Durant-less Thunder vs Wolves GDT

[Q12543 [enjin:6621299]]

I missed this one (stupid League Pass broadband blacks out NBA TV games). Was our defense actually good or was OKC just missing shots they'd normally make? Both teams were on the second of a b-to-b, so I could see where the legs might be a little dead.

[worldK]

Im liking the big lineup with pek/dieng/young/wiggins starting at 2-5.

Wiggins kept going to the hoop and was successful with it. If he can add weight and improve his body, he will be wrestbrook like near unguardable when he's attacking the rim.

Young continue his series of solid play and dieng has probably been the most consistent player for us this season. He has became the stabilizer for us.

[Camden [enjin:6601484]]

I missed this one (stupid League Pass broadband blacks out NBA TV games). Was our defense actually good or was OKC just missing shots they'd normally make? Both teams were on the second of a b-to-b, so I could see where the legs might be a little dead.

Ehh, decent team defense for three quarters. Wiggins was tremendous on Westbrook, in my opinion. Slow down Russ, slow down the Thunder. Bennett doesn't know how to stay on his feet. Mo is too old to fight through screens at this point. LaVine played hard til 0:00. You didn't miss anything that spectacular on defense.

Offensively, Wiggins was putting his head down and attacking the rim. It felt like he did so three straight possessions and was looking to end Perkins' career. 12 FTAs for the ROY, career high. Made 9 I believe.

[Coolbreeze44]

Q, the low point total for OKC was a combination of decent defensive play and tired legs for the Thunder. We were a little more active getting out to their shooters. Andrew was on Westbrook most of the night and did an admirable job. All in all I thought our rotations were pretty good. Now of course all this is relative. We were a poor defensive team playing a little better than usual on that end of the floor.

[Q12543 [enjin:6621299]]

Thanks Cam and Cool. I'll take "not as poor as usual" over what we typically see. We've just been getting drilled lately, so it's good to see a team miss some shots against us.

I think Wiggins' has lost some confidence in his outside shot, so he's probably been told to attack, attack, attack. In an odd way, it may not be a bad thing that he's struggling from outside. He's had to rely a lot on getting to the rim and posting guys up. That takes a hell of a lot more effort than jacking up jumpers.

[kekgeek]

Thanks Cam and Cool. I'll take "not as poor as usual" over what we typically see. We've just been getting drilled lately, so it's good to see a team miss some shots against us.

I think Wiggins' has lost some confidence in his outside shot, so he's probably been told to attack, attack, attack. In an odd way, it may not be a bad thing that he's struggling from outside. He's had to rely a lot on getting to the rim and posting guys up. That takes a hell of a lot more effort than jacking up jumpers.

To add to this when Lavine attacked today he was really good probably the best he has looked his best in the last month, making good passes, scoring etc.. but he settled like shevd used to for way to many jumpers, it upset me because when he attacked he was really good

[AbeVigodaLive]

I missed this one (stupid League Pass broadband blacks out NBA TV games). Was our defense actually good or was OKC just missing shots they'd normally make? Both teams were on the second of a b-to-b, so I could see where the legs might be a little dead.

Isn't Durant sitting a pretty clear sign what the Thunder thought of this one? They didn't look overly enthused to be playing. Westbrook is a magnificent player, but when he's not entirely engaged, it can get ugly. But give Wiggins some of the credit for Westbrook settling quite a bit. It's one of those games for OKC to just get through and win against a bad team.

On a positive note for the Wolves... Wiggins was active in attacking the rim and it showed with the foul shots. Thad Young takes such difficult shots and the ball seemed to stop with him more than it has the past few weeks. Mo Williams is a tired vet on the backend of a back-to-back after playing too many minutes. He was terrible.

I don't know if I've mentioned Budinger this year because he's just so irrelevant, but he really isn't an NBA caliber player at this point. Offensively. Defensively. And it looks like he knows it mentally. There's a mercy mystery ailment just waiting for him as soon as other guys get healthy.

[TheGrey08]

Young looks better at SF. I think he would look even better coming off the bench when Shabazz comes back.

Yeah he's the type that would fit as the backup SF on a MLE deal.

He's as soft as all the bunnies he misses.

Pek does usually starts out the season slow though so I'm not surprised he's a bit off with his shots.

[Camden [enjin:6601484]]

Good read. http://www.1500espn.com/sportswire/Feelings_Arent_Numbers_Allow_Thad_to_reintroduce_himself012815

[GymRat [enjin:6592663]]

I enjoyed the read Cam. As Steve points out it is a small sample, but I think he hits on a few key points. Thad as a full-time PF will force him to do things he just can't manage in the West, but moving him between SF/PF depending on matchups can be supremely advantageous given his athleticism.

Maybe the only thing I had issue with was his poke at Dieng about going for blocks and leaving Thad to block out 2 bigger guys. Often times Dieng is caught going for the help block on a guy Thad ole'd to the hoop by way of a failed steal attempt, leaving nobody to box out.