Official Oklahoma City Thunder VS Memphis Grizzlies Series Thread: OKC Wins

[gko2408]

How much responsibility goes to Brooks? Too many times in the 4th, I saw the play start off with Westbrook at the top and the rest of OKC NOT MOVING. Where's the playcalling? Where's Durant demanding the ball. Where's Westbrook with the drives and kickouts? Too many flaws of OKC popping up at the wrong time.

 

[pmatic]

at how little attention was paid towards Perkins in the fourth quarter by the Grizzlies.

 

[pmatic]

at how little attention was paid towards Perkins in the fourth quarter by the Grizzlies.

 

[bhzmafia14]

Originally Posted by PMatic

at how little attention was paid towards Perkins in the fourth quarter by the Grizzlies.

  

 It was a very smart adjustment. Don't let Durant get the ball coming off screens and if it allows a couple of Perkins dunks, then so be it. He misses layups as well, so its not a 100% chance of it going in.

 

[bhzmafia14]

Originally Posted by PMatic

at how little attention was paid towards Perkins in the fourth quarter by the Grizzlies.

  

 It was a very smart adjustment. Don't let Durant get the ball coming off screens and if it allows a couple of Perkins dunks, then so be it. He misses layups as well, so its not a 100% chance of it going in.

 

[sohi 23]

plus you can just foul him cause he sucks at free throws.

 

[sohi 23]

plus you can just foul him cause he sucks at free throws.

 

[japanair21]

Originally Posted by SneakerPro

Originally Posted by JaysRcrak

^yeah cuz Memphis would probably dominate Dallas like they did in the regular season.
Dallas is praying for OKC to win

We will beat OKC in 5/6 and Memphis in 6/7

For someone who thought we'd lose all the damn time sure is cocky about the next series...

 

[japanair21]

Originally Posted by SneakerPro

Originally Posted by JaysRcrak

^yeah cuz Memphis would probably dominate Dallas like they did in the regular season.
Dallas is praying for OKC to win

We will beat OKC in 5/6 and Memphis in 6/7

For someone who thought we'd lose all the damn time sure is cocky about the next series...

 

[nicedudewithnicedreams]

Why dude still yappin about Rudy Gay? Non-homers know wsup.

Gluck tomo.

 

[nicedudewithnicedreams]

Why dude still yappin about Rudy Gay? Non-homers know wsup.

Gluck tomo.

 

[SneakerProSr.]

Originally Posted by JapanAir21

Originally Posted by SneakerPro

Originally Posted by JaysRcrak

^yeah cuz Memphis would probably dominate Dallas like they did in the regular season.
Dallas is praying for OKC to win

We will beat OKC in 5/6 and Memphis in 6/7

For someone who thought we'd lose all the damn time sure is cocky about the next series...

Bro you know every year I'm overly optimistic, every year I make a post declaring its our year. This year I thought we would beat the Blazers easy but I thought we would beat the Spurs easy too. So straight negativity I figured this year i thought I was a jinx.

 

[SneakerProSr.]

Originally Posted by JapanAir21

Originally Posted by SneakerPro

Originally Posted by JaysRcrak

^yeah cuz Memphis would probably dominate Dallas like they did in the regular season.
Dallas is praying for OKC to win

We will beat OKC in 5/6 and Memphis in 6/7

For someone who thought we'd lose all the damn time sure is cocky about the next series...

Bro you know every year I'm overly optimistic, every year I make a post declaring its our year. This year I thought we would beat the Blazers easy but I thought we would beat the Spurs easy too. So straight negativity I figured this year i thought I was a jinx.

 

[japanair21]

Originally Posted by SneakerPro

Originally Posted by JapanAir21

Originally Posted by SneakerPro

We will beat OKC in 5/6 and Memphis in 6/7

For someone who thought we'd lose all the damn time sure is cocky about the next series...

Bro you know every year I'm overly optimistic, every year I make a post declaring its our year. This year I thought we would beat the Blazers easy but I thought we would beat the Spurs easy too. So straight negativity I figured this year i thought I was a jinx.

So shut up and start rooting for the Grizzlies/Thunder then.

 

[japanair21]

Originally Posted by SneakerPro

Originally Posted by JapanAir21

Originally Posted by SneakerPro

We will beat OKC in 5/6 and Memphis in 6/7

For someone who thought we'd lose all the damn time sure is cocky about the next series...

Bro you know every year I'm overly optimistic, every year I make a post declaring its our year. This year I thought we would beat the Blazers easy but I thought we would beat the Spurs easy too. So straight negativity I figured this year i thought I was a jinx.

So shut up and start rooting for the Grizzlies/Thunder then.

 

[pmatic]

Game 7 offers several storylines

It has been 14 years since the Oklahoma City/Seattle franchise has played in a Game 7. The Grizzlies? They never have. Here are five things to watch in 2011's first ultimate elimination game:

• Can the Grizzlies keep their energy level? On Wednesday, Memphis looked exhausted playing just 48 hours after a marathon triple-overtime loss in Game 4. On Friday, the Grizzlies summoned the strength to rally from a 10-point second-half deficit and put away one of the youngest, most athletic teams in the league. Can they do it again? Zach Randolph (30 points) was a beast in Game 6 but Marc Gasol (eight points, nine rebounds) looked a little sluggish and at times appeared a step slow recovering on pick-and-rolls and switches. Clearly, Memphis' strength is, well, its strength, and the Grizzlies will need both of their Bruise Brothers playing at a high level.

