Thunder: Team is One | RESTART ON THE WAY

TEAM IS ONE
an Oklahoma City Thunder Association
"What up y'all? The Oklahoma City Thunder are back and are ready to roll! Next stop, the Larry O'Brien Trophy!"

Settings:

Game: NBA 2K13
Platform: PC
Difficulty: Superstar (UPDATE: 2/2/13)
Played Quarter Length: 12 minutes
Sim Quarter Length: 12 minutes
Season Length: 82 games (I will randomly play 41 games.)
Playoff Length: 7-7-7-7
Rosters: Durant35's RLR4
Sliders: Albys' RR12 SuperSim Sliders (UPDATE: 2/2/13)
CPU Trades: On
Trade Override: On (For realistic trades and draft pick trades.)
Draft Prospects: Real 2013 Draft Class and NLSC 2014 Draft Class

Goals of the Year:

- Defend the gold.
- Defend home turf, 10 or lower home losses only.
- Grab the 70-Wins Milestone
- Durant wins his 5th consecutive Scoring Title
- Westbrook will become an All-Star Starter for the 2nd time.
- Ibaka finishes as a DPOY candidate and some place in the All-NBA Defensive Team.

2013-2014 Recaps:
Thunder smoke Pelicans
K-Mart lights up Heat
Thunder turn up the game, upsets Philly
Bulls end Thunder's 5-game win streak
Tony Parker hits buzzer-beater, beats Thunder
Thunder beat Knicks by 47
Brooklyn plays BIG in win over OKC
Celtics, lights out against Thunder
Lake Show dysfunctions vs. OKC
Thunder statement win against Heat

Achievements:

2012-2013 NBA Champions (OKC-MIA: 4-2)

Players:

Kevin Durant:
2012-2013 NBA Finals MVP
2012-2013 NBA Season MVP
2012-2013 NBA 50-40-90 Club Member
2009-2010, 2010-2011, 2011-2012, 2012-2013 NBA Scoring Leader
2009-2010, 2010-2011, 2011-2012, 2012-2013 All-NBA First Team
2012-2013 All-NBA Defensive Second Team
2007-2008 NBA Rookie of the Year
2007-2008 All-NBA Rookie First Team
2009-2010, 2010-2011, 2011-2012, 2012-2013 All-Star
2011-2013 All-Star MVP

Russell Westbrook:
2008-2009 All-NBA Rookie First Team
2012-2013 All-NBA First Team
2010-2012 All-NBA Second Team

Serge Ibaka:
2011-2012 NBA Blocks Leader
2011-2012 All-NBA Defensive First Team

James Harden:
2011-2012 NBA Sixth Man of the Year

Kevin Martin:
2012-2013 NBA Sixth Man of the Year

Thabo Sefolosha:
2009-2010 All-NBA Defensive Second Team

Coaches:

Scott Brooks:
2012-2013 NBA Coach of the Year
2009-2010 NBA Coach of the Year

Links:
League News
Oklahoma City Thunder Roster and Transactions
Archives

Recaps and Previews:

2012-2013:
November [12-5]
December [13-0]
January [12-4]
February [10-1]
March [15-2]
Playoff Preview

2013-2014:
Off-Season
November Recap

2014 NBA Draft Prospects

Durant35's NLSC Draft Class Form

Code:

Name:
Birthday:
Position:
Play Style:
College:
Play Types:
Height and Weight:

Deserved Rating: (Explain why you deserve that rating, it will affect your potential and your range in the draft.)

Strengths[3]:
Weaknesses[3]:

Miscellaneous: (Skin Tone, Face Type, Face Base, Shot Base, Form and other necessary things.)


Last edited by Durant35 on Fri Apr 19, 2013 2:02 pm, edited 129 times in total.

