Now that Miami has clinched the NBA Finals with a decisive Game 5 victory, we can most accurately assess what impact Derrick Rose’s knee injury may have had in the 2012 NBA Playoffs. Think back nearly two months ago, when Chicago (50-16) was the NBA’s top seed—holding the tiebreaker over San Antonio thanks to a head-to-head victory—with its star point guard seemingly back at … [Read more...] about How Derrick Rose’s injury ultimately impacted the NBA playoffs
Thunder
NBA Finals: Lack of execution late leaves Thunder in 3-1 hole vs. Heat
With the game once again knotted up late in the fourth quarter, Oklahoma City choked. Despite the league’s best player—the only guy who has shown the ability to slow down Kevin Durant, by the way—checking in and out of play with a leg cramp, the Thunder failed to execute on both ends of the floor, falling into a 3-1 hole in the NBA Finals with a third consecutive … [Read more...] about NBA Finals: Lack of execution late leaves Thunder in 3-1 hole vs. Heat
Thunder pass Final test, erase 18-point deficit to oust Spurs
Could there have been a more perfect way for the darling Oklahoma City Thunder—an energetic bunch of youngsters who for years were described as “waiting their turn”—to make their first trip to the NBA Finals? Since moving to Oklahoma City, the Thunder have simply climbed the Western Conference ladder step by step. After missing the playoffs in 2009, they lost to the … [Read more...] about Thunder pass Final test, erase 18-point deficit to oust Spurs
NBA Playoffs: Kevin Durant is a “closer”
I have said this many times and will continue to say it until people realize it: Kevin Durant is the best BASKETBALL player on this planet. Not only is he 6'10, long, and lanky, but he can score, rebound, take over and close games. There is a big difference between him and 3-time MVP LeBron James: Durant lives in the gym. There is no denying James' talent, but I am taking a … [Read more...] about NBA Playoffs: Kevin Durant is a “closer”
Oklahoma City Thunder’s Dynamic Duo
Before the series, the question was whether the Denver Nuggets’ balance or the Oklahoma City Thunder’s star power would prevail. Score one for the stars. Durant scored a career-high 41 points, Russell Westbrook added 31, and the Oklahoma City Thunder had just enough to topple the stubborn Denver Nuggets 107-103 Sunday night at the Oklahoma City Arena. Durant scored 25 on … [Read more...] about Oklahoma City Thunder’s Dynamic Duo
Thunder 118, Timberwolves 117; A Microcosm of the T’Wolves Season
Brett Cloutier- Kevin Love and Michael Beasley carry the Timberwolves. An opposing player has a career game against the Timberwolves. The Timberwolves lose a game in which they have endless chances to win. Luke Ridnour takes an idiotic shot during crunch time. Sound familiar? Those four headlines have been seen on a nightly basis for the 2010-11 … [Read more...] about Thunder 118, Timberwolves 117; A Microcosm of the T’Wolves Season