OKC Thunder - "Changing Basketball" like Moneyball
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TomasM
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Sam Presti wins 2025 NBA Executive of the Year Award
This is his first time for Presti to win the award but he came in 2nd three times in the past. Last year the Thunder's coach won the Coach of the Year award by taking the team from a previous year record of 40 - 42 (just shy of making playoffs through the play-in) to a Western Conference first place of 57-25. The team; however, fell short when they lost in the second round of the playoffs to the Dallas Maverick's due to a lack of size and experience. In the offseason Presti made sure to resolve these problems by acquiring Alex Caruso from the Chicago Bulls (for his intense defensive skills and previous NBA championship with the Los Angeles Laker) and Isaiah Hartenstein from the New York Knicks (for his size, passing, and scoring ability). These additions positioned the Thunder with all of the needed skills to compete with any team during the 2024-25 season. As a result, the team finished with a league leading 68-14 record (top 6 in NBA history) and an NBA best ever season leading point differential of 14.9 (a metric which has been the best indicator of team success and NBA championships). This was all accomplished while maintaining a league leading number of 1st round draft pics over the next five to seven years. Presti's ability to recognize exceptional talent coupled with the teams development strategy while maneuvering the team roster into a position of balanced success on both offense and defense is the biggest reason the team was able to have such a rapid and successful rebuild.
Presti is the Billy Beane (Oakland A's GM in Moneyball) of the NBA. The difference is that Presti has not only set records but has positioned the team to be a dynasty during the coming decade. Since his arrival in OKC he has produced more MVP's (by name) than any other team in the NBA over the last 25 years (with 3: Kevin Durant, Russel Westbrook, and now Shai Gilgeous-Alexander) and only one other team has produced 2 (the Los Angeles Laker with Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant). The team could of possibly had a 4th if the small market team were able to keep James Harden (later won MVP in Houston) who was drafted into the team but the team couldn't afford to keep him because of cost and the salary cap.
Going forward, the biggest problem will be keeping talent because of the high cost associated with success. Players that have developed will be approached by other teams with big contracts to lure them away from the Thunder. If the Thunder can identify the appropriate marketing techniques to build the teams financial strength then the team will be able to maintain developed players for longer periods while becoming the leagues largest cash cow. The style of the team is really the most entertaining because it combines feisty defense and dynamic offense that is similar to 80's style basketball with young fast elite college type players. I've also seen fans chiming in from Canada (due to Shai and Lu Dort being on the Canadian Olympic team) and from Germany because of Isiah Hartenstein. Alex Caruso has also brought interest from several markets (Los Angeles, Texas, and Chicago) and there are other young players from some big named universities and states where the fans often maintain a strong following.
If the team performs to it's ability Presti will be known as the greatest greatest general manager in NBA history and many already see him as being in that class.
This is his first time for Presti to win the award but he came in 2nd three times in the past. Last year the Thunder's coach won the Coach of the Year award by taking the team from a previous year record of 40 - 42 (just shy of making playoffs through the play-in) to a Western Conference first place of 57-25. The team; however, fell short when they lost in the second round of the playoffs to the Dallas Maverick's due to a lack of size and experience. In the offseason Presti made sure to resolve these problems by acquiring Alex Caruso from the Chicago Bulls (for his intense defensive skills and previous NBA championship with the Los Angeles Laker) and Isaiah Hartenstein from the New York Knicks (for his size, passing, and scoring ability). These additions positioned the Thunder with all of the needed skills to compete with any team during the 2024-25 season. As a result, the team finished with a league leading 68-14 record (top 6 in NBA history) and an NBA best ever season leading point differential of 14.9 (a metric which has been the best indicator of team success and NBA championships). This was all accomplished while maintaining a league leading number of 1st round draft pics over the next five to seven years. Presti's ability to recognize exceptional talent coupled with the teams development strategy while maneuvering the team roster into a position of balanced success on both offense and defense is the biggest reason the team was able to have such a rapid and successful rebuild.