• Oklahoma City's adjustments. Memphis' surprising decision to insert O.J. Mayo into the starting lineup rattled the Thunder, who mysteriously abandoned the decision to double-team Randolph and watched him torch their single coverage. Oklahoma City knows it can't leave Mayo, but it can leave Tony Allen, a 17.4 percent three-point shooter in the regular season. Look for Allen's man to play a roving role on defense and try to confuse Randolph with open looks.

• Which Russell Westbrook will show up? This has been an ongoing question, hasn't it? Westbrook was Oklahoma City's leading scorer (27 points) in Game 6, but he committed five of the team's 16 turnovers and was a team-worst minus-19 for the game. It's the same old story with Westbrook: His body moves faster than his mind. When under control, Westbrook has huge advantages over any defender Memphis can send at him. But when he gets reckless, stops looking for teammates and forces up shots up in traffic, it's like he is wearing a different jersey. Thunder coach Scott Brooks has long been reluctant to rein Westbrook in. But if Westbrook is playing erratically, the more sure-handed Eric Maynor could see more playing time.

• Defending Durant. No question, Durant's early foul trouble in Game 6 took him out of his game. But credit Memphis' defensive duo of Allen and Shane Battier for bumping Durant off his spots and contesting everything he tossed at the rim. Durant is considered the next in the line of great superstars and all the greats have had big moments. Larry Bird, Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant -- these are transcendent stars who have risen to the occasion no matter who was put in front of them. Sunday is easily the biggest moment of Durant's career and a chance for him to establish a big-game winning legacy.

• Battle of the benches. Oklahoma City won the bench war (27-20) in Game 6, primarily because Memphis' top sub (Mayo) started and played 39 minutes. However the heavy minutes both team's starters have logged in this series means a breakout performance by a sub could have a significant impact. For the Thunder, that means James Harden, who had a solid 14 points, six rebounds and five assists. For the Grizzlies, that means Sam Young, who must find a way to shake off the demotion (he had seven points and failed to pick up a rebound or an assist), and Darrell Arthur (eight points, one rebound) need to step up.

Prediction: Oklahoma City 96, Memphis 90




Link

 

[pmatic]

Game 7 offers several storylines

It has been 14 years since the Oklahoma City/Seattle franchise has played in a Game 7. The Grizzlies? They never have. Here are five things to watch in 2011's first ultimate elimination game:

• Can the Grizzlies keep their energy level? On Wednesday, Memphis looked exhausted playing just 48 hours after a marathon triple-overtime loss in Game 4. On Friday, the Grizzlies summoned the strength to rally from a 10-point second-half deficit and put away one of the youngest, most athletic teams in the league. Can they do it again? Zach Randolph (30 points) was a beast in Game 6 but Marc Gasol (eight points, nine rebounds) looked a little sluggish and at times appeared a step slow recovering on pick-and-rolls and switches. Clearly, Memphis' strength is, well, its strength, and the Grizzlies will need both of their Bruise Brothers playing at a high level.

• Oklahoma City's adjustments. Memphis' surprising decision to insert O.J. Mayo into the starting lineup rattled the Thunder, who mysteriously abandoned the decision to double-team Randolph and watched him torch their single coverage. Oklahoma City knows it can't leave Mayo, but it can leave Tony Allen, a 17.4 percent three-point shooter in the regular season. Look for Allen's man to play a roving role on defense and try to confuse Randolph with open looks.

• Which Russell Westbrook will show up? This has been an ongoing question, hasn't it? Westbrook was Oklahoma City's leading scorer (27 points) in Game 6, but he committed five of the team's 16 turnovers and was a team-worst minus-19 for the game. It's the same old story with Westbrook: His body moves faster than his mind. When under control, Westbrook has huge advantages over any defender Memphis can send at him. But when he gets reckless, stops looking for teammates and forces up shots up in traffic, it's like he is wearing a different jersey. Thunder coach Scott Brooks has long been reluctant to rein Westbrook in. But if Westbrook is playing erratically, the more sure-handed Eric Maynor could see more playing time.

• Defending Durant. No question, Durant's early foul trouble in Game 6 took him out of his game. But credit Memphis' defensive duo of Allen and Shane Battier for bumping Durant off his spots and contesting everything he tossed at the rim. Durant is considered the next in the line of great superstars and all the greats have had big moments. Larry Bird, Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant -- these are transcendent stars who have risen to the occasion no matter who was put in front of them. Sunday is easily the biggest moment of Durant's career and a chance for him to establish a big-game winning legacy.