ROSTER:

Starting Lineup:


Sixth Man:


Role Players:


Reserves:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Staff:

General Manager: Sam Presti
Assistant GM: Hans Antonio
Head Coach: Scott Brooks
Assistant Coach: Maurice Cheeks
NBA Scout: Kurt Stevenson
Prospect Scout: LeRoy Witt and Frank Fuller
Health Trainer: Joe Sharpe

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Draft Picks:

2014:
1st Rnd: Own DP (Traded to TOR); has ATL DP; may have DAL via LAL and HOU (1-20 Protected through 2017); may have TOR via HOU (1-2 Protected through 2017 and 15-30 Protected);
2nd Rnd: Own DP;

2015:
1st Rnd: Own DP;
2nd Rnd: Own DP;
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Finances and Contracts:

Player Budget:
Salary Cap: $58,044,000
Salary Cap Room: -$12,237,431

Luxury Tax: $72,770,000
Player Salaries: $72,125,742

Hard Cap: $93,150,000
Hard Cap Room: $21,024,258

Staff Budget:
Budget: $10,350,000
Spent: $10,000,000
Remaining: $350,000

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2012-2013 NBA Transactions:

- Thunder involved in a 3-team trade
- Oklahoma City Thunder signs Forward/Center Kenyon Martin to a 2yr/$1.85M Team Option deal.
- Oklahoma City Thunder extends Eric Maynor in a 3yr/$7.80M contract.
- Oklahoma City Thunder trades guard Reggie Jackson for center Festus Ezeli.

2013-2014 NBA Transactions:

- Thunder acquire Ronnie Brewer, trade Nick Collison and a 2nd Round DP to the Clippers.
- Thunder sign Nate Robinson through DPE for 1yr/$600k. Released Toney Douglas by injury buyout agreement.
- Thunder acquire Marreese Speights in a five-team blockbuster deal.
- Thunder draft and sign Mason Plumlee of Duke University.
- Thunder Assistant Coach Maurice Cheeks gets extension for 3yrs/$500k.
- Thunder fire NBA Scout Gary Reed. Replaced by Kurt Stevenson for a 3yr/$2.00M deal.
- Thunder fire Prospect Scout Dean Hamilton, hire Leroy Witt (3yrs/$1.00M) and Frank Fuller (3yrs/$1.00M).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Last edited by Durant35 on Sat Mar 16, 2013 2:37 pm, edited 43 times in total.

Around the League:

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2013-2014 Major Transactions:

- Cleveland Cavaliers trade Anderson Varejao and Amare Stoudemire for Kevin Love and 3 other players.
- Free Agency


2012-2013 Major Transactions:
- Jazz trades Paul Millsap and Raja Bell plus a 2013 2nd Round DP for Bucks' Monta Ellis and Doron Lamb.
- Bulls trade Carlos Boozer and the 2013 2nd Round DP, as well as their 2014 1st Round DP for Kings' DeMarcus Cousins, John Salmons and a 2013 2nd Rnd DP.
- Lakers severe ties with Pau Gasol and Robert Sacre plus a 2013 Draft Pick for the Hawks' Josh Smith and Kyle Korver.
- Kings hand injured Tyreke Evans a max extension worth 5yr/$48.88M deal.
- 76ers not letting Andrew Bynum go with a max extension.
- Hawks locks up Devin Harris with a 5yr/$28.37M deal.
- Mavs sign Darren Collison to a 5yr/$36.42M deal.
- Former No.1 Overall Pick Greg Oden signs with Kings, 1yr/$4.22M.
- Raptors extend Calderon, 4yrs/1$9.73M.
- Al Jefferson gets max contract, 5yrs/$74.15M.

Last edited by Durant35 on Tue Feb 12, 2013 2:17 pm, edited 36 times in total.

Game Archives

2012-2013 Record: 69-13

Thunder blows by the Grizzlies
Thunder strives for the win, 125-121
Thunder fall to Celtics
Thunder show resiliency, wins over Nets
Perry Jones flirts with a double-double as OKC grabs the "W"
Durant and Westbrook take over the fourth, decapitates Spurs in showdown
Thunder unveil another alternate Jersey and hires a new assistant GM
Durant's heroics lead Thunder past Wolves
Westbrook lifts Thunder over Heat on Christmas Day
Durant's 46 points make Rockets suffer
Kevin Martin scores 34 to lift the Thunder over Lakers
Thunder shift focus to Warriors, lose to Clippers
Durant, Thunder prevail after fourth quarter showing vs. Lakers
Young Bloods destroy Veterans
Thunder annihilates Jazz
Thunder pours 146 points on the Heat
Thunder bolts past Rockets
Durant and Westbrook come up big against Wolves
Thunder with the big win against Bulls
Oklahoma City beats Nuggets in Denver
Thunder humiliates Clippers at their home
Lakers beat hot-Thunder in OT
Durant scores career-high 53 points as Thunder rout Knicks
Thunder blow-out win against Celtics
Spurs cool off Thunder
Jeremy Lamb, Thunder coasts through Jazz
Thunder easily goes through Magic
Durant's triple-double kills Mavs
Durant drains 3 for the win
Thunder comeback, wins on the road behind Durant's 65
First ever 61st win for Thunder
Durant, 40 points in 25 minutes over Bucks
Thunder draw even with Spurs
Thunder finishes off Pacers
Thunder fires back at Knicks
Finishing off Portland Trailblazers
Martin goes off for 55 points, upset Kings
Thunder fall to Bucks on last game