Presti is the Billy Beane (Oakland A's GM in Moneyball) of the NBA. The difference is that Presti has not only set records but has positioned the team to be a dynasty during the coming decade. Since his arrival in OKC he has produced more MVP's (by name) than any other team in the NBA over the last 25 years (with 3: Kevin Durant, Russel Westbrook, and now Shai Gilgeous-Alexander) and only one other team has produced 2 (the Los Angeles Laker with Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant). The team could of possibly had a 4th if the small market team were able to keep James Harden (later won MVP in Houston) who was drafted into the team but the team couldn't afford to keep him because of cost and the salary cap.
Going forward, the biggest problem will be keeping talent because of the high cost associated with success. Players that have developed will be approached by other teams with big contracts to lure them away from the Thunder. If the Thunder can identify the appropriate marketing techniques to build the teams financial strength then the team will be able to maintain developed players for longer periods while becoming the leagues largest cash cow. The style of the team is really the most entertaining because it combines feisty defense and dynamic offense that is similar to 80's style basketball with young fast elite college type players. I've also seen fans chiming in from Canada (due to Shai and Lu Dort being on the Canadian Olympic team) and from Germany because of Isiah Hartenstein. Alex Caruso has also brought interest from several markets (Los Angeles, Texas, and Chicago) and there are other young players from some big named universities and states where the fans often maintain a strong following.
If the team performs to it's ability Presti will be known as the greatest greatest general manager in NBA history and many already see him as being in that class.
TomasM
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OKC, "RATTLES," teams and players with their Aggressive Style
I don't see "MONSTERS" I see Angel Warriors. They love playing together and fight so that everyone on the team can be as successful as they commit to their success. If you work hard and perform when given opportunity - you will reap the rewards and success for that effort in OKC.
I don't see "MONSTERS" I see Angel Warriors. They love playing together and fight so that everyone on the team can be as successful as they commit to their success. If you work hard and perform when given opportunity - you will reap the rewards and success for that effort in OKC.
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TomasM
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Two Former MVP's [Lebron James and Steve Nash] Talk SGA's Strength
The mid-range shots are now becoming important AGAIN and teams are starting to recognize it. Sure the 3 point shot is exciting but I've heard it said over and over that, "all players can't consistently hit the long shot like Steph Curry." Some teams should not be jacking up that many three point shots. When you face an elite defense and those three point shots are contested then the shooting percentage drops significantly.
Most people don't know this but, the Thunder was 2nd in the league in three point percentage this season if you look at the three point differential. They were first but it dipped at the end of the season when the team didn't play as many starters before the playoffs. The differential is how another team performs when they play against your team. So, in the case of the OKC Thunder, their defense will contests every shot and the work required by the opposition throughout the course of the game makes their legs tired. By the middle of the third quarter, the opponents three point percentages has dropped so much that the Thunder are now better at the three point shot because they are young and their legs and bodies have way more endurance (because they are so young). That's why we are seeing them pull ahead of teams with a couple great high paid MVP's who don't have the same youthful legs. A 40 year old LeBron can't run for four quarters against a starting five and deep bench that could run high energy on back-to-back games. If the Thunder slowed down then their three point shooting would be significantly higher as a league stat but that wouldn't be as advantageous to success because they wouldn't be playing to their strength. In the fourth quarter when teams are gassed, the Thunder are getting wide open shots and they can make these because their legs are conditioned for running marathons.
The mid-range shots are now becoming important AGAIN and teams are starting to recognize it. Sure the 3 point shot is exciting but I've heard it said over and over that, "all players can't consistently hit the long shot like Steph Curry." Some teams should not be jacking up that many three point shots. When you face an elite defense and those three point shots are contested then the shooting percentage drops significantly.
Most people don't know this but, the Thunder was 2nd in the league in three point percentage this season if you look at the three point differential. They were first but it dipped at the end of the season when the team didn't play as many starters before the playoffs. The differential is how another team performs when they play against your team. So, in the case of the OKC Thunder, their defense will contests every shot and the work required by the opposition throughout the course of the game makes their legs tired. By the middle of the third quarter, the opponents three point percentages has dropped so much that the Thunder are now better at the three point shot because they are young and their legs and bodies have way more endurance (because they are so young). That's why we are seeing them pull ahead of teams with a couple great high paid MVP's who don't have the same youthful legs. A 40 year old LeBron can't run for four quarters against a starting five and deep bench that could run high energy on back-to-back games. If the Thunder slowed down then their three point shooting would be significantly higher as a league stat but that wouldn't be as advantageous to success because they wouldn't be playing to their strength. In the fourth quarter when teams are gassed, the Thunder are getting wide open shots and they can make these because their legs are conditioned for running marathons.
