Second Round: OKC Thunder (2) vs LA Clippers (3)

[Mori Chu]

I am REALLY excited to watch this one. No series thread yet? Here ... we ... go.

[Mori Chu]

Clippers are running away with this one so far in the first half, on OKC's home floor. I picked LAC to win this series because I think they're just a better balanced team overall than the Thunder. I do think Durant is going to have a monster series, but the Clips big men (both Blake and DJ) are having spectacular seasons. I still don't know where OKC gets its points outside of Durant and Westbrick.

[Gladiator]

Chris Paul is just destroying the Thunder - 8/9 three-pointers, 30 points, 8 assists (only 2 turnovers). Incredible game

[Mori Chu]

He's having an amazing game. As predicted, OKC can't find any points outside of KD and Westchuck.

[Gladiator]

He's having an amazing game. As predicted, OKC can't find any points outside of KD and Westchuck.

Which when you've got Sefolosha and Perkins in your starting 5 isn't a massive surprise. You could get away with one but not both, IMO.

[Sunsfan4life]

The Playoffs are Exposing just how thin the Thunder are. Two of there starters are absolute zeros on offense in Sefolsha and Perkins. Ibaka is the 5th guy. Their Bench outside of Reggie Jackson plays 90yr old Caron Butler and a rookie in Steven Adams and 91yr old Derek Fisher.

Jeremy Lamb and Perry Jones III get no run.

[Ring_Wanted]

Ibaka for Frye, The Morrii, Green and one pick. Get it done.

[SDC]

i'm going to do an INFORMER and say you are overrating ibaka. i dont want to give any of the players you mentioned (green, frye, markieff) for him. he couldnt even get playing time for the spanish national team!

besides, having plumlee and ibaka in the starting five is all defense, little offense in the frontcourt.

(but maybe you are secretly trying to help OKC by giving them instant offense at the guard and PF position (markieff, green) and more outside shooting at the center position to declog the lanes for westbrook and durant?)

[Ring_Wanted]

you are overrating ibaka.

Ibaka is an elite rim protector, one of the best rebounders this season (quality rebounds, that's it) and has developed a midrange shot. In other words, he is not an unidimensional player anymore. And personally I think he'd flourish more in a system like the one the Suns implement.

besides, having plumlee and ibaka in the starting five is all defense, little offense in the frontcourt.

I am one of Plumlee's biggest supporters, but his presence wouldn't keep me from adding a relevant player like Ibaka. Giving it more thought, I guess OKC would want Plumlee precisely to replace Ibaka's defense. I wouldn't be opposed but I'd so rather pay in other specie.

(but maybe you are secretly trying to help OKC by giving them instant offense at the guard and PF position (markieff, green) and more outside shooting at the center position to declog the lanes for westbrook and durant?)

I think it would be a win win trade, but I can't imagine the Thunder actually doing it. It would be good for OKC because they get the depth they sorely need (particularly given Westbrook's health), add more versatility and it would alleviate their salary cap situation. But Presti would have to show some serious balls to come to Durant with a move like this one. Yet if the Thunder fail to make the finals again they might have to look at their options. 2016 will be here soon.

[Mori Chu]

I would make that trade in a heartbeat. Ibaka is a freaking stud. Of course, Kevin Love is my real target, but Ibaka has become one of the top PFs in the NBA.

[Mori Chu]

If you haven't done it yet, watch KD's MVP acceptance speech. He's so sincere and humble; it's really moving. Thanks his mom and talks about all the hardship his family went through to get him where he is today. Durant is a sweet guy and he's all class. I want nothing but the best for him.

http://ftw.usatoday.com/2014/05/kevin-d ... speech-mom

Now if they can somehow find a way to get Westbrook injured into retirement or traded away, I could just root for the Thunder. But not before.

[TOO]

KD 31/11/9
RW 31/10/10

Just wow.

[Mori Chu]

That was so smart of Durant to prop up and praise Westbrook in his MVP speech. You know it gave Russell some fuel tonight. Great game by both of them.

[Ring_Wanted]

RW 31/10/10

I do my best man. I gotta keep working hard and stay humble.

[Ring_Wanted]

By the way, his 10th assist was not an assist. Thabo did too many things to be counted as such.

[Mori Chu]

Home cookin'.

[wpmiller42]

By the way, his 10th assist was not an assist. Thabo did too many things to be counted as such.

Totally agree, no way that should have ever been an assist. I think Steve Kerr even mentioned it like 100 times during the broadcast.

[Mori Chu]

Maybe Kerr just wants Scott Brooks to get fired so that he can apply for the newly vacant OKC coaching job.

[Superbone]

The Clippers have a battle on their hands. Gotta win game 4 now.

Those Clippers in the Finals predictions I've read here aren't looking too good right now.

[Mori Chu]

OKC got a real shot in the arm from that Durant MVP press conference. Really galvanized them. Clippers haven't been able to keep up with them ever since. I still think LAC is the better team, but motivation and energy are suddenly on OKC's side.