Playoffs:

Thunder dominates Game 1 versus Clippers
OKC fights and takes Game 2 over Clips
Thunder overcomes deficit, lead 3-0
Westbrook, Thunder sweeps Clippers
Westbrook provides hot hand in win over Wolves
Durant's triple-double leads Thunder past Minnesota
Thunder powers through Wolves
Thunder, Durant takes out their brooms, sweeps Wolves
Thunder wins thriller versus Lakers
Lakers answer back to Thunder
Westbrooks powers through
Durant fuels Thunder, lead series 3-1
Durant and Westbrook each with 40, finishes Lakers
Thunder dominate Heat in Finals opener
Thunder falter to Heat
Thunder bounce back with KD's 44
A Thunderous fourth leads OKC to W
Heat force Game 6 with W over OKC
Thunder win title, Durant Finals MVP

Last edited by Durant35 on Thu Jan 31, 2013 1:35 am, edited 7 times in total.

Thunder blows by the Grizzlies, 105-75. Record stands at 7-2



WEDNESDAY, The Thunder finished off the Grizzlies easily. They shot 54% from the field, finishing the night making 40 of their 74 shots. The bench owned the game after posting up 50 points. The Thunder also had their season-best 25 assists. They also brought up 8 blocks, courtesy of Ibaka (3) and Durant (4).

Kevin Martin came off the bench, playing 32 minutes and providing the scoring tonight along with 3-time scoring champion Kevin Durant. The two gave the team 33 and 30 points respectively. This is also the first time that the Durantula cracked a 30-point performance. Meanwhile, Russell Westbrook, despite dishing out 10 assists, had an off-night, finishing with 9 points on 4-of-11 shooting, along with 3 turnovers.

But the Grizzlies didn't back down either, hitting 43% of their shots, but failed on their 3-pointers which was held at 14%. There was simply no answer.

Last edited by Durant35 on Sun Dec 02, 2012 11:10 pm, edited 3 times in total.

Thunder trades Reggie Jackson for Festus Ezeli



THURSDAY-Sam Presti came out with his usual demeanor, and introduced the newest member of the Thunder family. Festus Ezeli, this year's #30th Draft Pick, from Vanderbilt, expressed his emotions. "I'm just happy to be here. I'm willing to do anything to help this team win. My focus right now is on the court; down the line, whatever happens, happens."

Sam Presti was then asked by the media on why the Thunder Management had decided to trade Reggie Jackson. "Reggie is a hard working athlete, and I'm pretty sure that the Warriors will use his skills until he reaches his potential. We felt that he wouldn't achieve it here and decided that we should look for other options around. We're pretty lucky we got a big man like Festus."

In eight games, the 6'11" ft Center averaged 1.0 PPG, 1.1 RPG and 0.4 BPG within 8.1 minutes of playing time.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Simulated Games:

Thunder @ Hornets: 113-107 W
Thunder vs. Warriors: 123-106 W

Up Next: OKC Thunder vs L.A. Clippers

Last edited by Durant35 on Fri Dec 21, 2012 11:00 pm, edited 1 time in total.

Thought it was kind of ironic that Harden broke his jaw

Thunder strives for the win, 125-121



TEAM STATS

WEDNESDAY - In an offense packed night, the Thunder came out as the one with more points for their 8th straight victory. The Thunder's dynamic duo led the team till the very end, combining for 73 points on 60.5% (26/43). The win din't come easy though, as the Chris Paul-led Clippers surged in the fourth quarter and eventually led by one at some point during Clutch time. Durant eventually awakened and put the team on his back, erasing the deficit and finally closing out on the Clippers in a four-point margin. Serge Ibaka also had a good night. He had 10 points on 5-of-8 shooting. Kevin Martin somehow forgot to shoot and posted up an ironic 2-of-18 performance, finishing the night with 9 points.

Durant was then interviewed by the media after the game, asking him what was on his mind when he shot the go-to dunk that put them up by four. "I didn't think about the consequences. I knew I had to be calm and take the shot. I'm pretty happy that I got the open lane that became the way for me to go to the basket. Coach designed a good play."

Russell Westbrook then said, "We all knew it was going to be Kevin's time. We kept feeding him the ball and good things happened."

Up next: Thunder @ Celtics, Friday

Last edited by Durant35 on Sun Dec 02, 2012 11:20 pm, edited 1 time in total.

Thunder fall to Celtics, 115-97



TEAM STATS

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - Defense set the tone, as the sound of the buzzer kicked off at the TD Garden. It was a streaky night for Russell Westbrook, who carried the team on his back throughout the whole game, but to no avail. He posted up 25 points on 11-of-26 shooting, but had 6 turnovers in 41 minutes of playing time. The Celtics were simply too damn good. They had all sorts of shots coming and going in effortlessly. On the other hand, the Thunder didn't look like themselves at all.

Kevin Durant had 24 points on 11 shots, attempting 20. He also had 8 rebounds. They were all horrendous, paving the way for Boston to easily decapitate them and seal the win. Despite the fact that 5 Thunder players posted double-digit points, it could be easily seen that it was another turnover-party night for them. Those 18 turnovers were converted into 26 points by the opposing team.

The Thunder now stands at 10-3, and dropped to the No. 2 seed behind the Lakers.

Up next: OKC @ PHI (Sim), OKC vs. CHA (Sim), OKC vs. HOU (sim) and OKC vs. UTA(sim)

Last edited by Durant35 on Sun Dec 02, 2012 11:24 pm, edited 1 time in total.

Simulated matches:

OKC @ PHI: 82-93 L
OKC vs. CHA: 107-101 W
OKC vs. HOU: 88-97 L
OKC vs. UTA: 103-92 W

----------------------------------------

The record for the Thunder during the month of November is 12-5. There were some up and downs, convincing wins and heartbreaking losses, but it's just the beginning. A trade already happened, as Former Thunder player Reggie Jackson felt like he was limited and was traded to the Golden State Warriors. The off-season blockbuster trade that sent Kevin Martin and Jeremy Lamb to the Thunder is somehow fulfilling the holes left by The Bearded One. Martin quickly slipped into his role but is still unsure whether he would sign an extension with the Thunder.

Leaders:
Kevin Durant: 25.2 PPG, 5.1 ASG, 8.4 RPG
Russell Westbrook: 25.2 PPG, 6.1 ASG, 5.2 RPG
Kevin Martin: 15.4 PPG, 2.1 ASG, 3.1 RPG
Serge Ibaka: 12.9 PPG, 1.9 BPG, 7.9 RPG

Power Ranking: 2
Record: 12-5 (.706)
Division Rank: 1
Seed: 2

----------------------------------------
Up next: OKC @ NOH (sim), OKC @ BKN (will be played), OKC vs. LAL (will be played)

Thunder show resiliency, blows by Nets behind Core Four's 93 points



TEAM STATS

DECEMBER 4 - The day when the Nets fall 8-9. The Deron-less Nets had no answer on the Thunder's scoring abilities. After the first half, it would seem like the Nets would get the "W" as they led 55-49 before halftime. That's when the dynamic duo of Westbrook and Durant decided to shape things up. The starting lineup played the whole third quarter, and the Nets watched their lead being cut to 2 at the 7:28 mark. 16 seconds later, Durant ties the game with a mid-range jumper that sent the bench into a frenzy.

By the time the third quarter was over, the Thunder were leading 82-78. Then they never looked back. Durant scored 15 of his 41 points during the fourth quarter, along with the drives of Westbrook, Martin's three's and Ibaka's hustle play. Durant shot 56.25% from the field, and Westbrook had 43.4%.

