[nick5354Participant]

Thunder will not win the NBA title this year.

As much as I want to see Durant get his first title, it won’t happen.

Thunder need to address this massive issue with scoring. The scoring burden is just too much for Durant and Westbrook. So far in the playoffs Durant and Westbrook are taking 21 and 22 shots, respectively, combing for 43 all together.

As good as these two are and can do it doing the regular season, the playoffs is a very different game. It is extremely difficult to go in game in and game out to provide more than half of your teams scoring against top competition.

It makes the Thunder so one dimensional and that’s way you see so many isos and bad plays drawn up by Brooks.

I don’t know know how many times I have looked to check out the scores for thunder games and seen the duo combine for 60 but then see the other plays score 10, 9, 5, 0 or 1.

There are 5 almost non-existence scorers on the team; Collision, Fisher, Adams, Sefolosha and Perkins. These players are non-factors on offense, only really get a few points on put backs or open shots. Not very many plays with be run for them or be asked to really help out the scoring burden,

You are then left with Ibaka, Jackson and Butler to share the scoring burden,

I am fan of Jackson and thinks he needs more plays run for him. He is a capable player to net you 10-15 consistent points of the bench.

Butler looks done to me. He is struggling to fit into this Thunder team, not shooting well and is 34. I really don’t see Butler pulling it all together suddenly to be effective and a 4th/5th scoring option.

Ibaka is the core here. He is the only low post or big man scoring threat on this Thunder team. They need him to produce big time on the offensive end this off-season. Will this need to focus more on the offensive end effect what he brings in defence? I am not sure. But they need him to fire and be a core part of this offence. They will not win with Ibaka taking 5 shots like today.

In summary, alternative scoring options look bleak. As a result, Durant and Westbrook are left with such a burden on offense. They could prove me wrong and consistently score like crazy, but I think they are too one dimensional on offense allowing teams to be able to play tough defence on these two guys.

How far do you think they go?

[TheMOSTHATEDoneParticipant]

 A third option scorer, Harden was perfect but they couldnt pay him, to have a low post scorer is a luxury few NBA teams have, but another combo guard would be nice, something like what Crawford is doing for the Clippers.

I think they will get beaten in conference finals by the Spurs, as Pops is a great coach an has a lot of experience and offensive options. Kawhi could guard Durant also.

 

 

[TheMOSTHATEDoneParticipant]

 A third option scorer, Harden was perfect but they couldnt pay him, to have a low post scorer is a luxury few NBA teams have, but another combo guard would be nice, something like what Crawford is doing for the Clippers.

I think they will get beaten in conference finals by the Spurs, as Pops is a great coach an has a lot of experience and offensive options. Kawhi could guard Durant also.

 

 

[doubledribblerParticipant]

I agree with you about everything except "they couldn’t pay him." They could have paid him if they wanted to. The owner is filthy rich, the team has I believe the highest or 2nd highest ticket prices in the league, and then there is that thing where they could have used the amnesty on Perkins. 

[doubledribblerParticipant]

I agree with you about everything except "they couldn’t pay him." They could have paid him if they wanted to. The owner is filthy rich, the team has I believe the highest or 2nd highest ticket prices in the league, and then there is that thing where they could have used the amnesty on Perkins. 

[GrandmamaParticipant]

 Jeremy Lamb needs to play.

 

Derek Fisher doesn’t need to play.

 

Scotty Brooks is awful and needs to go.

 

They need a decent 3rd option on offense.  Butler or Ibaka as your 3rd option doesn’t work.

[GrandmamaParticipant]

 Jeremy Lamb needs to play.

 

Derek Fisher doesn’t need to play.

 

Scotty Brooks is awful and needs to go.

 

They need a decent 3rd option on offense.  Butler or Ibaka as your 3rd option doesn’t work.

[NJHooper95Participant]

 The best pg and leader in basketball is their problem. Paul has a will to win that is matched by few. He does what he has to in order to win and he knows how to control a game. The thunder are a good team but they could use a talent like Lamb, they need to develop him and Jones. They need to give them some more time, but Paul is the major problem right now. 

[NJHooper95Participant]

 The best pg and leader in basketball is their problem. Paul has a will to win that is matched by few. He does what he has to in order to win and he knows how to control a game. The thunder are a good team but they could use a talent like Lamb, they need to develop him and Jones. They need to give them some more time, but Paul is the major problem right now. 