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TomasM
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OKC is Watching and Waiting - Who will it BE?
Both teams are solid but Indiana is definitely more suited to play the Thunder in the NBA Finals. Last season, before OKC altered their roster, the Pacers were a difficult matchup for the Thunder. They play fast, are great shooting from three and have a good mix of inside-outside talent. That said, I want New York to win this series, but not because I want to see OKC avoid playing a tougher opponent. The Thunder won both games against both of these teams during the regular season, and I know that they can be successful against the Pacers or the Knicks. The reason I want the Knicks is because the are the largest market with some of the deepest pocket and the Thunder are a small market team. When a team is trying to overcome an unfair financial game, the best opponent will be the one that is the most involved in the problem being addressed. The Knicks acquired Karl Anthony Towns (KAT) from the Timberwolves in the offseason and it was a big ticket purchase; however, the Thunder took Isiah Hartenstein from the Knicks during the summer and he cost a pretty penny to get him out of that large market. He has been huge this season in helping the Thunder overcome the size problems the Thunder faced last season. To go up against the largest market with a player that was taken from them in the offseason would be a monumental statement.
The Thunder are ready and waiting for whomever they play on Thursday. Good luck to each of the teams in the Eastern Conference Finals. May the best team win.
Both teams are solid but Indiana is definitely more suited to play the Thunder in the NBA Finals. Last season, before OKC altered their roster, the Pacers were a difficult matchup for the Thunder. They play fast, are great shooting from three and have a good mix of inside-outside talent. That said, I want New York to win this series, but not because I want to see OKC avoid playing a tougher opponent. The Thunder won both games against both of these teams during the regular season, and I know that they can be successful against the Pacers or the Knicks. The reason I want the Knicks is because the are the largest market with some of the deepest pocket and the Thunder are a small market team. When a team is trying to overcome an unfair financial game, the best opponent will be the one that is the most involved in the problem being addressed. The Knicks acquired Karl Anthony Towns (KAT) from the Timberwolves in the offseason and it was a big ticket purchase; however, the Thunder took Isiah Hartenstein from the Knicks during the summer and he cost a pretty penny to get him out of that large market. He has been huge this season in helping the Thunder overcome the size problems the Thunder faced last season. To go up against the largest market with a player that was taken from them in the offseason would be a monumental statement.
The Thunder are ready and waiting for whomever they play on Thursday. Good luck to each of the teams in the Eastern Conference Finals. May the best team win.
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TomasM
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Two Thunder Players named to the 2025 All NBA Defensive Team
Lugentz Dort made the First Team and was the best defender on the best NBA defense this season. He always gets the toughest players on the opponents team and fights tooth and nail during every possession. My nickname for him is 'The Bully.' I call him this because he's like a Pitbull and is relentless when it comes to the aggression needed to play against the best offensive players every single game. I also call him The Bully because, he'll take an offensive players lunch money and the team will go have a dunk party with it. Lu, is the guy you want in your corner when a scrap is about to go down, he makes the offensive players on the team better when they have to practice against him, and he's the most loyal friend a teammate could ever hope to have. If you need him, he'll show up and have your back. Lot's of respect for Lu Dort.
Jalen Williams made the second team and had a magnificent season defensively when he had to play against the 4 and 5 (big guys) at a time when Chet Holmgren was out for months with a hip fracture. Lot of respect for J-Dub, who stepped up big when the team had some tough match-ups during that time.
Chet Holmgren most likely would have made this team had he not been out with a broken hip for half the season. I certainly don't blame the NBA for not allowing players to be eligible when they don't play a certain number of games, because there have been several who would sit during tough games to pad stats. Defensive players don't usually sit for stat padding and I don't believe any of the players on this list would sit for that reason - in fact, I have a large degree of respect for the guys that have the grit to play great defense when it so often goes without thanks from many of the fans and media.
