OKC Morning Loud Links: Bad Loss Hangover

The very idea of competition rests on the notion that in any given situation, Team B has the ability to beat Team A. It is this probability, however small, that keeps us interested. Even if Team A is a powerhouse for the ages and Team B will lose to them 99 times out of 100, it is that 1 in a 100 chance that tempts our interest; it keeps us tuning in. To contrast, after the historically great Roman general Scipio Africanus finally conquered Hannibal in the Second Punic War, he wept. He wept because he had reached his apex as a soldier; there was nothing further to accomplish, no other enemies to defeat. Such is life when competition is no more.

I'd still take that weep-fest over a loss to the Wizards.

Post-Game Nuggets | NewsOK

Mayberry writes that apathy was the main culprit last night, but also that with James Harden once again struggling, the Thunder became very two-dimensional (Durant & Russell Westbrook) with not much else working for them.

Thunder Loses to League's Worst | Daily Thunder

Sometimes you really do need to lose.

Who's Laughing Now? | ESPN

A reminder to us all - every contender this year has its own issues to sort out.

Nick Young Very Excited About His Defense on Durant | SB Nation

Nick Young played a nice game last night, hitting some critical shots down the stretch while guarding Kevin Durant in the second half. You can laugh at him or get angry at him, but at the end of the day, he helped force Durant into a terrible offensive night.

Nazr's Half-Court Blooper | CBS Sports

This errant misjudgment by Nazr Mohammed is probably a good microcosm for last night's game.

Why the Suns Are Setting on Steve Nash | BBall Breakdown

Coach Nick analyzes some game footage that examines how the Steve Nash and the Suns have struggled this season.

Comparison of PER and Usage | Hardwood Paroxysm

Who's up for some math on this fine Thursday morning?

T-Mac's Value is His Vision | HoopSpeak

This post is a great reason why I wished the Thunder had pursued Tracy McGrady during the off-season. The Hawks are quietly building something good this year.

Big Baby Get's 'T' For Taking Off Shorts | CBS Sports

If you told me that there was a player who got a technical for dropping his shorts during a game, my first guess probably would have been Metta World Peace. Glen Davis though? Yeah, still in the realm of possibility.

Tim Duncan, Wiley Veteran | SB Nation

Tim Duncan still has a trick or two up his, er, knee.

Thinking Fast & Slow About Basketball | Wages of Wins

Ever wonder if the +/- stat is useful? Here is one argument why it is not.