The Oklahoma City Thunder, as a team, had 17 blocks against the defending champion Los Angeles Lakers last night. Serge Ibaka (who, as TNT reminded us all game long, is from the Congo) had 7 blocks for himself. That was an extremely impressive defensive effort from a shorter-at-every-position OKC Thunder. They played the paint well, fronting the post man and providing help behind, in case the fronting didn't work. And the blocks. Did I mention the blocks? What a beautiful game to watch.Game 3 should go to the Thunder. The progression of the first two games shows me that the Thunder are ready to take Game 3. Then the Lakers will come back with a vengeance, capitalize on OKC's happy-go-lucky feeling after winning a playoff game at home and take Game 4, finishing the series at home in Game 5.
That was a wonderful game to watch. OKC started struggling in the fourth in moving the ball - Westbrook took too many long jumpers and Collison, before getting in significant foul trouble, just wasn't being wise. The movement to get Durant the ball was fantastic, though. Also, his three quick blocks in that one sequence were great.
ReplyDeleteIf OKC improves this offseason, they are going to be very very very dangerous next year.
That Serge Ibaka! What a guy! From the Congo, no less!
I also learned that Thabo Sefalosha is from Switzerland and Nenad Krstic is from Serbia!
ReplyDeleteOh and I already see the Thunder as a top-3 team in the West next year, easy. Even without offseason improvements.
Which Congo? THE Congo as in formerly Zaire? I never can remember which is which.
ReplyDeleteFortunately, *shout out to a former classmate* I have http://wrongingrights.blogspot.com/ to set me right.
James Harden's beard almost had 12 blocks.
ReplyDeletei'm a laker fan and was getting pumped during the block party. i was about to go outside with my monkey wrench and open up the fire hydrant cuz that block party was goin off!!
ReplyDeleteplayers protecting the rim like they were charles oakley or anthony mason, relentlessly attacking the basket like big ben roethlisberger going at underage drunk girls at the bar, and diving on the ground like they were after their baby momma's child support check. nba playoff basketball... it's FANTASTIC!!
can't wait for more. i'll bring the potato salad for game 3's party. someone bring the pie.