I also think Victor Wembanyama would have made this team if he hadn't gone out with a season ending injury. Hope he is healing during this time away from work.
Congratulations to all who made this team. To me, it's a greater honor than the All NBA Team.
NBA Source
Lugentz Dort made the First Team and was the best defender on the best NBA defense this season. He always gets the toughest players on the opponents team and fights tooth and nail during every possession. My nickname for him is 'The Bully.' I call him this because he's like a Pitbull and is relentless when it comes to the aggression needed to play against the best offensive players every single game. I also call him The Bully because, he'll take an offensive players lunch money and the team will go have a dunk party with it. Lu, is the guy you want in your corner when a scrap is about to go down, he makes the offensive players on the team better when they have to practice against him, and he's the most loyal friend a teammate could ever hope to have. If you need him, he'll show up and have your back. Lot's of respect for Lu Dort.
Jalen Williams made the second team and had a magnificent season defensively when he had to play against the 4 and 5 (big guys) at a time when Chet Holmgren was out for months with a hip fracture. Lot of respect for J-Dub, who stepped up big when the team had some tough match-ups during that time.
Chet Holmgren most likely would have made this team had he not been out with a broken hip for half the season. I certainly don't blame the NBA for not allowing players to be eligible when they don't play a certain number of games, because there have been several who would sit during tough games to pad stats. Defensive players don't usually sit for stat padding and I don't believe any of the players on this list would sit for that reason - in fact, I have a large degree of respect for the guys that have the grit to play great defense when it so often goes without thanks from many of the fans and media.
I also think Victor Wembanyama would have made this team if he hadn't gone out with a season ending injury. Hope he is healing during this time away from work.
Congratulations to all who made this team. To me, it's a greater honor than the All NBA Team.
NBA Source
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TomasM
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A Defense First Team is now The Highest Scoring NBA Team [ALL TIME]
Note: The Thunder still have at least one more game to play and possibly two.
This statistic is truly a testament to how the OKC Thunder have changed basketball. Using young players and a two deep + roster has produced better results than buying a few great players from development based teams. The cost is lower and the overall performance is proving itself (one win away from an NBA championship). The OKC roster salary is currently 24th out of 30 teams, while the highest salaried team roster DIDN'T EVEN MAKE THE PLAYOFFS. The cost of the Thunder roster is 25% less than the top paid roster - this will change given the success of the team.
In almost every aspect of life, we find that a highly tuned team will provide the best opportunity for success. Sam Presti has created such a team.
Team Salary Source
Note: The Thunder still have at least one more game to play and possibly two.
This statistic is truly a testament to how the OKC Thunder have changed basketball. Using young players and a two deep + roster has produced better results than buying a few great players from development based teams. The cost is lower and the overall performance is proving itself (one win away from an NBA championship). The OKC roster salary is currently 24th out of 30 teams, while the highest salaried team roster DIDN'T EVEN MAKE THE PLAYOFFS. The cost of the Thunder roster is 25% less than the top paid roster - this will change given the success of the team.
In almost every aspect of life, we find that a highly tuned team will provide the best opportunity for success. Sam Presti has created such a team.
Team Salary Source
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TomasM
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ALL NBA TEAMS [2024-25]
OKC One of only Two teams to have more than one member.
The OKC Thunder and Cleveland Cavaliers were the only teams to have two players make the team. Though this is not an actual team that will ever play in any games, it is a representation of exception performance and and honor. There are 450 players in the league on active rosters (15 players across 30 teams), so making a top 5 / 10 / 15 list is an impressive accomplishment.
Two OKC players made the teams with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander making all NBA first team and Jalen Williams (J-Dub) making third team. Jalen was one of only two players that made both an all NBA team AND an all NBA defensive team. This is only Jalen's third year as an NBA players.
Official Media Announcement:
OKC One of only Two teams to have more than one member.
The OKC Thunder and Cleveland Cavaliers were the only teams to have two players make the team. Though this is not an actual team that will ever play in any games, it is a representation of exception performance and and honor. There are 450 players in the league on active rosters (15 players across 30 teams), so making a top 5 / 10 / 15 list is an impressive accomplishment.
