This game paired two teams in transition. One quietly chugs along despite awaiting the return of their prophet (see below), while the other has gone from the NBA's flower child to the scorn of Sports Writers ever since they traded away the Beard.
Ultimately The Thunder pulled away at the end thanks to some late game heroics from KD. Here is the recap as shown on NBA.com
http://www.nba.com/video/games/bulls/2012/11/08/0021200066-okc-chi-recap.nba/
Things To Take Away:
1. This game was sloppy for lack of a better word, with 42 (42!!!!!) Turnovers....yikes I guess teams are still working out the kinks.
2. The Thunder are still a work in progress. Despite Kevin Durant hitting two clutch shots down the stretch to seal it he looked much less assertive, drifting through periods of the 2nd and 3rd quarters, and much more uncertain of his role within the offense (as is evidenced by his uncharacteristic 6 turnovers). Russel Westbrook has an unusually high assist to turnover ratio (9:1) but shot just 6-20 from the field including 1-7 from 3 point range. You take the good with the bad, but in the early stages of this infant season, it seems the Thunder have taken a step back not forward. They look like they still have some finals/harden drama hangover.
2. Is it time to start thinking of Joakim Noah as a premier center? As of last night, Noah ranked in the top 10 of qualified centers in a number of areas: points (10th), assists (4th), blocks (5th), and steals (3rd)*. In a world where the likes of A'mare Stoudemire and Roy Hibbert can get a max deal (no offense), it is unreasonable to assume that if Noah keeps improving he won't command similar trade value if he decides to test free-agency? He has three years left on his deal and when his current deal expires he will be 30, ripe to be overpaid by a would be contender, just wait. Additionally Noah is one of a handful of players who can have a tremendous effect on the game even when he doesn't score.
Take a look at his stat line from last night:
9 points, 13 rebounds (7 offensive), 6 assists, a block, and a steal
His comfort level on the offensive end is notably higher than in seasons past, and he has always been an underrated passer. His work with Kareem during the offseason has done wonders for his offensive game. While he is still not a go to scorer by any means, you have to say he has developed some more refined post moves, and can finish competently with both hands around the basket. Combine that with is relentless effort and hustle and you have to say he's undoubtedly an above average starter.
3. Speaking of young dynamic bigs how about Serge Ibaka? GM Sam Presti was heavily criticized for locking up Ibaka to an extension this past offseason and not the Beard, but maybe, just maybe he was onto something. Ibaka's expanded range has been well documented. But what has gone under the radar is how just how efficient he's become on the offensive end. Last night he scored 21 points on 8-15 from the field and went 4-4 from the charity stripe. He also grabbed 9 rebounds, while maintaining his propensity for Mutombo-esk blocks. Its also worth mentioning that he did that against the Bulls, who under Tom Thibodeau have always been an above average defensive team. If he can continue churn performances like that, maybe Sam Presti wasn't so foolish, after all how you not resign a walking double-double with 18 foot range, who offers rim protection like this??
Anyways thats all for now. A preview of the Knicks Mavs Game will follow later today!
Until then,
-Stay Fly Fanatics
*Stats according to http://www.hoopsstats.com/basketball/fantasy/nba/home
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