The comeback couldn't be possible if it hadn't been for the bench. Throughout the first half, the Thunder were having difficulties stopping Joe Johnson, even though with Sefolosha on him. Thabo answered the press, "He was clicking. Every shot was falling. We couldn't shut him down on the first half but Kevin [Durant] did a good job of defending him with his length."

Scott Brooks was then asked by the media on how did he manage to do the comeback, and he answered, "I left everything to Kevin, he was totally in captain mode tonight. I don't care even though he attempted 32 shots and made 18. I'm just happy we got the win, and hope that it carries on to the next one against the Lakers."

The Thunder now stands at 14-5.

Up Next: Thunder defends home court facing the Lakers, FRIDAY - Dec. 7

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Simulated Game(s);

Dec. 1:
OKC@NOH: 105-92 W

Last edited by Durant35 on Sun Dec 02, 2012 11:33 pm, edited 1 time in total.

Nice screenshots/presentation.

I hope you lost to the Lakers.

Hahahahaha! Thanks! I'mma beat the Lakers though.

Thunder locks up Eric Maynor in a 3yr/$7.80M deal



THURSDAY - A day before the game against the Lakers, The Oklahoma City Thunder decided it was the right time for Maynor's fated extension. The management offered Maynor a 3-year, Flat $7.80M deal. And without a doubt, he accepted it.

"I felt like I still have something to offer for this team. There are a lot of talented guys in here and I hope I can propel them to the next level." said Maynor during the media day.

The Thunder will be playing a home game against the Lakers on Friday.

Hahahahaha! Thanks! I'mma beat the Lakers though.

Fuck you.

Perry Jones sets career-high while flirting with a double-double on Lakers



TEAM STATS

DECEMBER 7 - Despite Kobe Bryant's 47 points and Howard's double-double, the Thunder still came out on top, 132-118. It was a record setting night. 132 points became Oklahoma City's season-high.

Rookie Perry Jones flirted with a double-double and set his career high in points and rebounds. He posted up an astonishing 22 points and 8 rebounds on 64.3% shooting in 19 minutes. It was just simply his night. Durant had beat the Lakers again, as he came up big in the fourth quarter, scoring 11 of his 31 points while recording 5 assists. 2 Thunder players also recorded double-doubles.

They were Serge Ibaka and Russell Westbrook, who had 12 points and 10 rebounds and 14 points and 12 assists respectively. Even Jeremy Lamb from UConn had his career-high in the NBA with 17 points, 50% field goal percentage.

The Thunder takes back the Number 1 Seed in the West with the win over the Lakers.

Up Next: Home games vs. Pacers, Hornets and Kings (simulated) and lastly, the Popovich-less Spurs. (will be played)

Last edited by Durant35 on Sun Dec 02, 2012 11:35 pm, edited 1 time in total.

Simulated Games:

OKC vs IND: 98-79 W
OKC vs NOH: 105-76 W
OKC vs SAC: 132-94 W (tied with their season-high)

Record: 18-5

Last edited by Durant35 on Sat Dec 22, 2012 2:51 pm, edited 1 time in total.

Thunder avenges season-opener loss against Spurs, 114-106



TEAM STATS

MONDAY - It seems that history was repeating itself during the first half of basketball play, as the Thunder saw its lead getting cut minute by minute. It was like Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals against the same team. Doom knocking on their doors. Until the dynamic duo of Westbrook and Durant decided to take over. They got the stops, the fouls, the swooshes. After the last buzzer sounded, Oklahoma City had grabbed the win.

The duo combined for 60 points, half of what the whole score was. They also had perfect free throws, 18-of-18 from the field. Ibaka and Perkins also did a good job of defending Tim Duncan, who was limited to 12 points on 5-of-12 shooting and a season-low 5 rebounds. Serge Ibaka also cleaned up the boards, coming up with 6 offensive rebounds.

Up next: Thunder @ Hawks (sim) and Thunder @ Timberwolves (might play)

--------------------------------------------------------

Simulated Matches:

Thunder @ Hawks: 107-77 W

Up next: Thunder @ Timberwolves (might play)

Last edited by Durant35 on Sun Dec 02, 2012 11:37 pm, edited 1 time in total.