Two OKC players made the teams with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander making all NBA first team and Jalen Williams (J-Dub) making third team. Jalen was one of only two players that made both an all NBA team AND an all NBA defensive team. This is only Jalen's third year as an NBA players.
Official Media Announcement:
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TomasM
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OKC 2024-25 Team Roster
Note: Only 15 can be on the roster for a single game. Two-Way players move between the development league and the NBA team, but are limited in the number of games that can be played within the season. Two-Way players are not eligible to play in post season games.
Note: Only 15 can be on the roster for a single game. Two-Way players move between the development league and the NBA team, but are limited in the number of games that can be played within the season. Two-Way players are not eligible to play in post season games.
TomasM
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OKC Thunder WIN the NBA Championship
What an incredible moment for the team, city, and state of Oklahoma. This state has been through so much over the course of my life. I've seen the pain of the Native American community, the Oklahoma City bombing, and the failure of an incredible NBA team that was originally assembled. Now, we have a world championship in basketball. We didn't even have a team before 2008 and it was at that time that a man I worked for decided we would have something that we could be proud of going forward into the future. Aubrey McClendon, the founder of Chesapeake Energy made a tremendous difference in this state because he chose to care about a people that had been continually devalued. Working for the company was a special place and the employees were valued as the company was one of the top 3 best places to work in the country (according to Forbes). Thunder tickets were free for employees and I went to many games because it was a proud place to be for those who could be in such a place.
The OKC Thunder was a representation of that spirit. It was a family working for Chesapeake Energy and when you look at the way the team represents itself, people can see how the members of the team have a connectedness that you don't see anywhere else in the country. People in Oklahoma are laid back and polite. They care about each other and hope for the success of those around them.
Aubrey may no longer be with us but his spirt remains. He is part of us and this victory is shared with him and his family in heart.
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE OKC THUNDER for winning their first top tier professional sports championships. It's an honor to be here and experience it with such a great group of basketball players. YOU HAVE CHANGED BASKETBALL IN YOUR EFFORTS!!!
I feel fortunate to be here at this moment in time.
What an incredible moment for the team, city, and state of Oklahoma. This state has been through so much over the course of my life. I've seen the pain of the Native American community, the Oklahoma City bombing, and the failure of an incredible NBA team that was originally assembled. Now, we have a world championship in basketball. We didn't even have a team before 2008 and it was at that time that a man I worked for decided we would have something that we could be proud of going forward into the future. Aubrey McClendon, the founder of Chesapeake Energy made a tremendous difference in this state because he chose to care about a people that had been continually devalued. Working for the company was a special place and the employees were valued as the company was one of the top 3 best places to work in the country (according to Forbes). Thunder tickets were free for employees and I went to many games because it was a proud place to be for those who could be in such a place.
The OKC Thunder was a representation of that spirit. It was a family working for Chesapeake Energy and when you look at the way the team represents itself, people can see how the members of the team have a connectedness that you don't see anywhere else in the country. People in Oklahoma are laid back and polite. They care about each other and hope for the success of those around them.
Aubrey may no longer be with us but his spirt remains. He is part of us and this victory is shared with him and his family in heart.
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE OKC THUNDER for winning their first top tier professional sports championships. It's an honor to be here and experience it with such a great group of basketball players. YOU HAVE CHANGED BASKETBALL IN YOUR EFFORTS!!!
I feel fortunate to be here at this moment in time.
TomasM
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The Indiana Pacers
I have to say that the Pacers were by far the team I wanted to play against in the NBA Finals. They were the closest thing to the Thunder that represented a small market team that was team centric over acquisition and flourish. They had tremendous heart and fight in their competitive spirit and it was honor to share this time with them during the course of the series. I have a tremendous respect for their efforts and even if the Thunder lost to the Pacers I still would have felt that the game of professional basketball would have been changed. There were so many emotions post game by both teams and my heart goes out to the Pacer in a difficult game seven loss on the road.
I have to say that the Pacers were by far the team I wanted to play against in the NBA Finals. They were the closest thing to the Thunder that represented a small market team that was team centric over acquisition and flourish. They had tremendous heart and fight in their competitive spirit and it was honor to share this time with them during the course of the series. I have a tremendous respect for their efforts and even if the Thunder lost to the Pacers I still would have felt that the game of professional basketball would have been changed. There were so many emotions post game by both teams and my heart goes out to the Pacer in a difficult game seven loss on the road.