[tuck243Participant]

Paul played good today, but Westbrook has outplayed him…  If it wasn’t for Collison big plays it’s no way you would be sitting here saying that…  He hasn’t won anything and his will to win didn’t win them the game today…

The issue with the Thunder is Scott Brooks… The Clippers were playing well and the Thunder were still up by 13 points…  They stopped passing the ball and tried to exploit that match up with KD and Paul on every possesion…  After the 3rd time of that not working they should have went to a pick and roll…  KD might have length on Paul, but he’s not strong down low to hold position…  It was just terrible play calling (which is the norm for them) and the Thunder lost a game they should have won…  If Westbrook hit that 3, the Thunder would be up 3-1…  So, Chris Paul ISN’T their problem at all…  It’s coaching at the end of games…  Chris only thrashed them that first game…  That’s it…  

  

[tuck243Participant]

Paul played good today, but Westbrook has outplayed him…  If it wasn’t for Collison big plays it’s no way you would be sitting here saying that…  He hasn’t won anything and his will to win didn’t win them the game today…

The issue with the Thunder is Scott Brooks… The Clippers were playing well and the Thunder were still up by 13 points…  They stopped passing the ball and tried to exploit that match up with KD and Paul on every possesion…  After the 3rd time of that not working they should have went to a pick and roll…  KD might have length on Paul, but he’s not strong down low to hold position…  It was just terrible play calling (which is the norm for them) and the Thunder lost a game they should have won…  If Westbrook hit that 3, the Thunder would be up 3-1…  So, Chris Paul ISN’T their problem at all…  It’s coaching at the end of games…  Chris only thrashed them that first game…  That’s it…  

  

[Russell0WestbrookParticipant]

 The problem is the coaching they have no strategy I’ve seen better offense ran with random guy playing pickup ball. Scott Brooks has no identity to lean on when things get tough he just lets Durant or Westbrook Truro create from nothing. The funny thing is when they actually run plays they are only designed with one option so when that’s taken away you just have a guy dribbling at the top of the key. Lamb would be perfect in the starting lineup because he can score without plays ran for him and Adams is their only big man that can actually finish. As athletic as Ibaka is he doesn’t finish strong when he gets dump offs and Perkins should be ashamed of himself for being a center shooting floaters.

the only team Fisher should get playing time on would be the lakers and that’s only because he won 5 rings there. They are putting too much on Durant and Westbrook its time to get a coach that actually has a strategy to win

[Russell0WestbrookParticipant]

 The problem is the coaching they have no strategy I’ve seen better offense ran with random guy playing pickup ball. Scott Brooks has no identity to lean on when things get tough he just lets Durant or Westbrook Truro create from nothing. The funny thing is when they actually run plays they are only designed with one option so when that’s taken away you just have a guy dribbling at the top of the key. Lamb would be perfect in the starting lineup because he can score without plays ran for him and Adams is their only big man that can actually finish. As athletic as Ibaka is he doesn’t finish strong when he gets dump offs and Perkins should be ashamed of himself for being a center shooting floaters.

the only team Fisher should get playing time on would be the lakers and that’s only because he won 5 rings there. They are putting too much on Durant and Westbrook its time to get a coach that actually has a strategy to win

[Russell0WestbrookParticipant]

 As a fan of the thunder I’m hoping they lose this round because if they win it will be an excuse to keep Scott Brooks

[Russell0WestbrookParticipant]

 As a fan of the thunder I’m hoping they lose this round because if they win it will be an excuse to keep Scott Brooks

[frogmanParticipant]

 Ibaka isn’t even a low post scorer.  He scores open dunks and mid range jumpers (which in his defence have been close to automatic lately).  They just rely on Westbrook and Durant to hit ridiculous shots time and time again.  They need to find a way to get a Pekovic/Al Jefferson type of player who would work brilliantly next to Ibaka.  Problem is they have no real desirable assets to trade.  And no they should not trade Westbrook, he is just too good.  Couldn’t be bothered looking it up but do they have much cap room this year?  If they could throw money at Pau Gasol he could go there to chase a championship.

[frogmanParticipant]

 Ibaka isn’t even a low post scorer.  He scores open dunks and mid range jumpers (which in his defence have been close to automatic lately).  They just rely on Westbrook and Durant to hit ridiculous shots time and time again.  They need to find a way to get a Pekovic/Al Jefferson type of player who would work brilliantly next to Ibaka.  Problem is they have no real desirable assets to trade.  And no they should not trade Westbrook, he is just too good.  Couldn’t be bothered looking it up but do they have much cap room this year?  If they could throw money at Pau Gasol he could go there to chase a championship.

[BennyWestsideParticipant]

 They have no cap space, but I think Westbrook should be traded IF they can get another star. He is a top 5 player in the league when he isnt rusty like he was in the Grizz series, and on his own team he would be a beast. I have be jumping up and down for a Westbrook and 21 and 28 in this draft for Love and their 13th pick, but I would also be happy with a straight swap. Love would just fit with Ibaka perfectly, has shooting range and would replace Perkins in the starting lineup while letting Reggie start. To me its a no brainer.

