Playoff Matchup Round 2: Thunder (4) Vs. Grizzlies (8)

The Thunder have got scorers but lack a true playmaker. Westbrook's great at getting his, but has yet to learn how to create for others.

Harden seems to their best playmaker, but he plays more of a complementary role on the team. I don't think the solution is to give him the ball and get him to create. That might get Durant a few more open looks, but it would also dramatically reduce Westbrook's effectiveness.

More importantly, though, I think this team needs to find a more offensively minded big man to pair up with Perkins/Ibaka, someone who can post up as well as pass out of double teams. It's not a perfect fit, but signing someone like Carl Landry this summer could really help.

 

Unlike Sir Charles, I think OKC is more of a match-up nightmare for Dallas due to the perimeter. Westbrook would have a field days against Kidd, Terry, and or Barea who is just too short. The only team that can prevent the Heat from winning it all is Dallas, but OKC will probably prevent Dallas from reaching the Finals if they advance.

 

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=310513029

Strange, how come Kwame hasn't bumped his thread about Battier?

 

If Dallas can win vs. OKC, it would toughen up their perimeter defense for their showdown vs. Miami's Dynamic Duo, formerly known as the Big Three.

If they can't handle the Thunder's perimeter guys, they wouldn't have stood a chance against Wade and James anyway.

 

You think Battier isn't loving the trade now? One game away from the WCF -- wow.

 

Don't they have to actually beat the grizzlies before they play dallas?

 

Oh you said, IF they advance. Reading is fundamental.

 

Which team can beat the Mavs? Memphis matches up with any team in the league.

 

I'll be at the game tomorrow. I'll be the guy in the t-shirt. You won't be able to miss me.

 

With a grizzlies jersey on, right?

 

The talk is OVAH! It's time to get it started.

 

Does anyone have a link for this game?

Fromsport . com doesn't show any, and it's 17 min to game time.

 

let's hope for an epic ending to an epic series.

 

KD, WB and Scott Brooks are on trial today. If OKC can't rise to the occasion and take game 7, they don't deserve to advance and need to end their season on another bitter note. If they are up to the task, then anything that happens in the next round is gravy.

Brooks better wise up and use Collison and Ibaka extensively, reduce the minutes for Perkins & Thabo and completely eliminate Nazr's minutes. If he can't see fit to adjust to what works in an all-or-nothing contest, he doesn't deserve his position. If OKC's offense remains predictable and stale, he should be held accountable. He will be back next year regardless.

KD has to play with aggression, work harder to get the ball and to take more shots going at the rim. If he just shoots a bunch of 3s and long 2s, I will be disappointed.

 

Growl towels repping!

 

I hope this lives up to the hype -- good so far...

 

it's up to westbrook to win this game, along with their defense

 

Durant lol!

 

The Grizzlies D on Kevin Durant is amazing