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Greatness in Perspective
For the first time in 25 years we are seeing someone win the season MVP, scoring title (32.7 ppg / 2484 total), and the NBA Finals MVP. Only four people in the history of basketball have achieved this accomplishment: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (1971), Michael Jordon (1991, 1992, 1996, 1998), Shaquille O’Neal (2000). Today, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander became the fourth and did it with more points and assists per game than any of the previous accomplishments. He is now a bonafide basketball superstar.
After winning the Finals MVP, SGA said that the award was a shared award between him and Jalen Williams (J-Dub) because he so often carries the pressure to keep the team moving forward when he is struggling to perform. He said of the two,”we’re connected for life, that’s my brother.”
NBA Finals Post-game Interview
For the first time in 25 years we are seeing someone win the season MVP, scoring title (32.7 ppg / 2484 total), and the NBA Finals MVP. Only four people in the history of basketball have achieved this accomplishment: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (1971), Michael Jordon (1991, 1992, 1996, 1998), Shaquille O’Neal (2000). Today, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander became the fourth and did it with more points and assists per game than any of the previous accomplishments. He is now a bonafide basketball superstar.
After winning the Finals MVP, SGA said that the award was a shared award between him and Jalen Williams (J-Dub) because he so often carries the pressure to keep the team moving forward when he is struggling to perform. He said of the two,”we’re connected for life, that’s my brother.”
NBA Finals Post-game Interview
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TomasM
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2025 NBA Finals
A Battle of High Level Teamwork
Two teams from small markets (25th and 26th out of 30 teams), battled it out with grit and determination for seven games. There was high level talent and depth from both rosters and each rallied around their team family as a core cultural strength. Great defense by both teams. At any moment, it was impossible to know who would step up and bridge the margin to victory. Both teams were strong on their home court yet still dropped one game in front of their home fans. The series was intense with strategy and drama and couldn’t have been more exciting for fans that love basketball to its core. Just when one team would start to gain an advantage the other would counter and games would become balanced. It often came down to who could make little improvised changes in the second half and towards the end of a game. Ultimately, the OKC Thunder won because their leader chose to get more of his team engaged through assists and less shots rather than being a big scorer - in fact, Jalen Williams had the highest scoring game of anyone with 40 points in game 5. The series was fun to watch and I couldn’t have been more pleased by the performance of both teams.
By The Numbers:
Game 1: 110-111 (IND) 1-0 Pacers
Game 2: 123-107 (OKC) 1-1 Tied
Game 3: 107-116 (IND) 2-1 Pacers
Game 4: 111-104 (OKC) 2-2 Tied
Game 5: 120-109 (OKC) 3-2 Thunder
Game 6: 108-91 (IND) 3-3 Tied
Game 7: 103-91 (OKC) 4-3 OKC
Notes: SGA led the series with points. Tyrese Haliburton (team leader for Indiana) tore his achilles tendon in the first half of games 7.
A Battle of High Level Teamwork
Two teams from small markets (25th and 26th out of 30 teams), battled it out with grit and determination for seven games. There was high level talent and depth from both rosters and each rallied around their team family as a core cultural strength. Great defense by both teams. At any moment, it was impossible to know who would step up and bridge the margin to victory. Both teams were strong on their home court yet still dropped one game in front of their home fans. The series was intense with strategy and drama and couldn’t have been more exciting for fans that love basketball to its core. Just when one team would start to gain an advantage the other would counter and games would become balanced. It often came down to who could make little improvised changes in the second half and towards the end of a game. Ultimately, the OKC Thunder won because their leader chose to get more of his team engaged through assists and less shots rather than being a big scorer - in fact, Jalen Williams had the highest scoring game of anyone with 40 points in game 5. The series was fun to watch and I couldn’t have been more pleased by the performance of both teams.