[BennyWestsideParticipant]

 They have no cap space, but I think Westbrook should be traded IF they can get another star. He is a top 5 player in the league when he isnt rusty like he was in the Grizz series, and on his own team he would be a beast. I have be jumping up and down for a Westbrook and 21 and 28 in this draft for Love and their 13th pick, but I would also be happy with a straight swap. Love would just fit with Ibaka perfectly, has shooting range and would replace Perkins in the starting lineup while letting Reggie start. To me its a no brainer.

[Jr. ROXASParticipant]

 Jeremy Lamb, I think, is a desirable asset as well as PJones. I don’t think they should trade them though. But then again, Scott Brooks does not use them. But then again, they can be REALLY valuable to the team. Just let Brooks go please. They may end up losing Lamb for nothing. 

[Jr. ROXASParticipant]

 Jeremy Lamb, I think, is a desirable asset as well as PJones. I don’t think they should trade them though. But then again, Scott Brooks does not use them. But then again, they can be REALLY valuable to the team. Just let Brooks go please. They may end up losing Lamb for nothing. 

[properbreaksParticipant]

I agree with what is being said on this post. If they don’t at least get to the Finals, it’s time to make moves.The funny thing is, they lose the same way everytime. ISO city. And the worst part is russell westbrook with the ball in clutch time. You never know what he will do…

  You can not after all of this time think the best offensive strategy down the stretch is for him to have the ball in his hands. That’s why they made James Harden when he was in OKC; a young 2GUARD, handle the ball down the stretch because they knew he could score, but more importantly, that he would pass and move the ball. Otherwise, this dude will inbound the ball on one end and try to go coast to coast the last 4 possssions of the game. (lol) And I’m not even exaggerting…

  They could still beat the Clippers, but that’s about it to me. If there is hope of going further I think you have to put the ball in Reggie Jacksons hands. At least down the stretch. See Russell still can be effective, but he really thinks he’s better than KD for some odd reason….

 You can actually have plays where Russell does’t even touch the ball and they go to KD or do something like set a pick or pass the ball more than once. All of the sudden you have to play Reggie who can get his own, KD of course who can do whatever and WILL pass, Serge might get something rolling to the rim and now Westbrook doesn’t have to think about doing everything and might get something easier

[properbreaksParticipant]

I agree with what is being said on this post. If they don’t at least get to the Finals, it’s time to make moves.The funny thing is, they lose the same way everytime. ISO city. And the worst part is russell westbrook with the ball in clutch time. You never know what he will do…

  You can not after all of this time think the best offensive strategy down the stretch is for him to have the ball in his hands. That’s why they made James Harden when he was in OKC; a young 2GUARD, handle the ball down the stretch because they knew he could score, but more importantly, that he would pass and move the ball. Otherwise, this dude will inbound the ball on one end and try to go coast to coast the last 4 possssions of the game. (lol) And I’m not even exaggerting…

  They could still beat the Clippers, but that’s about it to me. If there is hope of going further I think you have to put the ball in Reggie Jacksons hands. At least down the stretch. See Russell still can be effective, but he really thinks he’s better than KD for some odd reason….

 You can actually have plays where Russell does’t even touch the ball and they go to KD or do something like set a pick or pass the ball more than once. All of the sudden you have to play Reggie who can get his own, KD of course who can do whatever and WILL pass, Serge might get something rolling to the rim and now Westbrook doesn’t have to think about doing everything and might get something easier

[tuck243Participant]

He has passed the ball and played excellent…   

Westbrook attack the defense early and when they wasn’t set…  Which is actually smart because whenever you allow a defense (or Defender) sit down on you its harder to go against…  He scored on every play that he went coast to coast in the 4th…   Westbrook WILL pass…  He passed to KD every possession when he had CP3 on him…  Its not his fault KD couldn’t keep a 6’0 player at bay…  I just don’t see how people can still continue to say Westbrook is the problem here and shouldn’t have the ball in his hands…  That’s bogus…  You need him to put the pressure on the defense, they just need better plays… I remember when LeBron played the Magic in the playoffs when he was with the Cavs…  The game when he hit that shot over Turk…  That was the worst basketball I seen played in a long time… ISO LeBron top of the key and clear out…  They won that game, but lost that series because Mike Brown had no imagination on offense…  See: Scott Brooks today…  You can’t run iso like that in the league anymore…  There’s no illegal defense…  It’s just terrible basketball if you do it consecutively… 

 

[tuck243Participant]

He has passed the ball and played excellent…   

Westbrook attack the defense early and when they wasn’t set…  Which is actually smart because whenever you allow a defense (or Defender) sit down on you its harder to go against…  He scored on every play that he went coast to coast in the 4th…   Westbrook WILL pass…  He passed to KD every possession when he had CP3 on him…  Its not his fault KD couldn’t keep a 6’0 player at bay…  I just don’t see how people can still continue to say Westbrook is the problem here and shouldn’t have the ball in his hands…  That’s bogus…  You need him to put the pressure on the defense, they just need better plays… I remember when LeBron played the Magic in the playoffs when he was with the Cavs…  The game when he hit that shot over Turk…  That was the worst basketball I seen played in a long time… ISO LeBron top of the key and clear out…  They won that game, but lost that series because Mike Brown had no imagination on offense…  See: Scott Brooks today…  You can’t run iso like that in the league anymore…  There’s no illegal defense…  It’s just terrible basketball if you do it consecutively… 

