The Thunder concluded their second and final tune-up game last night, defeating the Dallas Mavericks at home. I hope you had the opportunity to catch the middle two quarters of last night's game, because if you did, you will be excited for this season. The game was close...until it wasn't. Sunday night will be the best Christmas gift Thunder fans could ask for.
Mavericks Post-Game Nuggets | NewsOK
The bench players stole the show last night, with James Harden and Reggie Jackson helping fuel the run that broke the game open. Cole Aldrich also showed vast improvement and may challenge Nazr Mohammed for some backup center minutes.
More Than Five Thoughts on Pre-Season Game 2 | Daily Thunder
High praise for James Harden, who actually broke out a reverse slam against the Mavericks. That type of play takes some panache.
Thunder Beat Mavs in Pre-Season Finale | NewsOK
The Thunder were focused and locked in on stopping Dirk Nowitzki, and they forced him into a 2-10 shooting night. I know it's pre-season, but after watching Dirk go supernova on the Thunder in the playoffs, it was a nice change.
Mavericks Post Game Quotes | MavsMoneyball
The Mavs faithful aren't too thrilled about what they saw last night, but their lone bright spot was Jerome Randall, who may become their Jose Barea of 2011-12.
Kevin Durant's Bonus From New CBA | ESPN
Larry Coon writes that the first recipient of the Derrick Rose Rule is...Kevin Durant. My rhetorical question is, did Durant have any say in the matter in receiving his pay bump, which also happens to push the Thunder over the salary cap?
NBA Festivus: Previewing the Northwest | SB Nation
Ziller agrees that the Northwest will be enjoyably competitive this season, even with the retooled Nuggets and the moribund Trail Blazers in the mix.
2011-12 NBA Broadcasting Guide | Sports Illustrated
This is an excellent look at each network's team of broadcasters, studio guys, and booth analysts. For me personally, I always enjoy any booth that features either Hubie Brown or Marv Albert (YES!).
CBS Power Rankings | CBS Sports
We'll be resuming our Power Ranking tally next week after things get underway, but here is Moore's early assessment, and the Thunder start out behind only the Heat.
Mahoney writes about Durant's use of Dirk Nowitzki's one-legged fadeaway shot in their first pre-season game. Lest you forget, Mahoney also writes on a Mavericks blog, "Two-Man Game," (a must-read, IMHO) so he speaks from a position of great insight.
More links after the jump.
Thunder-Mavs Not a Rivalry...Yet | Moore American
The Thunder are pretty adamant about not elevating themselves to the level of the Mavericks out of deference and respect.
Pro Basketball Prospectus 2011-12 | Basketball Prospectus
Pelton and the gang have finished off their annual ode to NBA metrics and analysis, and it can be yours for less than an evening movie ticket, but provide you with many more hours of enjoyment. And yes, WTLC makes an appearance.
Stephen Curry Goes Back to School | Grantland
Great piece, in which we learn that Stephen Curry's actual first name is "Wardell."
Paul Allen Opens His Dungeon | CBS Sports
Golliver writes a great piece on billionaire Trail Blazers owner, Paul Allen. It is rare that Allen gives such a forthcoming interview, so check it out. It may be the last you hear from him before he descends once more into his secret volcano lair.
Chauncey Billups May Stick Around | SB Nation
Chauncey Billups will likely occupy the shooting guard position in Clipper-land, which should suit him well as he looks toward the last phase of his career.
Monta Ellis Accused of Sexual Harassment | CBS Sports
We've all learned to withhold judgment when seeing news like this, but it isn't good if proven to be true.
Zach Harper examines the Detroit Pistons through the lens of an 80's Michael Keaton vehicle. It is also a look at what happens when cloning goes awry, as the Jedi Council understands all too well.
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