Thunder, to debut another new uniform and a new assistant general manager



It seems that another alternate uniform had been planned for the Thunder, but the media was asked to keep quiet about it. "We wanted it to be a surprise." said Sam Presti, the team's general manager. "You could say that it's a variation of Back in Black jerseys." stated by Hans Antonio, the new assistant general manager.

Hans Antonio, 22 years old, is replacing Rob Hennigan's spot and was hired on December 10, just a day after the match with the Pacers. "I'm really thrilled becoming a part of a young team, who already achieved many things such as an appearance to the NBA Finals in five years and drafting a player who would become a three-time consecutive scoring champ." said Antonio.

"Were lucky that Hans is a part of the Thunder Organization, and at such a young age, we hope that he would become more successful here with the community." said Sam Presti, he then went on commenting more about the new uniform. "It would replace our Christmas Jerseys, unfortunately. But I'm pretty sure that it would be a hit."

The new alternates will debut on December 20, in a road game against the Timberwolves. They will again be worn on these dates; Heat (Dec. 25); Dallas (Jan. 18); Lakers (Jan. 27); Denver (March 1); San Antonio (March 11). The other alternate uniform will be worn on these dates; Utah (Feb. 12); Indiana (April 5); and Golden State (April 11).

(credits to iamLillard for those great jerseys!)

Last edited by Durant35 on Tue Dec 18, 2012 3:27 am, edited 1 time in total.

Thunder wins by 3, KD with the mythical night



TEAM STATS

THURSDAY - The jerseys. It was definitely the jerseys and Durant's heroics. He again propelled OKC past Minnesota, and again had a 40-point performance AND flirting with a triple-double on their home court. It seems he was built for these type of matches. The Thunder Forward had 41 points, 11 rebounds and was 2 assists shy from the triple-double. If it would have happened, this would be his first for the season, and his career.

Kevin Martin is again his usual efficient self, 19 points on 7 shots, while Westbrook was off. 5-of-15 from the field, but filled up the stat sheet in all sorts of other ways. He had 3 rebounds, 7 assists, 5 steals and 1 block. The only thing that is an eye-burner is his 3 turnovers. But quite surprisingly, the Thunder just had 12 turnovers.

Perry Jones also stood up again as he drained the long three-pointer with 3 minutes remaining, 104-102, that sparked the Thunder's bloody run. Both teams shot the ball fairly well, at 46%, but the Timberwolves took fewer shots, 95-88. Oklahoma City shot 40% from the three-point land, 12-of-30. Both teams were active defensively, so there were no second chance points.

Up Next: Christmas Game at the American Airlines Arena

(BIG SHOUTOUT to iamLillard for them great jerseys again!)

Last edited by Durant35 on Sun Dec 02, 2012 11:40 pm, edited 1 time in total.

New Assistant GM makes first move, signs Kenyon Martin



FRIDAY - Just after the Oklahoma City Thunder took the win against Minnesota, a news came out. It was said to be new assistant GM Hans Antonio's first move as a professional, and with the Thunder. They had signed Kenyon Martin. "It was a good pickup," said Hans as he came out of the media room along with now-Thunder member Kenyon Martin.

"We signed him because we needed his veteran leadership and his vast skills at his age." he added. Kenyon Martin previously played for the Los Angeles Clippers for one year, and became a free agent from the month of October to November until the Thunder signed him. "I'm really happy to become a part of this organization. At such a young age, they already achieved so many things." said Martin.

"We're looking forward to his contributions and his leadership." said Thunder Forward Kevin Durant, who shot the lights out in the last match. "He's a great guy. Hard worker, has the heart of a true player." Coach Brooks stated.

Martin just signed the contract after Monday's practice, then proceeded on to teach the young bloods. The deal was a 2yr/$1.85M Team Option.

Westbrook's big game lifts Thunder vs. Heat



TEAM STATS

CHRISTMAS DAY - It was definitely a repeat of Game 4 of the 2012 NBA Finals, but this time, it came out different. Westbrook's game-high 44 points hustled through the Heat despite LeBron and Wade's show. He was flirting with a triple-double, as he had 44 points, 7 rebounds and 9 assists. Durant also scored and took away some of the pressure on Westbrook, and the Heat simply had no answer. Mario Chalmers couldn't stay infront of Westbrook when he was holding the ball. Westbrook was all over the floor.

