Oklahoma City Thunder

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Phoenix Suns

Quarter by Quarter observations

First Quarter

 The Thunder came out with some different looks on offense to start the game. The Nuggets came out shooting well they are at 52% for the quarter. Nene is 3-3 and Krstic has struggled again to contain him, the Thunder will need to find a way to force him out of his comfort zone. Ibaka might be the answer there, I imagine Collison will make him work but probably lacks the height to really force Nene into some poor shots. The Thunder probably should have a bigger lead but they have had several shot clock violations and other unforced turnovers. The Thunder made a good adjustment late in the first quarter on JR Smith. You have to challenge on JR Smith or at least be ready to challenge at all times, he will take a shot from anywhere and make them unless you challenge. Harden was giving Smith a big cushion and Smith drilled 2 three pointers in a row. Harden then started playing much closer to Smith and forced him into his first miss.

Score to end the Quarter 27-26 Thunder

Oklahoma City Thunder

vs

Denver Nuggets

Preview

The story so far

In the first matchup between these two teams the key was the additional 9 free throws the Nuggets took. The Thunder made 31-79 shots while the Nuggets made 32-80. The Thunder however only attempted 31 free throws making 26 while the Nuggets took 40 making 34. Since the last game the Nuggets have moved into the second seed in the West while the Thunder have slid slowly down the ranks and currently sit at 11. However the playoffs are still well in reach with 38 games left to play the Thunder are only 3 games out of 4^th in the West. A win over the Nuggets tonight would go along way to comforting a fan base that has seen quite a few heartbreakers in the past month. After going 2-2 on the road with two losses by 1 point the Thunder laid an egg at home losing to the Bulls in a game that seemed to lack any sense of urgentcy on the part of the Thunder.

The Matchups

Chauncey Billups v Russell Westbrook

Mister Big shot was held to 1-6 shooting in the first matchup the Thunder sure could use a repeat performance if they want to break that streak. This time the Thunder need to make sure they don't foul him, Billups went 9-9 from the free throw line. Westbrook had a pretty typical night 5-15, 6 rebounds, 6 assists, and 4 turnovers. Westbrook had been doing a better job of taking care of the ball prior to this stretch however his turnover problems have resurfaced reminding people that he is still a work in progress.

Edge

Oklahoma City Thunder

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Chicago Bulls

Well this sucks. The Thunder played an up and down game that saw them fall behind then rally to catch back up several times. In the end they fell short. It was kinda funny because before the game Brian Davis had said he talked to coach Brooks who said they needed to stop falling behind to start games. The Thunder fell behind by 8 early in the first before they started the first of many rallies to finish the quarter up by two.

Oklahoma City Thunder

vs

Chicago Bulls

Preview

The story so far

Chicago had just gotten back on track when the Thunder rolled into town on the 4^th. Now Chicago again has a 3 game winning streak going against so stiff competition. Wins over Phoenix, Houston, and San Antonio all have come on the road headed into the matchup tonight. The Thunder have dropped like a rock all the way down to 11^th in the west after losing two straight to Memphis and Cleveland. This is the first home game after 4 straight on the road, where they went 2-2. Their next 3 are all at home against Denver, Golden State, and Atlanta.

The Matchups

Derrick Rose v Russell Westbrook

Westbrook did a good job defensively against Rose last game. Rose was 9-20 for 19 points, 7 assists, and 2 turnovers. Westbrook carried a big part of the offense going for 29 points on 13-24, 6 assists, but also had 4 turnovers. This was right after the crushing loss to the Bucks where it was all Durant and nobody else really stepped up and took on some of the scoring burden. It helped Westbrook that Brooks went with a smaller 3 guard lineup for much of the fourth quarter against the Bulls. With Harden and Maynor out there to take some of the point guard duties Westbrook found it easier to attack the glass and score.

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Oklahoma City Thunder

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Memphis Grizzlies

Preview

 The Matchups

Mike Conley v Russell Westbrook

Both Conley and Westbrook finished up shooting pretty well in the first game these teams played. Conley finished 8-16 for 20 points, 2 rebounds, 8 assists, 3 steals, and only 1 turnover. Westbrook finished 9-16 for 23 points, 6 rebounds, 7 assists, a steal, a block, but 3 turnovers. Overall I would call that a win for the Grizzlies. The Thunder will want Westbrook to take better care of the ball, something he has struggled to do of late, and continue to take good shots. With Gasol, Randolph, and Thabeet rotating in finishing around the rim will be tricky but Westbrook handled the pressure last game so I am confident he will tonight as well.

Edge

Oklahoma City Thunder

vs

Minnesota Timberwolves

Preview

The story so far

The Thunder begin the second half of their season with a dangerous team. The Timberwolves are only 9-33 but it's not due to a lack of talent. Between Al Jefferson and Kevin Love the Timberwolves have a solid young frontcourt. However a lot of growing pains can be expected when starting a rookie point guard. The Thunder found that out last season first hand. The Thunder wrapped up the first half of the season in the 8^th seed if the playoffs started today due to tiebreakers. Wins over Utah and Memphis are key right now helping the Thunder hold on to the eight spot. The Thunder have done an excellent job of beating the teams they should this season, Minnesota definitely falls into that category so tonight should be a Thunder win.

The Matchups

Jonny Flynn v Russell Westbrook

Flynn is a nice scoring point guard. He is shooting 41% from the field and 34% from three. Not a very big rebounder and has a 4:3 assist to turnover ratio. Flynn is not going to hurt you much by finding open teammates but he can get into the lane and finish. Westbrook will need to stay in front of him and force him to make a couple of pull up jumpers unless Ibaka can get up and block some shots. Westbrook has regressed a little since his sterling play in December. He has been forcing passes and getting turnovers but continues to rack up assists and shot a decent percentage.

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