline screen action? Do something to make him a threat? It's just brutal to watch how he's being wasted.

All good points. He should never be getting just 4 shot attempts like he did vs. Memphis the other night.

 

[Mr.B!!!]

All good points. He should never be getting just 4 shot attempts like he did vs. Memphis the other night.

Great points actually. Personally I think we are seeing a team that is taking a step back to take a step forward. San Antonio playoff series had great ball movement but really the last couple of years the Thunder were an isolation team. Durant can for for 30-35 pretty much anytime he feels like it, but I have no issues with using November games to get better for the Playoff's.

 

[stoops4pres]

Great points actually. Personally I think we are seeing a team that is taking a step back to take a step forward. San Antonio playoff series had great ball movement but really the last couple of years the Thunder were an isolation team. Durant can for for 30-35 pretty much anytime he feels like it, but I have no issues with using November games to get better for the Playoff's.

+1