OKC Morning Loud Links: Sleeping In

The Thunder just knocked off two physically taxing games on back to back nights, and soon enough, they will have two more. They head to Sacramento on Thursday, and then to Utah on Friday. The Kings are struggling but tend to play well at home, and Utah is one of those teams that hasn't made many waves this season, but have put together a solid record in the West.

Post-Game Nuggets | NewsOK

Mayberry notes that when the team started off slowly, Russell Westbrook took the initiative to keep his team in the game. Yes, his 9 turnovers area painful total, but he was not afraid to step behind a screen and drill a 20 foot jumpshot to give the Thunder the lead late in the game.

Thunder Survive Against Warriors | Daily Thunder

OKC had 15 turnovers on the night, which is great-but-not-terrible either. If Westbrook had only reached his season average of four, they would have only had 10 in total, which is a major improvement.

The Problem With Replay | HoopSpeak

Getting it right comes with a price. The price will continue to grow the more replay is used.

Why is Serge Ibaka Regressing? | Shaky Ankles

Here is a good essay that takes a look at some of Serge Ibaka's struggles this season; is there simply not enough room for Ibaka to grow?

Northwest Division Living Large | NBA.com

The Thunder's division is at an impressive mark almost halfway through the season. Every team is currently over .500.

Rookie Rankings V | Grantland

Kyrie Irving still leads the back, but all of the top three rookies are playing well. Ricky Rubio actually has helped Minnesota have a winning record, which ought to trigger some sort of celebration.

Steve Nash: 38 | Basketbawful

There is nothing bawful about Steve Nash. He remains a tribute to the league and to people who follow through on their promises, regardless of outcome.

Stern: Seattle a Possibility | CBS Sports

David Stern says that Seattle is in play for a franchise relocation.

Paul Pierce Passes Bird on Scoring List | CBS Sports

A day after Kobe Bryant jumped Shaquille O'Neal for 5th place on the NBA's all time scoring list, Paul Pierce surpassed the legend Larry Bird on Boston's all-time list. We are living in some pretty incredible basketball times.

JaVale McGee, Doing the Most JaVale McGee Thing Ever | Ball Don't Lie

I think what charms me the most about JaVale McGee is that he doesn't come across as malicious or stupid, but rather just magnificently on an entire different plane of reality. He plays like Ron Artest/Metta World Peace speaks. I can't even resist just embedding the best animated gif of the season: