The final stretch....
by ThunderHorn on Mar 4, 2010 11:37 AM CST
Email
PrintAs the Thunder gear up for the final stretch of the season one thing that will be interesting to look at his how they react to the increased intensity down the stretch as playoff teams kick it up a not for the last month and a half getting ready for the playoffs and trying to get better playoff position. None of these guys have played in meaningful NBA games at the end of the season. Only Krstic really has any experience playing in these types of games and that was 5+ years ago. W
We saw Portland struggle with this a couple of years ago as they faded out of the playoffs 2 years ago. Last year they were much better and more prepared for the stretch run and understood that the pressure/intensity kicks up to another level. Obviously, these guys KNOW that things will get more intense, but knowing and actually experiencing it are 2 different things.
We've see a little bit of it so far this last week. San Antonio is starting to kick their game up. I think we saw some of it against Denver. The team seemed tight and Durant seemed especially tight yesterday. Missing 2 FTs, missing some easy shots around the rim, seemed like the intensity of the game may have gotten the best of the young Thunder team.
I don't think this team is going to miss the playoffs, but I think it will be interesting how they play against playoff teams down the stretch, and even against teams like Houston/New Orleans, teams that still have playoff hopes and have experience but are fighting to get into the playoffs.
Thoughts?
This post does not necessarily reflect the views of the staff of Welcome to Loud City or SB Nation. However, it was made by one of the members of the Welcome to Loud City community, so there is a large chance the above post is extremely ballin'!
4 comments
|
Add comment
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
they will probably make the playoffs and if they do that will give them even more experience to build from in the future. if they happen to fall out and miss the playoffs that isnt the end of the world because of the youth of this team as the key for them in reality is not to get in but to play in these meaningful games down the stretch being in a race.
we see the difference from last year to this year in terms of the improvement in finishing games and winning close games and the same will be true as far as the stretch drive in a year if they did happen to falter the year.
I think this is where the coaching staff has to earn their pay. This is one of the most exciting teams in the league. When the intensity of the game gets to them on the offensive side, the coaches have to make sure they keep applying the defensive pressure, and obviously the Thunder can do it well. Can’t wait for the playoffs. Thunder will make life hell for any opponent, and the experienced gained in the playoffs will be invaluable to a young squad.
yep
This is definately gonna be an “experience” year for them as already stated. They’ve already exceeded expectations and are basically just showing the early signs of just how dangerous they may become in the years to follow. They are, for the most part, a bunch of kids in their early 20’s. To be accomplishing what they’re accomplishing right now is amazing considering they could still be playing in college right now. Even if we lose in the first round, they should be so proud of themselves and we should be so thankful that we have such an exciting team to look forward to watching improve next year. I can’t wait…
by tron solo on Mar 5, 2010 1:35 PM CST via mobile reply actions
The Thunder have not lost anything, Ginobli made some insane plays at the end to steal that game, PHO was won too but they refused to take time off the clock on possetions under 4 minutes and they were just going for the 3 point dagger. Chalk Denver up to an elite team at home playing well.
Don’t Forget about Collison’s experience, I think this team will be prepared down the stretch and will win 50 games and yes make hell for any opponent. Yes they are a young team but I think they have great leadership….just look at their road record.
Something to say? Choose one of these options to log in.
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recent FanPosts
Follow WTLC on Twitter
Next Game
Northwest Standings
| W | L | PCT | GB | STRK | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Oklahoma City
|
21 | 6 | .777 | 0 | Won 1 |
|
Denver
|
16 | 12 | .571 | 5.5 | Won 1 |
|
Portland
|
15 | 13 | .535 | 6.5 | Lost 1 |
|
Minnesota
|
13 | 15 | .464 | 8.5 | Lost 3 |
|
Utah
|
13 | 12 | .520 | 7 | Lost 3 |
(updated 2.12.2012 at 6:06 PM CST)
Thunder Schedule
Next 5 Games
|
Utah
|
Tue 02/14 | 7:00 PM CST |
|
@
Houston
|
Wed 02/15 | 7:00 PM CST |
|
Golden State
|
Fri 02/17 | 7:00 PM CST |
|
Denver
|
Sun 02/19 | 7:00 PM CST |
|
New Orleans
|
Mon 02/20 | 7:00 PM CST |
Last 5 Games
|
@
Utah
|
Fri 02/10 | W 101 - 87 |
|
@
Sacramento
|
Thu 02/09 | L 101 - 106 |
|
@
Golden State
|
Tue 02/07 | W 119 - 116 |
|
@
Portland
|
Mon 02/06 | W 111 - 107 |
|
@
San Antonio
|
Sat 02/04 | L 96 - 107 |
Loud City - Bring The Thunder (Rafter Banner)
In Association With
Ball Don't Lie - NBA - Yahoo! Sport
- Days of NBA Lives: Wherein Roy Hibbert tap-dances to Maine
- Grizzlies Valentine’s Day cards are the key to love
- Kevin Love would like the NBA to take the MLB’s approach on All-Star games
- Kobe Bryant fires a few hilarious salvos at Jeremy Lin
- Brandon Jennings states the obvious regarding his 2014 free agency, everyone goes nuts
Certain photos copyright © 2012 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