 

[properbreaksParticipant]

I agree with what is being said on this post. If they don’t at least get to the Finals, it’s time to make moves.The funny thing is, they lose the same way everytime. ISO city. And the worst part is russell westbrook with the ball in clutch time. You never know what he will do…

  You can not after all of this time think the best offensive strategy down the stretch is for him to have the ball in his hands. That’s why they made James Harden when he was in OKC; a young 2GUARD, handle the ball down the stretch because they knew he could score, but more importantly, that he would pass and move the ball. Otherwise, this dude will inbound the ball on one end and try to go coast to coast the last 4 possssions of the game. (lol) And I’m not even exaggerting…

  They could still beat the Clippers, but that’s about it to me. If there is hope of going further I think you have to put the ball in Reggie Jacksons hands. At least down the stretch. See Russell still can be effective, but he really thinks he’s better than KD for some odd reason….

 You can actually have plays where Russell does’t even touch the ball and they go to KD or do something like set a pick or pass the ball more than once. All of the sudden you have to play Reggie who can get his own, KD of course who can do whatever and WILL pass, Serge might get something rolling to the rim and now Westbrook doesn’t have to think about doing everything and might get something easier

[properbreaksParticipant]

I agree with what is being said on this post. If they don’t at least get to the Finals, it’s time to make moves.The funny thing is, they lose the same way everytime. ISO city. And the worst part is russell westbrook with the ball in clutch time. You never know what he will do…

  You can not after all of this time think the best offensive strategy down the stretch is for him to have the ball in his hands. That’s why they made James Harden when he was in OKC; a young 2GUARD, handle the ball down the stretch because they knew he could score, but more importantly, that he would pass and move the ball. Otherwise, this dude will inbound the ball on one end and try to go coast to coast the last 4 possssions of the game. (lol) And I’m not even exaggerting…

  They could still beat the Clippers, but that’s about it to me. If there is hope of going further I think you have to put the ball in Reggie Jacksons hands. At least down the stretch. See Russell still can be effective, but he really thinks he’s better than KD for some odd reason….

 You can actually have plays where Russell does’t even touch the ball and they go to KD or do something like set a pick or pass the ball more than once. All of the sudden you have to play Reggie who can get his own, KD of course who can do whatever and WILL pass, Serge might get something rolling to the rim and now Westbrook doesn’t have to think about doing everything and might get something easier

[Meditated StatesParticipant]

 Would use Lamb and PJ3. The players can play and score. Tuck 243 hit the nail on the head. In close games I expect the Thunder to lose. Because of the coach. 

[hbomb3300Participant]

He started off the season well by playing Lamb and PJ3 pretty good minutes…  I thought they both played well considering their lack of experience but once Westbrook was healthy and Butler came in they got DNP after DNP.  Brooks needs to realize that these young guys are the best long term options for this team, even if that means they make a few mistakes along the way.  Young players have to know their coach has their back or their confidence will be rattled.

[hbomb3300Participant]

He started off the season well by playing Lamb and PJ3 pretty good minutes…  I thought they both played well considering their lack of experience but once Westbrook was healthy and Butler came in they got DNP after DNP.  Brooks needs to realize that these young guys are the best long term options for this team, even if that means they make a few mistakes along the way.  Young players have to know their coach has their back or their confidence will be rattled.

[Meditated StatesParticipant]

 Would use Lamb and PJ3. The players can play and score. Tuck 243 hit the nail on the head. In close games I expect the Thunder to lose. Because of the coach. 

[HitsterParticipant]

 Ibaka is a useful 3rd option giving 13ppg in the play offs but if you take out Reggie Jackson there is very little bench scoring and teams know if they can keep KD and Durant to under 50ppg combined then they have a chance to beat the Thunder.

We have discussed the Harden trade before so I won’t cover old ground but a veteran bench scorer in the Jamal Crawford, Ray Allen mould is really needed for the Thunder IMO.

 

[HitsterParticipant]

 Ibaka is a useful 3rd option giving 13ppg in the play offs but if you take out Reggie Jackson there is very little bench scoring and teams know if they can keep KD and Durant to under 50ppg combined then they have a chance to beat the Thunder.

We have discussed the Harden trade before so I won’t cover old ground but a veteran bench scorer in the Jamal Crawford, Ray Allen mould is really needed for the Thunder IMO.

 

[Author]

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