By The Numbers:
Game 1: 110-111 (IND) 1-0 Pacers
Game 2: 123-107 (OKC) 1-1 Tied
Game 3: 107-116 (IND) 2-1 Pacers
Game 4: 111-104 (OKC) 2-2 Tied
Game 5: 120-109 (OKC) 3-2 Thunder
Game 6: 108-91 (IND) 3-3 Tied
Game 7: 103-91 (OKC) 4-3 OKC
Notes: SGA led the series with points. Tyrese Haliburton (team leader for Indiana) tore his achilles tendon in the first half of games 7.
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Watched the whole series
From a vibes perspective I liked the Pacers guys more.
Most of the OKC guys were decent but mainly that Caruso just seems like a dick
Every team has that one guy though.
I'm not a basketball person but it was a decent series, some bad ref calls for both sides in several games and devastating that Haliburton had to exit during game 7, but overall decent games.
From a vibes perspective I liked the Pacers guys more.
Most of the OKC guys were decent but mainly that Caruso just seems like a dick
Every team has that one guy though.
I'm not a basketball person but it was a decent series, some bad ref calls for both sides in several games and devastating that Haliburton had to exit during game 7, but overall decent games.
TomasM
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OKC is a defense first team and I know that rubs opposing teams and fans the wrong way because it looks like harassment (and technically it is). If you look back through history, fans do have a tendency to hate teams that have intense defense, YET, every team KNOWS that defense wins championships.
Caruso is the leader of that defense and the only player on the team to have two NBA championships (one with the Laker). The Thunder have leaned into that defense and it’s the reason for their success. So, I don’t think you’re alone in seeing him in this light BUT by saying he’s a dick you are actually complimenting an elite defender. They don’t go out on the court trying to stroke egos and make friends, they want to piss you off, get in your head, and force you to make mistakes. Off the court they are usually great people because it takes a special person, who cares about their team, to do the job that most people don’t like.
Last season the Thunder struggled with defense even though they won the western conference. They made specific changes that incorporated defense and that is what made them champions.
I expect them to increase their performance on offense in the offseason because it will reduce injuries, but they’re still very young and it takes time (and tremendous effort) to make small marginal improvements.
I personally love great defenders. As an athlete, I got better by having teammates that could challenge me and I always engaged in intense defense because it made those around me better. I’ve been fortunate to have some elite teammates and sometimes that type of person makes a person irritable but those are the people you tend to love the most.
OKC has several but they have taken an approach where they rarely argue with refs and they don’t take a malicious approach towards being physical. It’s strictly business. Don’t get me wrong, if someone is pulling some antics, they will give it back, but that’s more unwritten player rules of the game.
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I mainly meant like he's the only one I wouldn't even trust off court rofl.
But yeah that makes complete sense and for teams in other sports I follow, that psychology certainly tracks.
Glad you have a full and honest picture of it @TomasM and thanks for elaborating.
This speaks nothing of the organization as a whole, of course.
From the sound of it, everything was built with a lot of care and enthusiasm which is commendable.
The players are just a conduit/output of all that foundation, basically.
But yeah that makes complete sense and for teams in other sports I follow, that psychology certainly tracks.
Glad you have a full and honest picture of it @TomasM and thanks for elaborating.
This speaks nothing of the organization as a whole, of course.
From the sound of it, everything was built with a lot of care and enthusiasm which is commendable.
The players are just a conduit/output of all that foundation, basically.
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TomasM
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I know, but I figured it had to be based on a on-camera perception rather than actually knowing him. He was born and raised in College Station Texas and the Texas culture is not very tolerant - so, I can see how that might come across. In Oklahoma, we understand Texans and love to make fun of them but there’s still lots of respect in the verbal jabs.
Of course, NBA teams are assembled from players all over the world so it’s fun to see how the culture of a team can unite their differences. The Thunder currently have players from at least 5 different countries.
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Nah, it's just a personal vibes thing for me. I know I wouldn't get along with him.
Been to College Station myself (literally nothing there but the school lol so it does make sense he's wacky)
Lived in Texas for several years. Have had family ties to Texas my whole life as well, so been there quite a bit.
Been to College Station myself (literally nothing there but the school lol so it does make sense he's wacky)
Lived in Texas for several years. Have had family ties to Texas my whole life as well, so been there quite a bit.