The Heat's Ray Allen was sort of a sore spot, as he only made 4 of his 14 shots. Bosh was also a non-factor despite playing 29 minutes. He scored 6 points and grabbed 8 rebounds. A season-low.

Up Next: Thunder vs Mavericks, 12/27. (Will be played

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thunder's Kenyon Martin, out with Strained Abdomen

During the match between the Heat and Thunder on Christmas day, Kenyon Martin fell to the ground after being fouled by All-Star Chris Bosh, he was immediately taken out on the game and was evaluated. It was revealed that he strained his abdomen.

Last edited by Durant35 on Sun Dec 02, 2012 11:42 pm, edited 1 time in total.

Thunder changes lineup, Perkins and Collison switched places



Just a day after beating the defending world champions-Miami Heat, the Thunder announced that the starting lineup will get some changes. It's not unusual for the Thunder and other teams, as the small ball lineup trend still continues. Therefore, Coach Scott Brooks has announced that Starting Center Kendrick Perkins will now be coming off the bench, replaced by the team's Role Player, Nick Collison.

Up Next: Thunder vs. Dallas

Last edited by Durant35 on Sat Mar 16, 2013 2:48 pm, edited 1 time in total.

Thunder powers through Dallas, 118-101



TEAM STATS

THURSDAY - Just a few days after claiming their first regular season win against the Miami Heat, the Thunder found a new victim to their vicious 108.4 PPG offense. It was the Mavs. The game was close at first, and their were times that the Thunder relinquished their lead to the Mavs, but what's important is the final score. Durant led the way with another double-double, 42 points and 12 rebounds, and he got those points in 16 shots, with a perfect 9-9 from the free throw line.

Kevin Martin also had 26 points in 28 minutes as he became a spark off the bench. We also saw the bad Russell Westbrook, as he tried to force 18 shots and made only 8 of them, finishing the game with 17 points, but pulling down 8 rebounds and dishing out 9 assists. Serge Ibaka nearly had the double-double, with 10 points and 9 rebounds. He also had 2 blocks, which is pretty normal for him.

The Thunder shot 51% from the field, compared to the Mavericks' 42%. The shots were also efficient, as they again finished the night with 40% on their three-pointers. They also had 30 assists, which is already high for a team striving at isolation plays. Rebounding was also a factor, as the Thunder had a +16 advantage on the glass. Despite these good points, the Thunder still had 16 turnovers, allowing Dallas to convert them into 8 points off turnovers. Not bad, but they need to lessen it.

Up Next: OKC @ HOU (Will be played)

"James Harden, cleared to play against the Thunder"

Last edited by Durant35 on Sun Dec 02, 2012 11:45 pm, edited 1 time in total.

Durant's 46 points gets them past Houston



GAME RECAP | GAME STORY | TEAM STATS

Player of the Game: Kevin Durant (46 PTS, 10 REB, 6 AST, 1 STL and BLK)

THURSDAY - Just after throttling past the Miami Heat on Christmas Day, another emotional game was waiting for the Thunder. James Harden came back from the surgery on his jaw and was prepared to take on the Thunder at Houston. They went up with a fight, but to no avail. Durant was simply too good, and he's yet to reach his prime. KD scored 46 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, flying past the Houston Rockets, 111-104.

And what's more is he did it without his best pal and partner, Russell Westbrook, who had a rough night. He fouled out of the game during the 3rd Quarter and finished with 7 points. Kevin Martin also impaled his revenge on his old team, by scoring 19 points but only on 40% FG, he then would erase it by hosting 6 boards, 3 assists and 3 blocks, matching his career-high. Serge Ibaka also contributed a lot in the match, scoring 13 points, 10 rebounds and a block.

The Rockets did not go down without a fight though, as they were leading throughout the game until the 4th Quarter surge by the Thunder's Kevin Durant. After the game, the media asked Kevin on how it felt going up a former teammate, "It definitely felt good. There are some instances where you wanna dunk on 'im, and do some other things."

Scott Brooks told the media, "The game was nerve-wracking itself. We all knew how James would play. He's in a different team now and we just want the win, but you gotta deal with the emotions first. Our guys did a great job of doing it."

Simulated Match:
OKC vs. PHX: W 110-99

Last edited by Durant35 on Mon Dec 17, 2012 2:46 pm, edited 2 times in total.