• Battle of the benches. Oklahoma City won the bench war (27-20) in Game 6, primarily because Memphis' top sub (Mayo) started and played 39 minutes. However the heavy minutes both team's starters have logged in this series means a breakout performance by a sub could have a significant impact. For the Thunder, that means James Harden, who had a solid 14 points, six rebounds and five assists. For the Grizzlies, that means Sam Young, who must find a way to shake off the demotion (he had seven points and failed to pick up a rebound or an assist), and Darrell Arthur (eight points, one rebound) need to step up.

Prediction: Oklahoma City 96, Memphis 90




Link

 

[pmatic]

Thunder, Grizzlies provide small-market hope

After the 2009-10 NBA season, general managers and executives were eager to point out that money meant everything in the modern game. The Los Angeles Lakers won the championship by lavishly spending cash. Boston advanced to the Finals and battled the Lakers for seven tough games by handing out a multitude of millions. Orlando and Phoenix spent heavily only to fall in the conference finals, while Cleveland emptied its pockets in the hope of keeping LeBron James happy.

Money still rules the game this season. But the dollar has increased competition. Everything from intelligent drafting in June to well-executed free agent moves in July are at a premium, and the notion that an excess of dollars will ultimately purchase a title took a beating as the Lakers, Magic and Atlanta flared out before the 2010-11 conference finals even tipped off.

Moreover, the small-market successes of Oklahoma City and Memphis — who square off today in Game 7 of the Western Conference semifinals — have proved that lesser-known franchises can overcome the doomsday predictions that have shadowed a star-driven league since last summer, when James fled for the creature comforts of Miami.

Parity is still a major issue in the NBA, and controversial topics such as revenue sharing, a hard salary cap, guaranteed contracts, a franchise tag and an amnesty clause will not go away until owners and players agree upon a new collective bargaining agreement. However, the fact that the Thunder and Grizzlies are still alive is proof that “it can be done,

 

[pmatic]

Thunder, Grizzlies provide small-market hope

After the 2009-10 NBA season, general managers and executives were eager to point out that money meant everything in the modern game. The Los Angeles Lakers won the championship by lavishly spending cash. Boston advanced to the Finals and battled the Lakers for seven tough games by handing out a multitude of millions. Orlando and Phoenix spent heavily only to fall in the conference finals, while Cleveland emptied its pockets in the hope of keeping LeBron James happy.

Money still rules the game this season. But the dollar has increased competition. Everything from intelligent drafting in June to well-executed free agent moves in July are at a premium, and the notion that an excess of dollars will ultimately purchase a title took a beating as the Lakers, Magic and Atlanta flared out before the 2010-11 conference finals even tipped off.

Moreover, the small-market successes of Oklahoma City and Memphis — who square off today in Game 7 of the Western Conference semifinals — have proved that lesser-known franchises can overcome the doomsday predictions that have shadowed a star-driven league since last summer, when James fled for the creature comforts of Miami.

Parity is still a major issue in the NBA, and controversial topics such as revenue sharing, a hard salary cap, guaranteed contracts, a franchise tag and an amnesty clause will not go away until owners and players agree upon a new collective bargaining agreement. However, the fact that the Thunder and Grizzlies are still alive is proof that “it can be done,

 

[durantula]

Yo i dont remember who said it, but he predicted okc by 10 in game 5 and memphis by 10 in game 6, props to that dude.

 

[durantula]

Yo i dont remember who said it, but he predicted okc by 10 in game 5 and memphis by 10 in game 6, props to that dude.

 

[henz0]

It was BHZ.. Dont gas him

 

[henz0]

It was BHZ.. Dont gas him

 

[gangsta207therevolution]

Has OKC run much of their 1- 3 (Westbrook and Durant) pick and roll?
I remember that being a play their first couple years that could always get KD in an iso.
If KD is tired then thats a way for him to take advantage of Allen at least.
With Battier defending movement has always been key, but you cannot have KD moving in a Richard Hamiliton type role. So smart movement is what has to happen.
Simple 3/4 screens with a popout leading KD into a Westbrook pass. But he has to move the ball if you get the mismatch KD blow by, otherwise get Harden a shot with the same play being run for him, but KD dribbling to the middle of the floor incase Zack comes and make him play KD. If he isnt on KD, or its just the correct basketball play hit Westbrook in the corner, or Harden on the screen. If you hit Westbrook in the corner you get him a screen.

What was indicative of why people are falling out of love with Westbrook is that after that 1st quarter altercation he seemed to take everything personally

 

[gangsta207therevolution]

Has OKC run much of their 1- 3 (Westbrook and Durant) pick and roll?
I remember that being a play their first couple years that could always get KD in an iso.
If KD is tired then thats a way for him to take advantage of Allen at least.
With Battier defending movement has always been key, but you cannot have KD moving in a Richard Hamiliton type role. So smart movement is what has to happen.
Simple 3/4 screens with a popout leading KD into a Westbrook pass. But he has to move the ball if you get the mismatch KD blow by, otherwise get Harden a shot with the same play being run for him, but KD dribbling to the middle of the floor incase Zack comes and make him play KD. If he isnt on KD, or its just the correct basketball play hit Westbrook in the corner, or Harden on the screen. If you hit Westbrook in the corner you get him a screen.

What was indicative of why people are falling out of love with Westbrook is that after that 1st quarter altercation he seemed to take everything personally